With the increasing demand for experiential stays, we've compiled a bucket list of 10 unique and must-visit stays in the Western Cape. From glamping tents and barns, to geodomes and eco-cabins, this is your treasure map of the province's hidden gems:
Inspiring Farm Sanctuary & Famous Painting Pig
★ 4.74 | 2 guests | BARN | Franschhoek
Farm Sanctuary SA is proud to present a space that is as unique, creative and inspiring as the famous painting pig that calls it 'Hog Heaven!'. Only a few minutes drive from the centre of Franschhoek, this beautiful farm gives you a sense of 'blown away'. The bedroom is a chic, private loft studio accessed by an antique spiral iron staircase. Below in the main barn area all our amazing animals and OINK gallery. If you love animals and want an experience like no other, then welcome home! OINK!
Modern Home on a Working Flower Farm
★ 5.0 | 9 guests | FARM STAY | Stellenbosch
Soak up the secluded splendor of this modern farmhouse in the Cape Winelands. A new expansive view awaits at every turn—admire one side of the mountain range in the light-filled entrance hall, and take in the other from the spacious sitting room that brings the outdoors in with a full-size maple tree and sliding glass doors.
Colorful textiles and eclectic art objects collected from around the world enliven the farmhouse interiors, where leafy greens and flowers fill each room. Take a dip in the outdoor 15m pool, then enjoy a meal near a wood-burning fireplace on the outdoor patio.
The Sunset Dome
★ 4.94 | 2 guests | DOME | Tulbagh
Submerged in nature, without a building in sight, nestled up against the Witzenburg mountain range, you'll find an oasis just outside the historic town of Tulbagh. Welcome to the Geode experience: this unique stay is lodged on edge of the farm's dam. Swimming, fishing, mountain biking, hiking and enjoying nature are some of the favourite activities enjoyed by guests, along with the iconic outdoor tub.
Couplespod at Riverstone House Portfolio
★ 4.97 | 2 guests | FARM STAY | Romansriver
The Pod is a private haven on a farm dam; accompanied by magnificent sunrises and sunsets reflecting on the water, this is the perfect place spot to relax and unplug. The ultra-modern and innovative design are a marvel to enjoy in themselves too, and make a great space to bond with your favorite person as well.
AfriCamps at Stanford Hills
★ 4.64 | 5 guests | GLAMPING TENT | Stanford
Come indulge in delicious local food and wine at AfriCamps at Stanford Hills. This camp is set on a boutique wine farm in Stanford, an exciting slow food destination with chefs serving an array of fresh and locally produced food. We have 10 boutique glamping tents overlooking the Stanford Valley, a farm dam, or the surrounding mountain range. This foodie delight is only a 15-minute drive from Hermanus and can be reached from Cape Town in two hours.
Mount Bain Cabin - Bainskloof Mountain Escape
★ 5.0 | 2 guests | FARM STAY | Cape Winelands
Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. Pure mountain simplicity situated on the beautiful Bainskloof pass. A cabin designed for practical living, simple comforts, and extravagant views - offering simple luxury while being a completely off-the-grid glamping experience. The Mount Bain Cabin is a self-catering cabin just off the Bainskloof Pass. It is a place to reflect, reset and create. It offers a wonderful balance of breath-taking views and wilderness, whilst still being close to the city bowl (just over an hours drive from Cape Town).
the forest chalet
★ 5.0 | 2 guests | CHALET | Greater Hermanus
Built from Larch & Spruce cured to a dark finish, this secluded one bed-roomed chalet blends into the surrounding Poplar forest nestled next to a winter running stream. A King size bed, a luxurious bathroom with sliding door onto deck for an indoor/outdoor shower experience. The living-room/ kitchen is stylishly furnished & is fully equipped with under counter fridge & gas hob. Big picture windows & sliding doors open onto the deck, drawing the peaceful forest inside.
Ecotreehouse
★ 4.97 | 3 guests | TREEHOUSE | Swellendam
Nestled in the lush green Hermitage Valley just outside the historic town of Swellendam, the EcoTreehouse is a spacious and fully equipped, luxury self-catering cabin for your retreat in nature. Nature, horses, peace, sauna, wood-fired hot tub, swimming, playground, cycling, hiking, birds, wildlife. This off-the-grid sustainable living paradise is lovingly decorated, creating a warm and natural atmosphere with elegant simplicity.
The Greenhouse
★ 4.96 | 2 guests | GREENHOUSE | Swellendam
Immersed in a secluded intimate forest you will find the greenhouse where you can escape everyday life. The greenhouse is an open plan glasshouse with unlimited forest views offering private nature experiences. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the outdoor plunge-pool with sun deck of the greenhouse or step out into the forest and experience an abundance of indigenous fauna and flora. Relax and enjoy nature amongst birdsong and nature scapes!
Uitsig High Mountain Stone Cottage
★ 4.98 | 2 guests | STONE COTTAGE | Citrusdal
Uitsig Stone Cottage is set within huge weathered grey rocks, facing easttowards the high peaks of the southern Cederberg. It has spectacular views in every direction - to the south is the monumental Middelberg Peak, and to the north in the distance is the pinnacle of Sneeuberg. The interior is clad in wood and furnished with beautiful rustic antiques, and has a rock-clad bathroom with breathtaking views.
Images sourced from Airbnb listings.
