Augusta de Mist reviewed as: “Magical”

Guests love Augusta de Mist!  TripAdvisor

Augusta de Mist is a little paradise. Absolute magic. You stay in historical buildings with all the modern touches to be expected in a place with so much style. The hosts are so welcoming and caring. On special request they cook a fantastic dinner for you. It is one of my favorite places in South Africa. 

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

From everyone here we wish you a wonderful New Years Eve celebration, and a fantastic leap into 2013.

Be safe and responsible, and have a great time where ever you may be!

 

Augusta de Mist: Reviewed as “Aladdin's Cave”

Taken from TripAdvisor

What a great find, I really would like to keep this place to ourselves but my husband said that I am selfish. We have never felt so pampered and looked after and spoilt as we felt during our 2 night stay. We so wish it could of been longer. Amazing food, wine, company and attention to detail. The rooms - ours was the Protea suite, it was beautifully decorated and tastefully done.
 

We miss you Henk and Michel and I so wish I could of taken you home with me. xx

Robertson Wine Valley: Stand a chance to win a weekend in Robertson

Take a fun picture @ the Rooiberg Red Chair and stand a chance to win a fantastic weekend for two in Robertson.
Please note that the competition will end on the 28th of February and winners will also be announced on this day.T&C Apply.

Please post all photos on our Facebook page or email them to elize@rooiberg.co.za. We're looking forward to share your memories!!

Augusta de Mist reviewed as: “Charm and Character”

Augusta de Mist scores another fantastic review on TripAdvisor

We stayed for one night at Augusta de Mist during our recent tour of the western cape and this was the highlight of the entire holiday. Our room was in the main house and because the other bedroom was vacant we had the run of the whole house. The building, which is a historic monument, has been beautifully restored to provide accommodation with modern facilities whilst retaining many of the original features. The overall effect is to provide a house full of charm and character which is beautifully furnished and decorated. 

The house is in a lovely setting surrounded by large and interesting gardens on all sides which makes it feel very secluded even though it's close to the centre of Swellendam. 

What makes this accommodation so special, however, is the care, attention and level of service provided by the hosts, Michel and Henk. From the warm reception on arrival, which includes a tour of the house and a potted history, through to checking out everything possible is done to make the experience as perfect as possible. We were fortunate to have dinner during our stay and this was by far the best meal of our 3 week holiday. The food was perfect and complemented by a good selection of local wines. Michel and Henk are super hosts who like nothing better than to chat over a glass of wine with their guests and obviously love the company. Nothing is too much trouble. 

This is a truly exceptional place to stay and our only regret is that we couldn't stay longer.

The Rockwell: Spotlight on Heloise... again!

This week, Heloise Smit The Rockwell’s Executive Chef tells us about the future plans for The Rockwell.

Some changes are coming!

Since joining The Rockwell 10 weeks ago, Heloise has designed a brand new menu for the in-house restaurant which will be opening early in 2013.  The restaurant which still has to be named, will be a café / bistro style venue with an all-day menu of classic food made to perfection.  Heloise has shown us just a few items so far including these:

Classic Toasted Cuban Sandwich

Baguette loaf, braised pulled pork, local ham, Swiss Emmental cheese, pickle and grain mustard mayo

Grilled Calamari Nicoise

Fine green beans, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, red onion, chargrilled baby potatoes, fresh herbs, poached egg

Herb Crusted Fillet of Beef

Potato fondant, sauté mushrooms, celeriac puree, tenderstem broccoli and rosemary jus

The restaurant will be changing too!

Heloise also has a delicious room-service menu with simple items like soup and club sandwiches for guests who want to relax in their apartments rather than venturing out.

Her job profile is to grow the entire restaurant / bar / patio area and she is already steaming ahead.  On Friday evenings there is the free wine tasting with Flagstone Poetry Wines and live piano music.  A new fountain is being put up outside on the patio and on Sundays there will be live piano music and summer braais (barbeques) from 11h30 until 16h00.

