Former flight attendants and partners Tanja Kruger and Anna Christodoulou swopped jet lag for the quiet life, by launching Cabinseekers, a booking platform that helps South Africans escape their fast-paced lives and access unique spaces that force them to slow down and reconnect with themselves, their loved ones and nature, and that inspire creativity and encourage relaxation.
Accompanied by a third Cabinseeker, their dog, who’s been travelling with them since she was eight weeks old, the duo takes photos with a human element of themselves genuinely enjoying mountain cabins, relatable content that helps their followers feel they’re getting a trusted referral from a friend before booking.
1. Southern Yurts, Bot River
A unique glamping and cabin experience on a beautiful Renosterveld Conservancy. Southern Yurts has two cabins , each with a wood-fired hot tub – in addition to the three Yurts glamping sites (also with their own hot tub). The farm offers a range of activities, including marked and mapped hiking trails, and bird-watching (bird books and binoculars provided), and has a small farm dam with a kayak, canoe and paddle board. Fishing (catch and release) is also available at the farm dam for an extra fee, and fishing rods and gear can be rented by prior arrangement. While Southern Yurts accommodation is self-catering, sundowner, dinner, pizza or breakfast baskets (stocked with locally sourced goods) can be arranged prior to arrival.
- Cost: R2 950 – R3 800 pn
- Find out more: Southern Yurts
2. Copia Eco Cabins, Bot River Valley
Courtesy of Copia Eco Cabins
The first cabin we stayed in is still our favourite. The contemporary interior design, soft lighting and attention to detail make it easy to forget you’re staying in a container. Copia Eco Cabins creates just the right atmosphere for your next romantic break. Three shipping containers overlook the entire Bot River Valley.
- Cost: R1 950 pn
- Find out more: Copia Eco Cabins
3. Aardts, De Rust (40km from George)
If isolation and a digital detox combined with insane views are what you’re looking for, this is the ideal getaway for you! From the moment you arrive at its unique entrance and walk down its beautifully handcrafted stairs, you‘ll quickly realise that this space is one of a kind. It’s great for couples wanting to reconnect and soak up all the romance this incredible Klein Karoo getaway has to offer.
- Cost: R1 500pn
- Find out more: Cabinseekers
4. Melozhori – Treehouse, Bonnievale
This is a luxurious escape to nature in a secluded valley in a reserve. Its in-room offering includes a pizza oven, coffee machine, soft velvety robes and slippers, luxurious bathroom amenities, a built-in fireplace, a 3m hammock and an outdoor shower. Go for a walk or cycle on the reserve (there are no dangerous predators), enjoy a game drive included in every two-night stay, or just stargaze from the comfort of your wood–fired hot tub. The unit is self–catering, but bespoke dining can be arranged at the time of booking.
- Cost: R6 500 pn
- Find out more: Cabinseekers
5. De Kombuys Estate, Cango Valley
This 200-year-old working Cape Dutch Farm in the Swartberg mountains has estate wines, free-range Wagyu and The Marbled Wagyu, its on-site restaurant, specialises in Wagyu beef. Choose from one of three luxury villas, each with a spacious open-plan living area and fireplace. Double doors lead out to a patio with a heated splash pool and magnificent views of the Swartberg mountains.
An indoor bathroom with a shower that leads outside to an open-air shower and bath. Everything has been carefully curated to ensure you have everything you need to fully relax and enjoy. You can also order delicious braai meat from the Marbled Wagyu restaurant. Talk about complete comfort and service at your doorstep!
- Cost: R5 300 pn
- Find out more: Cabinseekers
6. Camp Canoe, Franschhoek
At this indulgent space on the doorstep of Boschendal Wine Estate, all your needs are met and attention to detail is second to none. All tents are complete with a wood-fired hot tub, a gorgeous deck facing incredible views, a cosy fireplace and a full kitchenette fitted with Smeg appliances. The dam is nearby for a dip, canoeing or lazing around. Boschendal delivers picnics.
- Cost: R2 800 pn
- Find out more: Cabinseekers
7. Hemel ‘n Aarde Stud, Hemel–en-Aarde Valley
Where luxury meets seclusion just outside the picturesque town of Hermanus. Surrounded by breathtaking views of majestic mountains and beautiful horses, Hemel ‘n Aarde Stud offers two opulent self-catering bungalows with everything you need for a relaxing stay. Go for walks around the farm and be greeted by horses or cycle on farms in the area or do some whale watching in Hermanus during the season. After a busy day exploring and wine tasting, return to your private bungalow, soak in the hot tub and enjoy the calm of grazing horses right on your doorstep.
- Cost: R2 450 pn
- Find out more: Cabinseekers
8. Mount Bain Cabin, Bainskloof Pass
Mount Bain Cabin offers simple luxury while being a completely off-the-grid experience. It qualifies as a magical spot for chosen solitude and reconnecting with nature. While many creature comforts are included, this is still very much an escape close to Nature in all her many forms. There‘s a stunning wood-fired hot tub recessed into the deck surrounded by a wraparound hammock net. Nestled into the mountain is an outdoor bath and shower.
- Cost: R3 000 – R3 793 pn
- Find out more: Air Bnb
9. Stonewood Mountain Cabin, Bainskloof Pass
This cosy American double–storey wooden cabin is fully equipped for your self–catering needs. If you’re a tea lover, you’ll be in your element with its wide selection. It can sleep up to six people – and you’re welcome to take your doggos with you! Hike down to the crystal–clear river for an afternoon swim or take a drive to the nearby restaurant at Bosjes Farm or Rietdakkie Padstal (which stocks everything you need if you‘ve forgotten groceries).
- Cost: R4 200 (for 2 nights)
- Find out more: Stonewood Mountain Cabin
10. Abrikoos Kloof – The Cave House, 20 minutes from Montagu
Abrikoos Kloof offers couples from all over the world a chance to escape their busy lives and focus on reconnecting with each other. The Cave House is a stunning example of how nature and design can come together to create an unforgettable experience. From the four-poster, an extra king-size bed to the free–standing copper bathtub and Italian coffee machine, sleeping in a cave has never been this luxurious.
- Cost: R3 580 per couple pn (minimum two-night stay)
- Find out more: Abrikoos Kloof
Words and Pictures: courtesy of Cabinseekers. Follow Cabinseekers on Instagram for more inspiration.
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