Luxury Representation Collection is delighted and proud to welcome Kichaka Luxury Game Lodge to our portfolio!
Set among the hills of the Assegaai Bush valley in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, owner-managed, Kichaka is an exclusive, 5-star luxury lodge boasting just 10 beautifully appointed suites in the heart of a Big 5 game reserve. At Kichaka, service excellence is a given, not a goal ... and we pride ourselves on attention to detail and tailor-making each guests’ stay to suit their individual wishes, interests and mood.
Activities on the reserve include Big 5 game viewing on open safari vehicles as well as fascinating guided bush walks with experienced rangers. Other outdoor pursuits such as horse-riding, fishing and self-guided walks are also available nearby. In addition, guests can opt to enjoy the solitude and peaceful surroundings ... lounging at the pool, relaxing on their private viewing-deck overlooking the waterhole, or perhaps being pampered by the resident massage therapist - whilst soaking up the sounds and scents of the African bush.
Fine dining, complemented by premium wines from Kichaka’s comprehensive cellar, the highly trained and professional staff, and allthe mods-cons one would expect of a 5 star establishment, including wi-fi internet access throughout, all combine to make Kichaka a memorable luxury safari experience ... but at 4 star prices
For more information or product training please contact: tesna@luxuryrepcollection.com www.kichaka.co.za
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
Friday, 12 August 2011
Valldemossa Hotel - Golf & Relax
Enjoy playing golf surrounded by nature with an unforgettable stay at the Hotel Valldemossa
From 4th, 5th & 6th October or 18th, 19th 20th October 2011
- 2 Green Fees per person at Son Gual Golf Club
- 2 Nights in a Junior Suite inclusive of breakfast
- Welcome Cava, 5 course dinner including wine and beverages
- Live music
- Massage, spa & sauna
- Transfer to Son Gual Golf Club
€1950.00 per person sharing / €1470.00 single occupancy
For more information please see http://www.valldemossahotel.com/
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
LUXURY REPRESENTATION COLLECTION WELCOMES SHONGOLOLO EXPRESS TO PORTFOLIO:
Luxury Representation Collection is delighted to announce its appointment as the UK & Ireland Representative for Shongololo Express.
Shongololo Express began operations in 1995 to provide a very special touring experience for visitors to Southern Africa. Shongololo journeys traverse seven countries on the southern African continent: South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia and Namibia.
Just as an ocean cruise, the very special “rail cruise” takes care of guests’ every need. For the duration on board the Shongololo Express all requirements for a superb holiday are provided: transport, accommodation, meals, recreation, sightseeing and the best of all - guests need to unpack and pack only once.
The trains travel comfortably and securely during the night to the next stop on the itinerary and guests awake each morning to a fresh vista on Africa and the anticipation of new and exciting adventures. In this way Shongololo guests can make the most of every precious holiday hour.
Each train carries a fleet of air-conditioned Mercedes Benz touring vehicles with professional guides on board who are ready to take guests on inclusive scheduled tours to experience unique sights of the area. For the more adventurous there are also tour add-ons from ballooning, to elephant riding to scuba diving available at many locations.
The chefs offer South African menus that include Cape Dutch and Malay recipes as well as authentic African dishes. Meals are complemented by a selection of distinguished South African wines.
There is a selection of cabins available, ranging from the lead in Ivory Compartments to the extremely comfortable, air-conditioned and en-suite Emerald Compartments. There are four categories in total to choose from.
It is the aim and pleasure of every staff member on board to provide guest with friendly and efficient service.
Shongololo Express journeys include:
• The Good Hope Adventure (Johannesburg to Cape Town / Cape Town to Johannesburg)
• The Dune Adventure (Windhoek to Johannesburg / Johannesburg to Windhoek)
• The Southern Cross Adventure (Johannesburg to Victoria Falls / Victoria Falls to Johannesburg)
• NEW : On the traces of Dr Livingstone (Victoria Falls to Dar es Salaam)
For more information, full itineraries, departure dates, brochures or training please contact:
tesna@luxuryrepcollection.com or visit http://www.shongololo.com/
Shongololo Express began operations in 1995 to provide a very special touring experience for visitors to Southern Africa. Shongololo journeys traverse seven countries on the southern African continent: South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia and Namibia.
Just as an ocean cruise, the very special “rail cruise” takes care of guests’ every need. For the duration on board the Shongololo Express all requirements for a superb holiday are provided: transport, accommodation, meals, recreation, sightseeing and the best of all - guests need to unpack and pack only once.
The trains travel comfortably and securely during the night to the next stop on the itinerary and guests awake each morning to a fresh vista on Africa and the anticipation of new and exciting adventures. In this way Shongololo guests can make the most of every precious holiday hour.