Other plans include food pairing evenings with Whiskeys and Brandys as well as marketing evenings with Food Bloggers and Radio Personalities being invited to experience The Rockwell.

The Rockwell’s Steelworx Bar, lobby, patio and restaurant are fast becoming THE place to hang out for film crews, guests and Capetonians alike.  Grab a group of friends and come and see why!  You won’t be sorry. 

Have a good last look at these areas, they won't ever be the same again!

Augusta de Mist reviewed as: “A wonderful stop”

The fabulous reviews on TripAdvisor just keep coming!

This was the best part of our visit to Swellendam...and one of the very best places we stayed during our three-week trip to South Africa...the service was superior...our room was so warm and inviting...Augusta de Mist is the kind of place you just enjoy looking around, both inside and outside, as there are so many interesting things to see...we also so much enjoyed our conversations with the owner Michel.

 

Augusta de Mist Reviewd as: “Stylish and Comfortable”

Augusta de Mist gets rave reviews on TripAdvisor:

My wife and I visited Swellendam and could regrettably only spent one night at Augusta de Mist. We could not stay in our normal room and was placed in the family room. What a splendid experience. Michel and Henk welcomed us with a special platter prepared by Henk. On departure we were also spoiled by a bottle of their own blend of red wine.
They certainly understand the art of paying excellent attention to their guests. Afternoon coffee on the patio was enhanced with interesting conversations and breakfast is something not to be missed. Both Henk and Michel pay full attention to their guests at breakfast and fresh herbs come direct from the garden when needed. 

Although the rooms are comfortable and private, the personal attention distinguish them from many other. They are hands on owners and Augusta de Mist can be highly recommended!

Eendracht Hotel: Join the Bikes 'n Wines tour

Join South Africa’s only carbon negative tour of the Cape Winelands. Bikes 'n Wines offers a number of guided cycle tours, from family tours, to vineyard meanders, to hectic 2-day trips for fit mountain bikers. Best of all, you will be leaving a carbon-negative footprint on the environment!

After all that riding, you'll need a good rest. The Eendracht Hotel has the perfect spot, complete with a splash pool, balcony and patio area where you can relax and enjoy the fresh Stellenbosch air. For reservations, contact 021 883 8843.

Augusta de Mist reviewed as: “Super stylish with extra special touches”

Another great review on TripAdvisor

The reason we went to Swellendam was to stay at Augusta de Mist – and we weren’t disappointed!

We stayed in a beautiful suite that was stylishly decorated with everything you could want to enjoy your stay and make you feel at home. We really liked the nice touches of the complimentary decanter of sherry, the DVDs and especially the mix CDs, which provided a great soundtrack to our stay. You can tell a lot of thought had been given to the little extras in the room, which make all the difference when you’re a guest.

The gardens are absolutely stunning – and we spent a lovely afternoon exploring them and hanging out by the pool, enjoying the calm (and the sun!)

 

Our hosts, Michel and Henk, were super accommodating, providing a warm welcome and dinner recommendations and bookings, as well as sorting out transport to take us to the restaurant that was a little further out. Nothing was too much trouble – and everything was thought of before we even had to ask! Before dinner, Michel invited us to share an aperitif in the garden – and it’s this warmth and hospitality which really makes Augusta de Mist so much more than just a guest house.

Uwe Koetter invites you to their workshop

Uwe Koetter Jewellers invites you on a personal journey through our showroom and workshop, offering an overview of the intricate and specialised methods of creating truly unique, bespoke jewellery.

After an initial consultation, you will learn about the various stages of design and manufacture, discover the detail behind diamond mining – and even experience gold and silver smelting in our highly specialised workshop.

At Uwe Koetter, your journey is personal and meticulously planned. Stop by at one of our flagship stores to meet our team. 

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Augusta de Mist: Reviewed as “A very special place to stay”

This review appeared on TripAdvisor

"This is a very special place to stay in Southafrica. Our only mistake was to stay only for one night.

