Thursday, 2 March 2023

Escape to the Cape & Beyond: Winter Specials at Top Hotels in South Africa

Here are some great winter specials offered at prominent, independent hotels and top establishments of Cape Country Routes around the country.



At independent establishments…

In the Western Cape…


  • The eco-conscious Gonana Collection located on the Bek Bay beach in Paternoster is perfect for a family getaway beach, a romantic holiday for two or a fun-filled beach break with a bunch of friends. Thinking of long walks on the beach…sundowners by the sea… scrumptious seafood dinners? Then Gonana is where you want to be! Its luxurious but relaxed contemporary accommodation comprises Gonana Guesthouse - Paternoster's first sustainable living and eco-friendly guesthouse with eight ensuite rooms, two self-catering and pet-friendly Houses, with breathtaking sea views and its latest additions, the three-bedroom Coral Villa and the three separate Scallop, Oyster and Mussel Studios. And here are two great Specials - to celebrate 1 000 days of business at the Guesthouse, Gonana is running a Special of R1 000 ONLY per room, per night for a couple sharing, for the entire month of May; and Its Winter Warmer Special ‘Pay 2, Stay 3’ is valid for all bookings from 1 June to 30 September 2023. Gonana Collection (Gonana is derived from the isiZulu word ‘embrace’) is proudly LGBTQ-friendly and an inclusive space for all who enjoy and appreciate nature and are environmentally conscious. Ts & Cs apply. Reservations: stay@gonanaguesthouse.com, www.gonanaguesthouse.com





  • A short three hours’ drive from Cape Town gets you to De Hoop Collection, situated in the De Hoop Nature Reserve, a World Heritage site. Well known as a paradise for bird enthusiasts with more than 260 species of birds, including the endangered Cape Vultures and for its world-class whale-watching, De Hoop Collection offers a wide range of budget-wise accommodation options. Its annual Winter Special is an eagerly anticipated promotion and this year is no exception! Book a stay at the De Hoop Village Cottages OR at the Luxury Suites and get 40% off. De Hoop Village Cottage (six sleeper) from R2 397 per cottage per night; Luxury Suites (two sleeper) from R2 040 per person per night (suite rate includes Dinner, Bed and Breakfast). This discount offer is valid from 2 May to end July 2023 and is applicable only to new bookings and excludes event weekends like Wine, Whales and Music and De Hoop Vlei MTB. No minimum night stay required. De Hoop Collection is a Cape Country Routes member. Ts & Cs apply. Booking is essential. Phone 021-422 4522 or email res@dehoopcollection.co.za, www.dehoopcollection.com




  • Autumn and winter in the Winelands is a special time of year when the vineyards showcase their magnificent changing colours. Escape to La Petite Ferme, a luxury Cape winelands boutique hotel and wine estate overlooking the beautiful Franschhoek Valley for a great winter winelands getaway. There are wineries, galleries and vineyards to explore, but for those who want to take it slow, snuggle up next to the cosy fire place enjoy a glass of La Petite Ferme’s award-winning wines and soak up the beauty of the winter landscapes. Take advantage of La Petite Ferme’s great 2023 Winter offers – for South African residents (direct bookings) up to 40% off on winter rates /and for non-South African residents ‘book direct and linger longer ‘- book two nights on winter rates and get the third night complimentary. Valid from 1 May to 30 September 2023 - direct bookings only.  La Petite Ferme is a member of The Nest. Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries/Reservations: accommodation@lapetiteferme.co.za,  www.lapetiteferme.co.za








  • The 5-star Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa situated on Thesen Islands, Knysna offers luxury and standard hotel rooms, also a honeymoon suite and self-catering suites. Delicious food is a given at both the Island Café Restaurant and the Gastro Pub, the Turbine Water Club offers various water-based activities and the Turbine Spa a wide range of body and beauty treatments. This winter the Turbine is offering a 50% special discounted rate (per person sharing per night). Valid from May to end August 2023 this special includes weekends but excludes long weekends and the ‘Hillclimb’ weekend in May. No minimum stay is required. All bookings are subject to availability. Ts & Cs apply. To book call Reservations on 044 050 3500 or email reservations@turbinehotel.co.za, for further information visit www.turbinehotel.co.za





In Mpumalanga… Located on 800 hectares of peaceful countryside near Dullstroom, the award-winning Walkersons Hotel & Spa - with the splendour of the surrounding unspoiled scenery and its 27 private hotel rooms, several self-catering family cottages, flavourful country cuisine and luxurious Spa, plus an array of activities that include hiking, cycling, birding, long walks on long meandering pathways along a mountain stream, a spot of horse riding to explore the countryside and learning the fine art of fly fishing - is an ideal destination for a winter getaway for families. And a bonus is this amazing discount - if you’re able to escape midweek (Sunday to Thursday) you may want to take advantage of a 50% off discount valid 1 May until 31 August 2023. Ts & Cs apply. Reservations: 013 253 7000 I reservations@walkersons.co.za, www.walkerson.co.za








