Cape Overberg
Old Olive Cabin in Platbos Forest
With its eco cred and serene setting, the Old Olive Cabin in Platbos Forest promises a magical escape for couples or small families. Perched on the cusp of the ancient Platbos indigenous forest, between Stanford and Gansbaai, a mere two-and-a-half-hour drive from Cape Town, this quaint log cabin, named for a nearby 800-year-old wild olive tree, is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Surrounded by towering milkwood, wild olive and hard pear trees, with a diverse array of wildlife, including bushbuck and baboons, it offers a genuinely immersive forest experience. The cabin operates off the grid, boasting solar-powered lighting, a donkey boiler for hot water and composting toilets. Inside, rustic charm meets modern comfort with an open-air bathroom, and there’s a fully equipped kitchenette. Outside, guests can explore forest trails, unwind on the shaded patio or embark on nearby adventures such as whale watching in De Kelders.
Klein-Hangklip Eco Cabin
Nestled amid the rugged beauty of Rooi-Els, within the serene embrace of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, lies the Klein-Hangklip Eco Cabin. Just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, this designer retreat blends seamlessly into its surroundings, its black exterior harmonising with the landscape. Inside, a dark palette frames breathtaking vistas through stacked glass doors, revealing hues of green, grey, brown and orange, and then across False Bay to the distant skyline of Cape Town. Spectacular sunsets can be savoured from net hammocks suspended from the deck, the wood-burning hot tub or the fireside boma. Crafted from repurposed shipping containers and adorned with salvaged rock cladding, the cabin is entirely off-grid, powered by solar energy and gas appliances. It offers two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a cosy fireplace. Activities abound, from swimming at Rooi-Els beach to hiking the nearby trails, while artisanal shops and eateries beckon in neighbouring Pringle Bay. With its child-friendly amenities and Wi-Fi connectivity, the Klein-Hangklip Eco Cabin promises an unforgettable escape.
KolKol Mountain Lodge
A haven for those seeking a luxurious immersion in nature, KolKol Mountain Lodge has three new, innovative Fynbos Pods that enhance its modern allure. This retreat, a 90-minute drive from Cape Town, offers sweeping vistas and the soothing sounds of the wilderness around Bot River, near the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. Timber for the buildings is from alien trees, and solar power is employed for energy. Each unit boasts fully equipped kitchens, outdoor braai areas and lounges, and wood-fired hot tubs. You can choose from accommodation that sleeps between two and 10. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore hiking trails, go mountain biking, explore Hermanus and Kleinmond, or unwind with in-cabin massages. With nearby wine estates and nature reserves, KolKol Mountain Lodge invites guests to unwind in harmony with the environment.
Copia Eco Cabins
Copia Eco Cabins offer a serene escape amid nature’s abundance. Proudly crafted by owner Lucas Steyn from repurposed shipping containers, these four luxurious two-sleeper cabins redefine off-grid living. Embracing the essence of seclusion, with no TV or Wi-Fi, each cabin boasts unspoiled mountain views and modern comforts. Whether hiking in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, indulging in wine tasting nearby, or simply unwinding in a wood-fired hot tub, the Copia Eco Cabins beckon adventurers seeking solace in nature in the heart of the Overberg, just 90 minutes from Cape Town.