From the very first moment Michelle and Henk made our stay something to remember. They are welcoming and friendly and always willing to help but still letting you enjoy the place on your own and discover all the hidden places in the property.
We were travelling with two children (8 and 10) and they loved the freedom of exploring the property and all the commodities of our own little house.
The attention to detail is exquisite (they even have their own music selection available for you in your room) and the decoration is warm and full of enjoyable details.
An ideal place to rest for a few nights while travelling on the Garden Route."

The Rockwell: Meet the new Exec chef

Meet Heloise Smit!

Heloise is the brand new Executive Chef at The Rockwell.  

She started with the company just 9 weeks ago and has hit the ground running! Trained at Silwood School of Cookery, Heloise graduated in the top five in 2009 – not surprising as she had done part of her internship at the Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town’s grande dame, and later spent a year doing in-service training in the prestigious kitchen of Veronica Hibbert at Ellerman House, one of the world’s leading art hotels. 

As the most luxurious hotel on the Atlantic Seaboard, it also has a reputation for fine dining using quality produce, with meals often enjoyed outdoors in one of the Cape’s most beautiful settings overlooking the ocean. Heloise also gained experience at Dish Food and Social, one of Cape Town’s leading catering and events companies, and then worked under Chef Franck Dangereux at The Food Barn – a well-known landmark in the coastal village of Noordhoek. 

But her secret passion has always been baking… something she learnt as a child while spending many hours in the kitchen with her aunt on their family farm. Beginning by licking out the mixing bowls and then gradually mastering cake icing, it was here that her love of baking was born.

Heloise’s favourite thing about her job is dealing with people and making them happy.  She loves to cook and she also loves the challenges and opportunities that come with starting the brand new restaurant at The Rockwell.  She says : “I may not own the restaurant but it is mine!”  She is excited to take The Rockwell’s food and beverage areas to the next level.

Her least favourite part of being a chef is never having weekends off and the sometimes VERY long hours – but that comes with the territory!

Heloise has met a lot of guests and enjoys giving recommendations about what to do in Cape Town and where to eat.  She is the hotel’s self-appointed “food concierge”.   With many guests staying for 4 – 6 weeks, good advice on where to eat is always welcome.

So far, the highlight of Heloise’s weeks at The Rockwell has been having the Mad Max Crew in the Steelworx Bar one Sunday afternoon.  They were playing a variety of instruments and singing and just generally having a great time.  The ambience was fantastic!

Heloise’s life motto is: "Live in the moment. Keep trying, and do your best".

Next week, we will share Heloise’s exciting plans for The Rockwell.  Watch this space.

Robertson Wine Valley: Hands on Harvest 2013

The Robertson Wine Valley is proud to host its fourth Hands-on Harvest. This boutique event will take place 22-24 February 2013 and offers wine aficionados and budding vintners a chance to experience the magic of harvest for a day – without having to quit their day jobs!

Guests can look forward to:

Grape Picking * Bunch Sorting * Stomping your own grapes Grape vs Wine Tasting * Harvest Market * Vineyard Tractor Trips Must tasting * Wine tasting by Horse Cart …. and much more

Groups are small and intimate to ensure that you have the very best hands-on experience and all activities need to be pre-booked by 20 February 2013. But hurry…as many of the tickets will be booked by then!

An Experience you will never forget!    http://www.handsonharvest.com/

Cascade Country Manor puts fallen tree to good use.

A few weeks ago, there was a terrible storm in Paarl and one of our tress fell down. We are so please to show you what we have created from that fallen tree!  Big, wooden hearts which are now on display at Cascade Country Manor.

Being carved

The finished products

Van Loveren: New tasting experience for visitors

Visitors to Van Loveren can expect a novel wine experience following the opening of the renowned Robertson Wine Valley estate’s brand new tasting venue in mid-November.