In the Eastern Cape’s Great Karoo… The award-winning Samara Karoo Reserve, near Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape’s Great Karoo region is easily accessible by road or air yet evokes a feeling of a remote wilderness, making it the perfect ’spirit-stirring’ holiday destination. A strikingly varied landscape with more than 60 mammal species - including the Big Five, cheetah, aardvark and vast herds of desert-adapted antelope and 225 bird species, Samara can be explored through game drives, bush walks, wilderness picnics, conservation activities, a star bed, fly camping and mountain biking. Two luxury lodges - Karoo Lodge and The Manor - accommodate just 26 guests (children of all ages are welcomed). Winter is the ideal season to get into a ‘Karoo frame of mind’ - mild sunny days make walking safaris a pleasure - wildlife is easier to spot (including the exclusive aardvark!) - and you can curl up by the fire after your evening drive with a delicious glass of South African red. Bliss! Linger a little longer this winter with Samara’s Special Stay 4, Pay 3 offer. Spend four nights at Samara and only pay for three (equivalent to 25% off). This special is applicable to all rooms except the Sibella Family Suite and is valid during May, June, July and August 2023. Ts & Cs apply. Reservations: 031 262 0324, reservations@samara.co.zawww.samara.co.za



In KwaZulu Natal... Thanda Safari, located in the heart of Zululand, KwaZulu Natal is an access-controlled private game reserve and a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World that ticks all the boxes! From 5-star luxury accommodation, service, food, nature, excellent all-year-round game viewing (exceptional Big Five experiences) and perfect warm weather to family-friendly discount packages. Its ‘Stay 4 - Pay 3’ Winter Special - at only R5 632 (SADC rates) per adult per night sharing (two children under the age of 16 can share a suite with two full paying adults) at Thanda Safari Lodge - is valid to 31 August 2023. Thanda Safari Lodge has nine suites, each with a spacious lounging area, a plunge pool, a game-viewing deck offering panoramic views of the surrounding game reserve and a private boma. Located within the Lodge is the Thanda Spa that offers a range of full body and facial treatments. There's always something special at Thanda Safari. Ts & Cs apply. Thanda Safari: +27 (0) 32 586 0149, reservations@thanda.co.za, www.thandasafari.co.za





And from Cape Country Routes, a leading group of owner-operated and managed accommodation and activity establishments in the Western and Eastern Cape: 

  • A Cape Country Routes property at the southernmost tip of Africa, Agulhas Country Lodge, is a 4-star small family-run business that prides itself on creating an exceptional experience for guests. It has created an atmosphere that radiates character, charm and romance and it provides excellent personalised customer service and modern luxury with an ‘olde world’ feel. Its 2023 Winter Special, valid from 1 May to 31 August is a 25% discount - book any room type at only R 787.50 per person sharing including breakfast. Don’t miss out on this amazing deal! Subject to availability. Long weekends and public/school holidays excluded. (Children up to 12 years old sharing with adults R 367.50 per child extra; infants stay free). Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com, www.capecountryroutes.com


  • Cape Country Routes’ 4-star De Zeekoe Guest Farm – is a stylish Guest House and lucerne farm situated just 7 kms outside Oudtshoorn with a variety of luxurious B&B accommodation and self-catering cottages plus an assortment of great activities - from hiking, biking and swimming to De Zeekoe’s exclusive Five Shy Meerkat tours. It is an ideal destination for a getaway. Valid from 1 May to 31 August 2023, De Zeekoe’s Winter Special at R4 000 per couple,  includes two nights, Dinner, Bed and Breakfast plus free biking. Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com, www.capecountryroutes.com


  • Cape Country Routes’ Hippo Boutique Hotel, in the heart of Cape Town’s city centre provides a variety of accommodation options from luxury suites to more affordable rooms and offers all the necessary hotel services - from in-room spa treatments for those in need of relaxation, to printing facilities for someone on a business trip. No matter what you’re visiting Cape Town for Hippo Boutique Hotel is the perfect place to stay. Its 2023 Winter Special - Stay 3 Nights and save 30%  is valid from 1 May to 31 August. Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com, www.capecountryroutes.com