Each train carries a fleet of air-conditioned Mercedes Benz touring vehicles with professional guides on board who are ready to take guests on inclusive scheduled tours to experience unique sights of the area. For the more adventurous there are also tour add-ons from ballooning, to elephant riding to scuba diving available at many locations.
The chefs offer South African menus that include Cape Dutch and Malay recipes as well as authentic African dishes. Meals are complemented by a selection of distinguished South African wines.
There is a selection of cabins available, ranging from the lead in Ivory Compartments to the extremely comfortable, air-conditioned and en-suite Emerald Compartments. There are four categories in total to choose from.
It is the aim and pleasure of every staff member on board to provide guest with friendly and efficient service.
Shongololo Express journeys include:
• The Good Hope Adventure (Johannesburg to Cape Town / Cape Town to Johannesburg)
• The Dune Adventure (Windhoek to Johannesburg / Johannesburg to Windhoek)
• The Southern Cross Adventure (Johannesburg to Victoria Falls / Victoria Falls to Johannesburg)
• NEW : On the traces of Dr Livingstone (Victoria Falls to Dar es Salaam)
For more information, full itineraries, departure dates, brochures or training please contact:
tesna@luxuryrepcollection.com or visit http://www.shongololo.com/
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Your Africa appoints Luxury Representation Collection as their sales and marketing partner for the UK & Ireland region
Your Africa, one of Tourvest Destination Management’s (TDM) flagship brands, has recently appointed reputable UK company, Luxury Representation Collection (LRC) as their sales and marketing partner for the region, effective 01 August 2011.
Luxury Representation Collection is driven by its owner, Tesna Simonsen George, a well-known entity in both the South African and UK travel industry. Prior to her 2009 purchase of LRC, she worked for 7 years at another reputable representation house in the UK. As a native South African with her roots and her early years of experience in the country, she passionately represents Southern Africa to the UK and Irish markets for all of her clients, making her company the obvious choice when Your Africa made the decision to appoint a UK representation house.
Monika Iuel, Sales & Marketing Director of Your Africa is ecstatic about this new association, and has this to say: “This new appointment is an indication of Your Africa’s continued commitment to the UK market, as we believe that there is definitely growth potential within this particular region. Immediately upon meeting Tesna, and realising her focus and drive, I was confident that she would be the right person to represent our interests in the UK. I’m very excited about this new appointment.”
Whilst Tesna’s enthusiasm equally comes to the fore: “Further to visiting Monika and the team in the Your Africa offices in Sandton, it was very clear that everyone is extremely passionate, friendly, professional and dedicated to offering high levels of personalised service (everything I firmly believe in). I am incredibly proud to be an "extended" member of the Your Africa family, my main objective being to further strengthen the brand awareness in the UK market.”
Your Africa, as one of the main destination management companies bringing UK holiday-makers to Southern Africa, enjoys great competitiveness due to the consolidated buying power of Tourvest Destination Management, whilst guaranteeing the personal service of a boutique operation. .
It looks as though there are exciting times ahead for both Your Africa and Luxury Representation Collection!
• Your Africa is a specialised boutique inbound operator providing personalised, innovative and professional travel services within Southern Africa. Visit http://www.yourafrica.co.za/ for further information.
• Driven by well-known personalities such as Monika Iuel and Merl Kwan both of whom have been in the South African travel industry for many years, Your Africa comprises of a dynamic team of multi-lingual staff.
• Your Africa offers key account status for every client and benefits for each individual source market
• Your Africa caters not only toward the individual traveller but also group clients.
• Your Africa is a leading brand within Tourvest Destination Management, a diversified portfolio of tourism businesses.
• The team at Your Africa are actively involved in numerous social responsibility projects, including special reference to “Yithuba Lami”, an outreach programme for underprivileged and vulnerable children in Johannesburg
Luxury Representation Collection is driven by its owner, Tesna Simonsen George, a well-known entity in both the South African and UK travel industry. Prior to her 2009 purchase of LRC, she worked for 7 years at another reputable representation house in the UK. As a native South African with her roots and her early years of experience in the country, she passionately represents Southern Africa to the UK and Irish markets for all of her clients, making her company the obvious choice when Your Africa made the decision to appoint a UK representation house.
Monika Iuel, Sales & Marketing Director of Your Africa is ecstatic about this new association, and has this to say: “This new appointment is an indication of Your Africa’s continued commitment to the UK market, as we believe that there is definitely growth potential within this particular region. Immediately upon meeting Tesna, and realising her focus and drive, I was confident that she would be the right person to represent our interests in the UK. I’m very excited about this new appointment.”