The cellar owned by the Retief family was one of the very first in the region to present wine tastings for visitors. Now, embracing both innovation and tradition, the family once again takes the lead by extending the wine tasting horizons of wine lovers by promising a refreshingly different wine experience.

“This extension represents a significant investment in the region’s wine tourism and helps to establish a home for our brand - a place where wine lovers can relax,” says Van Loveren CEO Phillip Retief. “Our goal is to offer something for every visitor. The new tasting venue and bistro that opened its doors in December 2011, in addition to the rich history of the farm that finds expression in the gardens, creates the ideal environment where wine lovers and their families can spend many leisurely hours.”

From a regional perspective, the fertile Robertson Wine Valley has itself become a wine tourism leader as a result of popular festivals such as Wine on the River and Robertson Slow. And Van Loveren remains one of the most beloved destinations in this region. “Since we sold our first bottle of wine in 1980, a Premium Grand Cru, for R1.50, the feedback has been that people return again and again as a result of the generous and personal reception they experience here,” says Phillip. “My grandmother Jean was well-known for her hospitality, her stories and the trees that she and my grandfather Hennie planted to commemorate special family occasions or important historic events. We still strive to have one of the Retief cousins here every Saturday to welcome our guests.”

Incorporating the famous Van Loveren gardens, the new tasting venue has been designed with 6.5m high glass panels. The wheelchair-friendly venue extends onto a lovely shaded wooden deck – an ideal space to seek shelter during the valley’s hot summers – which overlooks the Rhus Lancea, the well-known entwined tree planted here in 1941 and which gave the new Van Loveren wine range its name - Tangled Tree.

“increasingly Consumers seek more than a traditional wine tasting. They prefer new experiences, want to experiment and to involve all their senses,” explains Van Loveren marketing manager Bonita Malherbe. “Different things motivate people to visit a wine estate and we want to give people a vibrantly different wine and outdoor experience as a way of encouraging them to spend the day.”

There are a number of experiences to be enjoyed at Van Loveren.

Food and wine pairings take on a whole new dimension: think wine and charcuterie, wine with nougat and nuts, chocolate and wine, and even child-friendly and alcohol-free tasting platters that will both challenge and entice the senses. The comprehensive farm experience is augmented by daily cellar tours that include tank and vat tastings, guided garden tours and a shopping spree in the deli where such regional products as olives, olive oil, cheese, meats, preserves and quinces are available.

The Ultimate Wine Discovery tasting takes you on a thrilling three-hour wine journey along a variety of flavour stations, complemented by visual and sound elements, with information about the ins and outs of food and wine pairing and how wine should ideally be tasted. Savour six specially prepared canapés with wines from the Christina van Loveren range.

For lovers of the great outdoors, a 15km and 6km mountain bike route across the river and through the vineyards awaits - bring your own bike or simply rent one on the farm. Or set out on a meander along the upgraded Fish Eagle hiking route where different theme boards inform walkers about the rich biodiversity of this environment where sustainable farming is first priority.

The already popular Christina’s @ Van Loveren, a bistro offering delectable pizzas and burgers, is open six days a week (closed on Tuesdays) for lunch and breakfast on weekends. The wine tasting venue has been operating for seven days a week since December 2011 with extended seasonal opening hours.

Van Loveren is in the hands of the third generation Retiefs, a family of wine lovers with six wine ranges: Van Loveren, Christina Van Loveren, Papillon, Five’s Reserve, Four Cousins and the new eco-friendly range dubbed Tangled Tree that includes a Tropical Sauvignon Blanc, Butterscotch Chardonnay, Moscato Rosé, Chocolate Cabernet Sauvignon and Spicy Shiraz.

Book for the Ultimate Wine Discovery at tastings@vanloveren.co.za – no bookings necessary for the other activities. Visit www.vanloveren.co.za for more information or follow Van Loveren on Twitter @vanloverenwines or @5thcousin.

Montagu Country Hotel: Located in the BEST TOWN

Montagu has won the 2012 SA Destinations Award for Best Town Destination.