  • Having closed its doors during Covid and acquiring new owners with a fresh new vision the Karoo Art Hotel in Barrydale, a Cape Country Routes member, re-opened for business in March 2022 in the pursuit of the ‘art of joy’. It was promptly awarded a 4-star rating. This intriguingly different Klein Karoo Hotel’s consistently high ratings are given in equal measure to the vibe of the team, the excellence coming out of the kitchen, the novel and creative decor and the altogether upmarket quirkiness of the whole establishment. The hotel has 17 rooms, (two are dog friendly), a historic bar, an elegant old- style dining room, a ball room, a map room, a library and a historic bioscope up in the beams above the ballroom – there’s so much that’s quirky, memorable and creative about the hotel that calls out to you to ‘linger longer’ - and its ‘art of joy’ Winter Special - book a two night mid-week stay and get 25% discount on your accommodation - valid  from 1 June to end August 2023 will tempt you to stay a little longer. Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries:bookings@capecountryroutes.com,  www.capecountryroutes.com  


  • Winter is the time to visit Cape Country Routes’ Rogge Cloof in Sutherland - the coldest place in South Africa. Really - winter at Rogge Cloof is not to be missed! With a bit of luck, you’ll get to experience snow – but snow or not – you’ll get to experience clear skies, the most amazing star gazing, delicious three-course dinners in the Rittersaal and to create that inner ’glow’ a glass of Sherry or wine. All units at Rogge Cloof have a fireplace and a hot water bottle is also provided to keep guests warm and cosy. Book early - its Winter Special - a choice of a Romantic Weekend - a two night stay for two at R7 400 - includes a free wine tasting, plus a bottle of wine per dinner OR a Family Getaway in a self-catering unit for a family of up to eight for two nights at R9 200 – is valid from 1 May to 31 August 2023. Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com, www.capecountryroutes.com


  • Cape Country Routes’ Supertubes Guest House in Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape is located just 30 meters from the world-famous surfing beach. Its accommodation comprises beautifully styled, en-suite luxury/standard rooms and self-catering apartments and it offers a full breakfast buffet in a bright dining room adjacent to the garden. Aside from surfing, there are plenty other activities including whale watching, surfing, fishing, horse-riding, Big Five game viewing, excursions and shopping. Aimed at surfers, Supertubes’ Winter ‘long- stay’ Special - stay three nights and longer - will get you a 20% discount on direct bookings. Valid to end September 2023 (excluding 9 to 21 July 2023) this special must be booked direct on Whatsapp 079 593 0241 or bookings@supertubesjbay.co.za. Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com, www.capecountryroutes.com


  • Another of Cape Country Routes’ offerings is the Wildehondekloof Private Game Reserve, Western Cape - a 4 000-hectare private reserve with a luxury game lodge, 40km from Oudtshoorn the Ostrich capital of the world. Its nine private, luxurious en-suite bedrooms offer stunning views of the mountains and river. Activities include guided game drives (a variety of buck species and giraffe), guided hiking trails, mountain biking (bring your own bike), swimming, stargazing and delicious cuisine. Its Winter Special of R1 100 per person per night sharing (bed and breakfast included) is valid from 1 May till 31 August 2023.  Situated close to the main lodge is its new, self-catering family Villa that sleeps six (four adults, two children). With three bedrooms (two en-suite), a lounge, a dining area, a kitchen, an inside braai, shaded private parking, free WiFi and use of the swimming pool and at only R 3000 per night the Villa is perfect for a luxurious and tranquil escape to the Klein Karoo. Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com, www.capecountryroutes.com


And for something completely different try these Cape Country Routes ‘Activities’ Winter Specials: 

  • Cape Country Routes’ Cape Canopy Tour is an award winning zipline adventure activity that is located in a World Heritages site within CapeNature’s Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve.  It is a system of cables and platforms with breathtaking views which allows guests to explore their limits in a previously inaccessible ecosystem. This bucket list adventure activity entails an exhilarating 4x4 journey through the nature reserve, then soaring through the air on 11 thrilling slides, some over 300m long.  Each zipline ends on a platform constructed on the cliffs and fynbos covered mountain slopes above the Riviersonderend Gorge. A unique suspension bridge constructed between a narrow sandstone ravine above a spectacular double waterfall is one of the guaranteed unforgettable highlights of the tour. Cape Canopy Tour’s Winter Special, valid from 1 May to 31 August 2023 includes a 15% discount on all bookings. Ts & Cs apply. Booking is essential. Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com, www.capecountryroutes.com


  • Cape Country Routes’ Marine Dynamics/Dyer Island Cruises – a shark cage diving and viewing and boat-based whale watching Company based in Kleinbaai, Western Cape. For a chance to see sharks, whales, dolphins, seals and penguins, to explore the world-famous Dyer Island ecosystem with an onboard marine biologist and to learn all about marine wildlife, book now for these great special winter rates for South Africans. Shark Cage Diving:  Adults: R1 750 p/p; Children u/12: R850 p/p; Infants (0-4 years) FOC / no age restriction and Whale Watching: Adults: R950 p/p; Children u/12: R300 p/p; Infants (0-4 years) FOC / no age restriction. Valid from 1 May to 31 August 2023. Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com, www.capecountryroutes.com







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