Sometimes, all you need is a weekend away. The word of the year seems to be ‘staycation,’ which means you don’t even have to go all that far to have a great time. You can just pack the car and head out of town to escape for a day or two to have all the fun and relaxation of a vacation, without hours of travelling. And if you’re based in the Western Cape, one of the best staycation ideas is still Stellenbosch.
Credit: Anita Froneman
This artsy little town is well-known for good reasons. It combines the three things I deem essential for a good holiday: Fun outdoor activities, exceptional food and wine, and tranquil accommodation.
Adventure time
Credit: Adventure Shop Stellenbosch
Adventure Shop Stellenbosch, a member of Cape Country Routes, is the ultimate go-to for anything outdoors. From guided cycle tours, 4×4 wine tours and guided hikes to the Vine Hopper,‘ a hop-on-hop-off service on the Stellenbosch Wine route, there’s nothing they can’t make happen. If you’d like to do your own thing, you can also rent mountain bikes or e-bikes for the day and explore the region’s magnificent trails.
Credit: Anita Froneman
Credit: Adventure Shop Stellenbosch
Bike rentals are R300 per day (mountain bike) or R500 per day (e-bike). Helmets included.
Contact: +27 21 882 8112
Also Read: The 20 Best Spas in Johannesburg
Wine and dine
Credit: Peter Falke Wines
After a busy day out on the trails, you surely deserve to unwind while overlooking the Helderberg Mountains at Peter Falke Wines. Known for their luxurious outdoor lounge with comfortable bean bags on the lush green lawn, this is one of the Cape’s finest wineries. Calling themself a boutique winery, the winemakers focus on quality, not quantity, our sommelier Liberty proudly told us. And it’s immediately clear that he speaks the truth. Each bottle is expertly produced from only the very best grapes, and is ‘created for the connoisseur who appreciates wine with personality,’ as the website states. Their food offering is just as indulgent and you won’t leave hungry after tucking into their scrumptious snack platters or nachos.
Credit: Peter Falke Wines
Credit: Anita Froneman
Contact: +27 21 881 3677
READ: Cape wines bring home local and international awards
Stay here
Credit: Evergreen Manor and Spa
Stellnebosch is only about 40 minutes drive from Cape Town, but it’s definitely worth staying over. There’s so much to see and do, that a day trip simply won’t cut it. Evergreen Manor and Spa, also a member of Cape Country Routes, is perfectly located near all the hot spots in town and showcases luxury at its finest. The buildings date back to 1904 and have managed to preserve the best of that old-world charm.
Credit: Evergreen Manor and Spa
Credit: Evergreen Manor and Spa
Rooms are spacious and opulent, tastefully furnished with plush carpets or wooden floors, Victorian bathtubs and heavy curtains. The property features not one but two swimming pools, large outdoor lounging areas and several rooms have balconies with mountain views. Breakfast is top-notch and the hotel also offers an extensive range of wellness and spa treatments.
On top of its beauty and luxury, the staff are extremely warm and welcoming, making you feel like an old friend visiting.
Credit: Evergreen Manor and Spa
Contact: +27 21 886 6947
Cape Country Routes offers travellers easy and interesting driving routes, fascinating attractions, and quality accommodation options throughout the Western and Eastern Cape.
Featured image: Evergreen Manor and Spa
Check out some affordable restaurants in Stellenbosch.
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