The judges of the competition visited 16 towns in one month to compare and discover what makes each one special. According to Carl Momberg from capeinfo.com, the journey started on 19 September 2012 in Mokopane, Limpopo, and ended in Cape Town on 18 October 2012.

Momberg said: "Montagu is a pretty town but it's those mountains that just takes one's breath away! They provide the adrenalin that those seeking action breaks look for. Montagu's real strength is further that it's on Route 62 which, while well-known, doesn't have a clear brand proposition. Change that, and tourism to the area will change dramatically. And Montagu does have the best tourism info office I've encountered anywhere!"

To discover this exquisite town for yourself, contact the friendly Montague Hotel reception desk on 023 614 3125. 

Image: montagu.org.za

Eendracht Hotel: Guest Review

The Eendracht Hotel received a lovely review on TravelGround.com!

"As a business traveller I have stayed at Eendracht many times over the last 2 years.
I love this little boutique hotel for many reasons. It's got a perfect location and its very beautifully decorated and comfortable. Breakfasts are great and the internet reliable.
Most importantly the Eendracht staff is super friendly and helpful, they always look after you and provide a personal and charming service.
I can warmly recommend to stay at Eendracht if you like small places with a personal touch, - its really unique!"
- Mai, Australia

To book your stay at our boutique hotel, contact 021 883 8843.

DeZeekoe: From Meerkats to domestic pets!

Paula, the owner of De Zeekoe Guest Farm, shows off the newest member of her family.  The puppy's name is still to be decided but so far some suggestions are: Dori, Rambo & Tiger. 

She is fitting right into the De Zeekoe family and clearly not bothering the DeZeekoe cat too much.....she seems to be sleeping through the entire event!

De Hoop offers year-round activities for all

The De Hoop Reserve is a safe, outdoor destination with almost year-round sunshine. Children of all ages will relish the freedom to explore the reserve. The endless beach, towering sand dunes, inter tidal rock pools and diverse fauna and flora provide a natural playground for kids to learn. There is plenty to do in De Hoop and guests are spoilt for choice – a 2-night stay will only leave your family wanting more. De Hoop is the ultimate wildlife education for the whole family and has a wide range of accommodation. From camping and caravanning sites and affordable self-catering chalets to more luxurious self-catering cottages and five-star fully catered lodges, there is something for every family. 

Below are a list of children’s activities at De Hoop:

•  Kiddies Programme
•  Guided Walks
•  Children's Bikes
•  Swimming Pool
• Tennis Court
• Croquet

Day visitors are welcome at De Hoop and guests may leave their vehicles at any time to walk or cycle anywhere in the reserve as long as they take care not to trample the natural vegetation. Birding, hiking, mountain biking and snorkeling are rewarding activities. The Fig Tree Restaurant is open all day offering delicious local fare including picnic baskets for alfresco meals.  There is a newly surfaced tennis court at the Opstal area – bring your rackets. The Opstal has a swimming pool and there is also a boules courtyard – there is a boules set but if you have one, do bring it.

Agulhas Country Lodge is food heaven!

If it's excellent food you are looking for, look no further than Agulhas Country Lodge!  

Guests at Agulhas can enjoy hospitable service and exceptional cuisine with the emphasis on fresh seafood in the Country Lodge's own restaurant.

Here are a few of chef's latest dishes to whet your appetite!

Our 8 hour slow braised pork, with a pear and apple puree,

butternut, potatoes and crispy beetroot crisps.

This is melt in the mouth!

Slow braised lamb wrapped in an aubergine

parcel with polenta and fresh veg, yummy!

The Chef with his bread. I wonder what the joke is...

Some fresh Yellowtail with garlic mash.

The chef showing off his pea shoots,

that he got recently. Somehow we are

managing to keep the plants alive with

the sea on our door step!

A little something the chef was playing with.

It’s seared beef rump with fresh rocket,

Harissa paste and some strong cheeses.