Fancy a holiday with friends or family? Our pick of getaway spots are all on the water and perfect for a group.
Thorn and Feather Vermaaklikheid
Barefoot tranquility at its best. Spread out on the banks of the Duiwenhoks River in the beautiful hamlet of Vermaaklikheid, Thorn and Feather offers accommodation with a difference. Guests can sleep in three stone cottages with a shared bath house, kitchen, dining and entertaining areas, all connected by walkways. The property is rented out on an exclusive basis, so you and your friends can make the most of all its amenities, including a freshwater pool, yoga deck, and fireplaces. As an added bonus, canoes, kayaks and Stand Up Paddleboards are all provided in the boat house.
Sleeps 9 (6 adults and 3 children)
thornandfeather.com
River Shack Mossel Bay
Sitting pretty on the Blind River Mouth, 12km away from Mossel Bay, this rustic cabin has total privacy for those who want to get away from it all. It offers four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen, but the feature that youíll really love is the deck which overlooks the river and sea. The self-catering cabin is situated in the Moquini Nature Reserve, so youíll be surrounded by nature with access to the beach and river via a walkway and jetty.
Sleeps 8
rivershack.co.za
Stonehill River Lodge | Swellendam
Stonehill River Lodge has long held its quiet corner along the Breede River. Settled close to the town of Swellendam, this is just the place to go should you want to escape the world for a while and do as little or as much as you want. The Lodge has jaw-dropping mountain views, gardens brimming with giant aloes and Milkwood trees, and even a seven-circle medieval labyrinth. Accommodation is provided in spacious villas, with crackling fireplaces and hot tubs adding the cherry on top.
Sleeps 6 – 8
dreamresorts.co.za/hotels-resorts/stonehill-river-lodge/
Milkwood Cottage Churchhaven
Nestled in the West Coast National Park, just a hop, skip and a jump away from the gorgeous cerulean lagoon, Milkwood Cottage has it all. With its scenic views, laid-back ambience and off-the-grid vibe, this is an ideal getaway from all the hustle and bustle of city life. Kids will love exploring the area, and you’ll love chilling around the braai, glass of wine in hand.
Sleeps 6
perfecthideaways.co.za/self-catering/milkwood-cottage
GlenDonald Cottage Prince Alfred
Hidden away in the Cederberg mountains lies a real hidden gem. Two cottages – GlenDonald’s Main House and Swallow House – are located on a 4500 hectare property and surrounded by stunning mountains. The cottages are rented out together, and based at the headwaters of the Olifants River, which offers incredible swimming and kloofing opportunities. The stoep is a dreamy spot to enjoy the beautiful surrounds, or you can go hiking, flyfishing or birding – there’s something for everyone!
Sleeps 13
glendonaldcottage.co.za
IMAGES: Henrique Wilding/Perfect Hideaways