• A Local’s Love Letter to ‘The Republic of Hout Bay’

    Hout Bay is one of Cape Town’s most beautiful and, at times, underrated suburbs. This charming seaside village, so rich in history and blessed with cheery demeanour aplenty, is rightfully well-loved among its locals and tourists. Yet, it is perhaps somewhat underexplored by Capetonians at large. Hout Bay, which is fondly considered its own ‘republic’ (it even has its own passport), is one of my favourite parts of Cape Town. Since I first properly explored Hout Bay in 2014, I have found myself frequently answering its sweet siren’s call. This post is my local love letter to the Republic of…

  • A Slice of Tranquil Tuscany in the Cape Winelands: Fields of Gold

    It’s not often that one can say you discovered a slice of Tuscany in the Western Cape. And yet, Fields of Gold Farm, tucked near the mountains between Paarl and Franschhoek, certainly feels like a trip to some quaint European villa. The only thing that makes it even better is the fact that it’s edged by our own beautiful South African wine farms and olive trees, with spectacular mountains behind. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a country escape, while still being wonderfully close by to local restaurants, wine farms and shops. (There is a rustic dirt road to access…

  • My Favourite Pet-friendly Places across the Western Cape

    Pet-friendly travel – both in terms of accommodation and eateries – is becoming a major, important requirement for pet lovers. To most of us – myself included – our pets are as much a part of our family as anyone else. So being able to or feeling welcome to bring them along matters. (Obviously, not every trip or holiday is geared towards bringing your floof with. But most are suitable for pets, especially local day trips and getaways.) In light of this, I wanted to share some pet-friendly accommodation and restaurants across the Western Cape. These are all places that…

  • A Luxury Coastal Escape at Villa Chad Luxury Guesthouse, Kleinmond

    Tucked away in the shadow of the Kogelberg mountains, in the fiercely beautiful Cape Overberg Region, you find the charming Villa Chad Luxury Guesthouse. This Kleinmond accommodation escape promises idyllic couples’ getaways, fun one-night stays with larger groups of friends or colleagues and even a wellness retreat for anyone who needs to recharge, refresh and revitalise their soul. What makes Villa Chad especially alluring is how it is the perfect blend of an international-type stay right here in a quaint South African coastal town. Because, aside from the quality amenities and facilities, the facade and paintwork bear subtle, yet striking…

  • Special Date Ideas to Enjoy Around the Western Cape

    Although February is famously the month of love (and my birth month so I am particularly partial towards it) – I don’t believe romantic gestures and fun couple experiences should be reserved to a single day or month. So, to help you build lasting memories with your sweetheart, here are some special date ideas to enjoy around the Western Cape year-round! Romantic and Special Date Ideas to Enjoy Around the Western Cape With everything from fun, outdoorsy adventures to secret beach escapes and romantic meals for two, this list has something to suit every couple, love language and budget. Without…

  • A Tranquil, Family-friendly Winelands Getaway at Val du Charron Wine and Leisure Estate

    Wellington is one of my favourite, though personally more undiscovered parts of the Cape Winelands. This small town has plenty of country charm, stunning mountain vistas and amazing wine farms, accommodation and restaurants to enjoy so it’s definitely a destination we plan to explore more as a family in time. For now though, it’s enough to have spent two luxurious nights at one of Wellington’s long-standing, beautiful institutions in Val du Charron Wine and Leisure Estate. With two on-site eateries, a gorgeous farm setting (with views to rival anywhere in the world) and luxury accommodation, you might not even be…

  • My Best Child-friendly Accommodation across the Western Cape

    A few years ago, I compiled a list on My Best Child-friendly Restaurants and Wine Farms near Cape Town. Since then, the response to that post has been overwhelming. At the time of my writing it, most of my friends had children but never knew where to take them. And I was inspired to write a post to help parents. Fast forward a few years and now, as a new mother myself, I have a deeply vested interest in not only finding child-friendly places but also in sharing them. Load Up the Pram, Baby, Let’s Hit the Road I know…

  • A Luxurious Hout Bay Self-Catering Stay with DK Villas – Harbour View

    Hout Bay is a famously beautiful Western Cape republic found in the Mother City. It offers a host of quaint, yet charming restaurants, cosy cafes and bakeries, exciting family-friendly experiences (think: the much loved Constantia Wine Route, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Word of Birds, Earthworx, vibe-y Bay Harbour Market and of course, the iconic Hout Bay harbour and its surrounds). Not to mention its incredible mountain- and coastal-scenery that easily rivals any place on our glorious green earth! With a slew of world-class beaches and top South African attractions at your fingertips (and within close driving distance), there is no shortage…

  • Best Breakfast- and Brunch-Spots in the Cape Winelands

    They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day – and they are certainly right about that. Still, you also can’t beat a good brunch for setting the tone to your day! In this post, I share my pick of the best breakfast- and brunch-spots in South Africa’s Cape Winelands. Breakfasts of Champions and Brunches for Foodie Fiends While breakfast is usually anything from eggs to flapjacks to granola and fresh fruit or gourmet toasties – brunch allows for a bit more menu versatility. You want to order a big juicy burger? Go for it. Craving some coffee…

  • Best Wedding Venues for Travellers in the Cape Winelands

    As travellers, we get to experience some incredible destinations across the world. Yet few destinations are as meaningful as the one you choose to host your wedding at. With this in mind, I have put together a list of my favourite Cape Winelands wedding venues. Each of these venues has either been visited or vetted by yours truly, so I can personally attest to their quality. Scattered across South Africa’s most world-famous wine regions, these stunning destinations are individually unique, aesthetically appealing and professionally operated. Each estate and venue offers carefully curated packages, incredible settings and imposing backdrops. Throw in…