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Address:
The Hideaway,
10 Hermanus Steyn Street,
Swellendam,
Western Cape,
South Africa

The Hide Away B&B


5 STAR SWELLENDAM HOTEL
CAPE WINELANDS, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

The Hideaway is a historically-rich bed and breakfast facility hidden in the quaint Western Cape town of Swellendam. This guest house is one of the oldest houses in the town and has been recognised as a national monument. It is nestled amongst the gorgeous greenery of the manicured garden and boasts stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Dining

Every morning, guests are invited to feast on a traditional English breakfast or a fresh Continental one. Diana includes her impressive choice of preserves and freshly-baked muffins as part of this delightful start to the day. In the evenings, guests receive a complimentary glass of one of the local wines to enjoy with fellow guests and the guesthouse hosts (between 18h30 and 19h30).

There are several excellent restaurants in Swellendam, many of which are within safe walking distance. Should guests require transport to their eatery of choice, the guesthouse will be happy to provide a lift at no extra cost.

Accommodation

There are five rooms available at the Hideaway, each classically furnished using stylish antiques and original paintings. They are called the Queen Elizabeth, Double Delight, Ecstasy Rose Suite, Peace Suite and Homesleigh Room. They are all air-conditioned with en-suite facilities, a bath and a separate shower with the exception of the Homesleigh Room, which only has a shower.
The Homesleigh Room is in the original cottage, while the remaining four are separate from this building. Their design was based on hundreds of guest comments and requests to ensure that they would provide precisely what the valued clientele required. They measure 6.5 metres x 5.5 metres excluding the bathroom (3 metres x 2.5 metres).

The Ecstasy Suite is particularly special as its bath and shower accommodate two adults at a time and the double vanity proves most convenient.

The four external suites open onto the garden, where hundreds of rose bushes delight the senses and an array of birdlife twitters and flies above. The Queen Elizabeth, Ecstasy Rose and Double Delight rooms have a covered area, sheltered by ornamental vines (chosen to prevent the arrival of wasps). This is the perfect place to catch up on reading, crosswords or letter-writing.

The guests of each suite enjoy the home comforts of fresh shortbread, snacks in the fridge (to be eaten on the premises), three different types of coffees, a range of teas, Aloe Ferox toiletries, port, muscadel (a dessert wine), electric blankets, air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access and flat screen televisions in each room (with a movie channel). All suites and public areas are non-smoking.

Facilities

The breakfast room is known as Bontebok Café and reflects a traditional approach to fine dining. Reed ceilings and wooden beams set the scene for a delicious meal. This area opens onto the gardens, bringing the outside in. Breakfast is served between 08h00 and 09h00.

During a hot summer's day, the indoor swimming pool will prove to be a welcome retreat for weary guests. The water is solar heated so that, even during winter, it is temperate enough for a refreshing dip. The sliding doors can open, leading onto the lush garden.

Diana's Shop stocks various keepsakes and mementoes, including homemade preserves, Aloe Ferox toiletries, embroidered dressing gowns, postcards of stunning photographs and 'Cousin Adin's Pictorial Essay of the Bontebok Park'.

Activities

Swellendam and the Western Cape have plenty in the way of things to do and see, including:
  • De Hoop Nature Reserve - home of the last hand-operated ferry on the continent.
  • Bontebok National Park - The Cape Mountain Zebra (a species under threat) and the Bontebok are just some of the hundreds of species to be found here. There are almost 200 bird species and 490 plant species.
  • Historical buildings - walk the streets of Swellendam and see age-old buildings like the Drostdy Museum, Gaol, Dutch Reformed Church and several national monuments. This town is the country's third oldest, bringing with its extensive history many fascinating tales.
  • Marloth Nature Reserve - this reserve has a host of trails on which to walk or hike. See waterfalls and forests as you make your way to the top of the Langeberg Mountains.
  • Whale Watching - Southern Rights and Humpbacks frequent the coastline near Swellendam between July and December. They promise spectacular views as they splash in the ocean with their young, sometimes coming quite close to the shore.
  • Tradouw Pass - follow this pass over the Langeberg Mountains and into the Klein Karoo for spectacular views and photo opportunities.
  • Fishing - the Breede River is home to many delicious fish and spending a day on its banks is the perfect way to unwind with friends, family, or on your own.
  • Beaches - Infanta, Arnista, Struis Bay and Witsand are all nearby beaches for the entire family to enjoy.
  • Montagu - visit the hot springs for an outing of a different kind.
  • Hermanus - this coastal town has become increasingly popular amongst tourists, famous for its quiet ambience and particular proliferation of whales during winter. The beaches stretch on for miles and there is a huge variety of restaurants, cafés, bars, fast-food outlets and pubs.
  • Swellendam Golf Course - avid golfers will likely be distracted by the stunning views, but are encouraged to attempt a round nevertheless.
  • Robertson and Van Loveren Tasting Garden - both great places to visit for guests with a palate for a good wine.
Location

The Hideaway is situated in Swellendam. The glorious Langeberg Mountains tower over this historical town, complimented by extensive vineyards and dense forests. It is situated approximately 240 kilometres from both Cape Town on one side and George on the other. This makes it the ideal base from which to explore this stunning region of South Africa. Swellendam lies on the N2 motorway.

This positioning makes for moderate temperatures with little wind. Rainfall occurs year-round.

Directions

Travelling from Knysna or Mossel Bay (on the N2)
Turn right at SWELLENDAM EAST turnoff, then take 2nd street on the left (Hermanus Steyn Street - No. 10 - 3rd house on your left).

Same instructions apply, travelling from OUDTSHOORN on the R62 / Barrydale / Tradouw Pass (R324) onto the N2.

Travelling from Cape Town (on the N2)
bypass other turn-offs until you reach SWELLENDAM EAST turnoff, turn left, then take 2nd street on the left (Hermanus Steyn Street - No. 10 - 3rd house on your left).

Travelling from Worcester or Robertson (R62) or Ashton (R60)
Take the R60 to Swellendam. At crossroads at entrance to town, turn left into Voortrek Street and drive 3 - 4 km until you pass the shopping centre, and see the NG Church on your left. Turn right into Church Street, and take second street on left (Hermanus Steyn Street). We are at no. 10, on your right.