Living in Cape Town offers an abundance of options for those seeking staycations and quick getaways with family and friends. From vibrant city retreats to idyllic escapes just outside the city, the choices are endless — if you plan ahead.
When Land Rover extended an exciting invitation to a road trip featuring the new Land Rover Discovery 350, I jumped at the opportunity! My itinerary included two luxurious destinations, starting with Melozhori Private Game Reserve. Conveniently situated less than two hours from Cape Town at the gateway to the Garden Route, Melozhori offers a unique natural wilderness, complete with secluded accommodation to unwind, breathe and rejuvenate. The second destination was De Kloof Heritage Estate, Swellendam's oldest historical landmark. This estate provides luxurious accommodation in charming cottages and suites and offers a range of healing and wellness retreats and workshops throughout the year.
Before diving into the details of these incredible staycations, let me introduce you to the star of the show: the Land Rover Discovery 350. My Discovery 350 was nothing short of a showstopper, wrapped in the sleek Varesine Blue hue and boasting striking 22-inch 5124 wheels in gloss black. This spacious seven-seater, with its stunning ebony Windsor leather interior, perfectly complements a GLAMOUR girl’s taste. One of my favourite features is the dual-roof system, which features a sliding front sunroof and a fixed rear panoramic roof, that delivers a futuristic driving experience when both are open. The electric fabric power blinds extend across the glass surfaces, allowing you to adjust the light and shade throughout the vehicle as you please.
Embarking on road trips during Cape Town's peak summer season is no easy feat, but the car’s three-zone climate control made it a breeze for my family. With separate temperature controls for the driver, front passenger and second row, we could personalise the climate in the three seating areas — total genius! Our journey was made even simpler by the array of driver assistance features. The vehicle is equipped with emergency braking, blind spot assist, a 3D-surround camera, adaptive cruise control, driver condition monitor, lane keep assist, front and rear parking aid, rear collision monitor, and rear traffic monitor, each designed to ensure a smooth, safe drive. I could go on about all the incredible features, but I know you're eager to hear about the rest of the adventure. I’ll wrap up with one last highlight: the minifridge nestled between the driver and passenger seats. My six-year-old son was thrilled, keeping it fully stocked with his favourite ice-cream treats.
The journey to Melozhori Private Game Reserve was a scenic two-hour drive from the city. With our road trip playlist humming through the Land Rover’s Meridian 14-speaker surround sound system, my partner, son and I were filled with excitement about the day ahead. The Land Rover provided a smooth and powerful ride, so we had to be gentle on the accelerator. We arrived at the game reserve in the afternoon, just in time for the sunset game drive.
Melozhori Private Game Reserve is a family-friendly retreat, beautifully decorated with an impressive interior that could grace the pages of Architectural Digest. Nestled in picturesque wilderness, the reserve offers luxurious and secluded accommodation where you can truly relax. With five spacious accommodation options catering to a maximum of 18guests, Melozhori Private Game Reserve offers a feeling of complete seclusion, surrounded by pure wilderness without a trace of civilization in sight. From the expansive lodge to the romantic ecopods, each accommodation choice is luxuriously and stylishly designed for your ultimate comfort and enjoyment, featuring popular amenities such as wood-fired hot tubs and a rim-flow pool. Having the lodge all to ourselves, we were treated like royalty. Every meal prepared by the chef was a highlight, from the charcuterie board on arrival to the exquisite dinner and breakfast. The private guided game drive was a special delight, as we journeyed through breathtaking landscapes, spotting giraffes, zebras, sable and kudu, much to my son’s delight. Another showstopper was the heated pool, offering the most spectacular view. We ended the day enjoying the sunset from a bubbling outdoor jacuzzi.
We spoke to Melozhori Private Game Reserve’s Reserve manageress, Lientjie Nell, about this enchanting game reserve.
GLAMOUR: Tell us about the history of Melozhori Private Game Reserve.
Lientjie Nell: Melozhori began as a conservation endeavour initiated by the Bhorat family in 2008. They embarked on the ambitious task of rehabilitating and rewilding what had been overgrazed agricultural land. Through years of dedicated work, Melozhori transitioned from a private family retreat into an exclusive safari destination in the Western Cape. This transformation was achieved with careful development of luxury accommodation that preserved the reserve’s pristine beauty. In 2017,the cottage received an upgrade, and the introduction of two eco-friendly pods followed in 2019/2020. The Treehouse, offering an immersive natural experience, debuted in 2022. By 2023, the main lodge was completely revamped, meeting the highest standards of luxury and exclusivity.
G: What sets Melozhori apart?
