OENA Blog

Explore the Best of the Western Cape: Premier Properties in Cape Town, Winelands, Overberg, Garden Route, and More

Jul 3, 2024

The Western Cape Province is the oldest and most popular tourism province in South Africa. Tourism hotspots include Cape Town, Winelands, Overberg, Klein Karoo, Garden Route and West Coast. We are proud to offer some of the best properties in these locations.

In the Cape Town area we offer The Murex, as luxury apartments, which is popular for WIFI tribes from all over the world. Here they choose to spend a few months working and living in sunny Cape Town.

If you’re planning on heading to the West Coast we suggest a visit to the peaceful town of Paternoster, where we have the only sustainable lodge partner – Gonana Guesthouses offers different accommodation types very close to the beach. Paternoster offers some of the nicest restaurants, and this getaway is only a short 2 hours drive from Cape Town. Activities include E-bike tours on the beach and Kayak trips in the bay. On a recent West Coast trip we embarked on a property search in Langebaan. News about this coming really soon!

Winelands is made up of Stellenbosch and Robertson areas. Our partner in Robertson and more specifically Klaasvoogds Valley is Mo&Rose Guesthouse, with a very popular Restaurant called Succulant. Our newest partner in Robertson area is Khanyisa Mountain Lodge, offering 6 en-suite rooms with two cottages and a 25m lap pool. The wine farms in Robertson Wine Valley will keep any wine lover busy for days, so make sure you book enough time in this area.

Hermanus is the Whale Watching mecca of South Africa and only 90 minutes drive from Cape Town. Abalone Lodge and Spa is our property partner in this adventurous area. The lodge is situated on the cliffs overlooking the sea, so you might just spot these giants from your ocean suite.

About 30km drive from Hermanus is where you will find the small village of Stanford. Nestled within an ancient Milkwood grove, Mosaic Lagoon Lodge presents a realm of all-inclusive luxury across its five opulent suites. Indulge in captivating mountain views through glass walls, enjoy private decks over the lagoon, and experience exquisite comforts including netted king-size beds, cozy fireplaces, and serene writing desks. This lodge is ideal for a romantic getaway.

The highlight of your OENA Holiday should definately include a visit to the “Best Coastal Hotel” winner in the Luxe Awards of 2024. Pure Sea Lodge is situated on a private beach in the hidden coastal area of Romansbaai. Shark Cage Diving in Gans Bay is one of the most popular activities and regularly show up on bucket lists and travel initiaries. Make sure you book this property way in advance to enjoy their famous Tappas at the wood fired hot tub on the beach.

If you are travelling with a family we can highly recommend you visit the home of OENA Xscapes called Kam’Bati River Resort and Africamps at Kam’Bati. Located only 2 hour drive from Cape Town on a private farm next to the Breede River. The resort was designed for young families with lots of activities to keep the entire family busy. Choose from Camping, Glamping or Self Catering Cottages.

Other properties in the Swellendam area include the historic Pomegranate and wine Estate called Jan Harmsgat or the Olive estate with its manor house called Mardouw Country House. Both of these properties offers luxurious accommodation in their historic estates.Horse Lovers a visit to The Glen Stud Farm would need to be on your bucket list. The Glen only offers two Self-Catering cottages, but with Marloth Nature Reserve next to the estate, there is more than enough to keep you busy if you are an adventurous Hiker or Mountain Biker.

The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most popular and interesting stretches of coastline, a temperate landscape of sandy beaches, indigenous forests, rocky shores and quaint towns where you can do everything from savour fresh oysters to watch southern right whales at play. The Route starts in Mossel Bay where we have two lodges on the Diaz beach. Bay Lodge on the Beach and African Oceans Lodge. As you head a little further you will reach the white beaches of Wilderness. This is where the real Garen Route starts in our opinions. Recently renovated is the beautiful and boutique lodge – Escape to the Beach. Wake up with the sound of crashing waves as you relax in one of their suites overlooking the ocean. Elegance meets coastal charm in these meticulously designed spaces, inviting you to unwind and rejuvenate with a view that stretches to the horizon.

Travel a little further down the coast to our favourite coastal town Knysna. The town is situated around a lagoon and estuary stretching for miles and one of the hotspots for boating and leisure holidays in SA. Thessen Islands is in a security estate and surrounded by waterways. This is where you will find Hammock Haven and Plantation Island Holiday Houses. Our partner in this area is Anthony Boshof and his team who will look after our guest and make sure they are enjoy this amazing area.

A short 30 min drive from Knysna is where Plettenberg Bay is situated, and it promises to take your breath away. The town is on a slope all leading down to these coves of sandy white beaches and massive holiday homes. This is the playground of the rich and famous of South Africa and the town transforms over peak season to a busy coastal hotspot. For the young adventurous couples we offer the different offerings of Christiana Lodge. Christa and her team, lead by the capable manager Joe, is firm favourites among guest visiting the area.They even offer a 25m swimming pool at one of their units called Solar House. Breakfast is served in House Phillip overlooking the Robberg Nature Reserve and beach.  On a previous OENA Chasing the Sun Tour, some of our friends embarked on the walking trail in this nature reserve, and came back in awe of the beauty.

We also have the three properties of Shell Lodges in Plettenberg Bay on offer. Periwinkle Lodge on the famous Beachy Head Drive and Scallop and Starfish Lodge walking distance to the blue flag beach, and each with their own swimming pools.  If you are looking for a culinary retreat or Beer tastings head to Barringtons Small Hotel. They have everything! If we say everything they even have a nursery and brewery. Famous for small weddings this small hotel offers 10 comfortable rooms.

The newest Property in Plett is the recently renovated The Ivory Haus in town centre. Once known as The Grand, this property has gone through an extensive and remarkable transformation. With 11 spacious rooms, the hotel seamlessly blends the charm of the past with contemporary touches, preserving the rich history of the building while embracing a classic aesthetic. Each room offers a unique and unforgettable guest experience, with some boasting sprawling vistas and others granting direct access to the main pool deck. Unwind in tranquil serenity as you bask in the warm embrace of the African sun.

International guest to South Africa chooses the Klein Karoo and specifically Oudtshoorn as one of their favourite areas to visit in a recent poll. The capital City of Ostrich farming and home to the world famous Cango Caves we’ve recently embarked on aquiring partners in this area. Wildehondekloof and De Zeekoe is on everyones lips if you talk about game farms in the area.  With the magnificent Swartberg Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop and sweeping views over the Karoo fields, Wildehondekloof invites guests to immerse themselves in its bounty and breathtaking beauty. This gracious family-owned and privately-operated game reserve is malaria-free, providing a safe haven for a variety of animals, including most buck species, cape mountain zebra, giraffe, and wildebeest. At De Zeekoe, they pride themselves on providing more than just accommodation; they offer a gateway to exploration and relaxation. Whether you’re seeking wildlife encounters, leisurely poolside lounging, or simply soaking in the tranquillity of their surroundings, their idyllic setting ensures a memorable stay.

Now for the epitome of our newest properties in OENA Group – Tula Retreat. Imagine waking up to the crisp, clean air of the Little Karoo, abundant with spekboom and other indigenous flora. At Tula Retreat, you’ll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, offering the perfect setting for reflection and rejuvenation. Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, reconnect with nature, or embark on a journey of personal growth, Tula Retreat provides the ideal environment. Tula Retreat is sitauted on the Calitzdorp dam.

OENA Xscapes is growing quickly and we cant wait to show you more of our amazing country and who knows maybe rest of Africa soon.

OENA Property of the year 2024

OENA Property of the year 2024

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