Two Hours from Cape Town: A Romantic Weekend or Girls' Getaway

The Western Cape is home to iconic Cape Town of course, as well as the famed Winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. There are some other worthwhile wine locations — Wellington, Tulbagh, Riebeek Kasteel, Robertson — as well as a plethora of options if only you choose to travel a couple hours beyond the city. This guide hopes to inspire wanderlust within the Western Cape, around two-ish hours from Cape Town.

The landscape of the Western Cape — which is 10 percent of the country's total land and is occupied by a well-balanced 11.5 percent of the country's people — is open, vast and incredibly picturesque. Driving north along the west coast of the country for about an hour will find you in a few noteworthy locations, well worth further investigation. Make a timed decision to travel during August and September to see the colourful flowers of the Namaqualand. Enjoy some of the most underrated beaches in South Africa, along this coastline, in and around Yzerfontein and my personal favourite, Churchhaven, a charming fishing village located in a national park now known for its beautiful luxury rental holiday homes perched along elevated cliffs overlooking the beautiful shallow and calm child-friendly lagoon.

Travel for another hour or so to Paternoster and dine at one of the world's best restaurants called Wolfgat, named after a nearby cave. Chef and chief forager Kobus van der Merwe shot to foodie rockstar fame in 2019 after winning top honours in 2019 — and again best in Africa in 2021. Now, he ensures hordes of tourists now flock to this quaint 20-seater right on the beach of this quaint fishing village to eat some of the freshest seafood and local ingredients available.

After this gastronomical delight, I recommend wandering no further than Paternoster to lay your head for the night, because there's no need to travel far when a property as well-located and well-appointed as The Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel is just minutes away across the shallow bay. Guests will love the high ceilings, the great value and the many rooms with breathtaking ocean views from a private outdoor terrace or private lounge area (opt for the Ocean King Suite, or Ocean View).

If coastal is not your vibe, perhaps during the cooler months, I say head inland. Take in nature's beauty, learn more about local endemic species like the geometric tortoise, eat glorious traditional food prepared with real love and relax in Victorian-style, individually decorated luxury accommodations at the Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse near Riebeek Kasteel. This exceptional property will allow you to step back in time, slow right down and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Staying in the guest house means two daily excursions to explore and discover what lives on the local land. In breathing all the fresh air, one might either work up an appetite or feel like more naps are needed, and both are encouraged.

Another option to keep your jaw from lifting off the floor is Simbavati Cederberg Ridge in Clanwilliam, a tiny inch further, around two and a half hours from Cape Town. You'll fall in love instantly. Luxurious, airy rooms and all-glass lodging allow in stunning views of the rugged Cederberg mountains. En-suite bathrooms with free-standing baths are positioned to maximise on the expansive mountain view. The indoor shower leads out to an outdoor shower with more mountain vistas. Staff that truly love what they do and make guests feel like family. The lodge is all-inclusive with meals, guided walks, mountain biking, rock art excursions, rooibos farm tours and sunset boat cruises.

Another option for great food, an exquisite setting and exclusive luxury lodgings is to make your way to the charming town of Robertson for a memorable stay at The Robertson Small Hotel. Think crisp white table cloths, the finest wine and dining that ranks up with the best. The hotel, as its name suggests, is intimate and allows for maximum privacy.