After months of being cooped up at home many South Africans are wanting to experience something different – a change from working from home, a change of environment and a holiday closer to home.
If you are in search of accommodation for a getaway where you can comply with all the Covid protocols and still have a great time then go the self-catering route.
Choosing self-catering accommodation means that you can avoid confined, enclosed spaces, close-contact settings and crowded places – you can eat, sleep and relax in your own ‘bubble’. Here are some top-tier South African hotels offering self-catering accommodation where you can get all this and more.
De Hoop Collection
De Hoop Collection, a member of Cape Country Routes situated in the De Hoop Nature Reserve and a comfortable three hours’ drive from Cape Town offers pristine land, wide open spaces, beaches, whale-watching, coastal fynbos and teeming animal and birdlife, plus a wide range of accommodation that includes various self-catering options.
The self-catering options comprise the De Hoop Village’s nine fisherman-style Cottages with a kitchen, lounge/dining area and an outdoor braai area – ideal for a family and friends getaway; three, thatched two-bedroomed Opstal Vlei Cottages and four well appointed, three-bedroomed Opstal Houses.
The cottages are close to the restaurant, curio shop and reception, there is a tennis court, swimming pool and a boules courtyard and it is a short hike, cycle or drive to many of the interesting locations in the reserve.
On the opposite side of the vlei is the Melkkamer homestead – this remote and exclusive homestead boasts three cottages dating from the late 1800s that are fully equipped as self-catering units.
Eendracht Hotel And Apartments
Centrally located in the heart of Stellenbosch is the elegant 4-star Eendracht Hotel & Apartments.This offering from the Cape Country Routes, comprises 13 en-suite bedrooms, three recently refurbished self-catering apartments, an intimate conference facility known as the Huddle Room and Senobia’s Restaurant which is open for breakfast and lunch daily.
Sundowners can be enjoyed out on the hotel’s garden patio which has a splash pool. The hotel is within walking distance of excellent restaurants and tourist attractions and for guests who enjoy a spot of golf the Stellenbosch Golf Club is 4 kms away.
A stone’s throw from the hotel the self-catering apartments, in a restored art deco-styled house comprise a studio bachelor’s unit with double bed, a one-bedroom unit with twin beds (sleeps max 3) and a two-bedroom unit (sleeps max 5).
Guests at the apartments have full use of all the hotel’s facilities, including meals at Senobia’s or alternatively pre-ordered meal packs (not included in the rate) and children of all ages are welcome. Free fibre Wi-Fi (speed/bandwidth high enough for multiple zoom meetings) is available and free limited off-street parking.
Eendracht Hotel & Apartments is a place where guests can immerse themselves in true South African hospitality and comfort.
Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa
For luxury self – catering accommodation in Knysna look no further than the fun and funky 5-star Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa, on Thesen Island. The hotel is home to the Island Café Restaurant and the Gastro Pub for classic pub meals.
The Turbine Spa offers a wide range of treatments for day visitors and hotel guests and the hotel’s very own adventure centre. The Turbine Water Club offers a variety of water and land-based activities. Its accommodation comprises luxury hotel rooms, standard rooms, a honeymoon suite and two self-catering suites
Situated a small walk away from the hotel, the self-contained, open plan Lagoon Suite with a luxurious double bed, a fully equipped kitchen and a balcony with views of the marina, Knysna Heads and estuary is just secluded enough to offer that extra bit of privacy but near enough to have full access to all the hotel’s facilities and amenities.
Adjacent to the main hotel, the Canal Suite features canal views and the same modern comforts as the hotel, along with an open-plan kitchen complete with microwave, espresso machine and fridge/freezer.
Villa One @ Sky
A mere two-minute walk from the Cape Summer Villas Boutique Collection’s 5-star Sky Villa Boutique Hotel a world-leading luxury destination, is the new luxurious self-catering Villa One @ Sky.
Villa One is a stand-alone house offering an easier-on-the-pocket Garden Route accommodation option with six en-suite and air conditioned rooms, a shared lounge and kitchen (only available if the entire house is booked), a pool and a braai area.
There is also a one-bedroom en-suite Cottage with a loft area, a small kitchen, and a lounge. Guests have access to all Sky Villa’s facilities. Rates are dependent on length of stay and Villa One will be available for short term rentals.
Villa One provides an ideal base for sport enthusiasts, adventure-seeking tour groups, families, team-building and company breakaways. For those who wish to bring their furry family along, Villa One is ‘pet friendly’ (on request) with a few pet- house rules that need to be adhered to.
The Bungalow Plett
Cape Summer Villas Boutique Collection’s The Bungalow Plett, a luxury 5-star Bed and Breakfast, situated right on the water’s edge at Hobie Beach in Plettenberg Bay is designed for the ultimate experience in beachside living.
Its self-catering unit The Spot sleeps six and comes with an open plan lounge, kitchenette, en-suite bathroom and a private outside deck with a braai – perfect for a family holiday. As is its brand-new self-catering Bungalow Beach Villa.
With its bright and breezy interior design that blends with the beach and the blue ocean, the Beach Villa’s accommodation comprises three apartments. The Cove is a honeymoon suite with en-suite bathroom and small lounge.
The Beach Apartment on the ground floor has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and an intimate communal lounge with tea and coffee making facilities, and the self-catering Bay Apartment on the first floor has two bedrooms, a large lounge, a dining room and a fully fitted kitchen. The entire Villa can be booked as one unit.