LN: Melozhori stands out with its truly private and intimate safari experience, conveniently located near Cape Town. Without predators on the premises, guests can safely explore the reserve on foot or by bicycle, making it perfect for families and nature enthusiasts. Melozhori is committed to personalised service, maintaining a low guest capacity to ensure complete seclusion and tranquility. Children of all ages can join game drives, fostering a family-friendly atmosphere where visitors can freely enjoy the beauty of nature.
G: How does the interior design at Melozhori reflect the environment?
LN: The interior design blends family-friendly comfort with understated elegance. Inspired by the surrounding Renosterveld, the design incorporates earthy tones, natural textures and panoramic views that bring the outdoors in. Every space has been carefully curated to offer a sense of warmth and relaxation, with modern luxuries that complement the untouched wilderness outside.
G: What activities and amenities are available to guests at Melozhori?
LN: Guided game drives: Experience the diverse wildlife with expert rangers.
Wellness offerings: Guests can enjoy massages from a travelling therapist.
Luxury dining options: The main lodge is fully inclusive, while the pods, Treehouse and cottage offer self-catering with an optional semi-catered package for added convenience.
Outdoor adventures: E-bikes are available to rent, and guests can enjoy cycling or walking trails in the reserve.
Stargazing: The night sky provides breathtaking stargazing opportunities.
Just under an hour away from Melozhori Private Game Reserve lies our next destination: De Kloof Luxury Heritage Estate in Swellendam. We planned this retreat as a wholesome family escape filled with rest, bonding and rejuvenation before a busy week. Our itinerary included Kundalini yoga, exploring the charming town and relaxing.
Established in 1801, the Heritage Estate boasts a stunning manor house, along with several elegantly restored private cottages. These structures have been transformed into a sophisticated boutique hotel and spa, often hailed as the hidden gem of Swellendam.
Upon arrival, my partner and I headed directly to the yoga studio for a private Kundalini yoga session with the amazing Susan Rossetto. The session encompassed stretching, deep breathwork, and concluded with calming gong sound therapy, setting the perfect tone for our relaxing weekend. Meanwhile, my son explored the picturesque grounds, enjoying the company of ducks and discovering a serene koi pond. Our home base was a spacious garden cottage, complete with a private terrace encircled by lush greenery. Here, we spent cherished moments playing soccer and lounging by the pool, catching upon reading. While the estate offers only breakfast, we enjoyed our remaining meals in the delightful nearby town.
Marjolein van Mourik-Borrias of De Kloof Heritage Estate tells us more.
GLAMOUR: Can you share the history of De Kloof Heritage Estate?
Marjolein van Mourik-Borrias: De Kloof Heritage Estate is a landmark nestled in a secluded cul-de-sac, off Swellendam’s main road. Established in1801, the estate holds the distinction of being the only manor house here, in the fourth-oldest town in South Africa. Since opening its doors in 2004, De Kloof has become a renowned destination, embodying a blend of historical charm and wellness hospitality.
G: What makes De Kloof special?
MMB: Our estate offers a peaceful, serene location with breathtaking mountain views, best seen from our pool and wellness area. Guests have the rare opportunity of staying in historical Cape Dutch buildings, providing a glimpse into history. De Kloof also offers a variety of therapies and treatments. Our estate can be exclusively reserved for families or groups, with our in-house chef preparing all meals. We provide accommodation in suites and cottages, with The Retreat being our latest luxurious self-catering option.
G: What wellness services and amenities are available to guests?
MMB: We offer a wide array of wellness services including workshops, solo retreats and scheduled multi-day group retreats tailored to individual needs.
We craft personalised retreats that may include hikes and walks through nearby nature reserves. Our innovative approach ensures each experience is unique and refreshing. We offer both day and multi-day private retreats and our team of highly trained wellness practitioners is dedicated to providing exceptional service, contributing to a restful stay.
G: What are some of the attractions in the area?
MMB: Guests can explore a variety of attractions and activities that capture the charm and beauty of the region. A visit to Bontebok National Park offers scenic walks and breathtaking views. Nearby, they’ll find local markets, craft shops, potteries, galleries, and the historic Drostdy Museum.
Swellendam is a safe, delightful village with great restaurants and is conveniently located near the Robertson Winelands, which is home to 48wineries. Guests can also venture to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, and explore picturesque coastal fishing villages like Arniston.
For a peaceful escape, meditation trips in Marloth Nature Reserve are highly recommended, while whale-watching at De Hoop Nature Reserve brings incredible views. With so much to explore, guests will find Swellendam the ideal destination for a memorable and engaging experience.
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