Whilst Tesna’s enthusiasm equally comes to the fore: “Further to visiting Monika and the team in the Your Africa offices in Sandton, it was very clear that everyone is extremely passionate, friendly, professional and dedicated to offering high levels of personalised service (everything I firmly believe in). I am incredibly proud to be an "extended" member of the Your Africa family, my main objective being to further strengthen the brand awareness in the UK market.”
Your Africa, as one of the main destination management companies bringing UK holiday-makers to Southern Africa, enjoys great competitiveness due to the consolidated buying power of Tourvest Destination Management, whilst guaranteeing the personal service of a boutique operation. .
It looks as though there are exciting times ahead for both Your Africa and Luxury Representation Collection!
• Your Africa is a specialised boutique inbound operator providing personalised, innovative and professional travel services within Southern Africa. Visit http://www.yourafrica.co.za/ for further information.
• Driven by well-known personalities such as Monika Iuel and Merl Kwan both of whom have been in the South African travel industry for many years, Your Africa comprises of a dynamic team of multi-lingual staff.
• Your Africa offers key account status for every client and benefits for each individual source market
• Your Africa caters not only toward the individual traveller but also group clients.
• Your Africa is a leading brand within Tourvest Destination Management, a diversified portfolio of tourism businesses.
• The team at Your Africa are actively involved in numerous social responsibility projects, including special reference to “Yithuba Lami”, an outreach programme for underprivileged and vulnerable children in Johannesburg
Friday, 27 May 2011
FLIGHTS NOW INCLUDED AT TUNINGI SAFARI LODGE ....
Another Indaba has come and gone and I hope that everyone who made the pilgrimage down to Durban had a very successful show. The show was definitely quieter this year but overall feedback was that it was a “quality” show.
Indaba is usually the time for suppliers to launch their rates for the upcoming season and update tour operators on their product - so I am very happy to share the exciting news and rates from the Madikwe and De Hoop Collection team...
MADIKWE COLLECTION
TUNINGI SAFARI LODGE – NEW INCLUSIVE RATES!!!
We are delighted to announce our new rates (not an offer but our new rates) for TUNINGI SAFARI LODGE which ***INCLUDE RETURN FLIGHTS FOR ALL 3 NIGHT STAYS*** - in addition to this if clients stay for less than 3 nights we have negotiated very good air fares with Federal Air AND you get commission on the accommodation and flights !! But why not book 3 nights and get the flights included FOC?
BUFFALO RIDGE SAFARI LODGE - SPECIAL OFFER – REDUCED WINTER RATE !!!
For any last minute bookings at Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge we are thrilled to offer the following rate of R1950 per person sharing for all new bookings staying at the lodge between now and 31st July 2011
This rate is a nett.
DE HOOP COLLECTION
De Hoop is fast becoming the “place to be” and interest for the reserve was huge at Indaba. With everything it has to offer it is easy to see why.
The whales will be arriving soon and guests coming down to De Hoop this season are in for a treat, with over 40% of all Southern Right whales coming into the bay at De Hoop, the season is geared to showcase some of the best *if not THE best* land based whale watching in South Africa.
De Hoop is perfect for couples, families and groups of friends travelling together. During the Easter weekend the team entertained the little ones with fun Easter egg hunts and the team are available every day to ensure kids have a great holiday, with fun activities.
Couples can enjoy romantic picnics on the beach, go for long walks or enjoy romantic meals in the Fig Tree Restaurant.
A huge variety of activities await guests of all ages: walking, birding, game drives, mountain bikes, quad bikes, rock pools, whale watching, swimming pool, tennis court, golf course, picnics,
learning centre and lots more ...
Don’t forget that we have a WINTER WHALE SEASON offer - stay for 2 nights and get 3rd night free AND kids under 12 stay free – valid for all bookings between now and 31st July.
Please let me know if you would like any training, product information, images or any assistance with the De Hoop & Madikwe Collection properties.
We understand that it has been a very tough year for all of us and we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support – we really appreciate it!
Indaba is usually the time for suppliers to launch their rates for the upcoming season and update tour operators on their product - so I am very happy to share the exciting news and rates from the Madikwe and De Hoop Collection team...
MADIKWE COLLECTION
TUNINGI SAFARI LODGE – NEW INCLUSIVE RATES!!!
We are delighted to announce our new rates (not an offer but our new rates) for TUNINGI SAFARI LODGE which ***INCLUDE RETURN FLIGHTS FOR ALL 3 NIGHT STAYS*** - in addition to this if clients stay for less than 3 nights we have negotiated very good air fares with Federal Air AND you get commission on the accommodation and flights !! But why not book 3 nights and get the flights included FOC?
BUFFALO RIDGE SAFARI LODGE - SPECIAL OFFER – REDUCED WINTER RATE !!!
For any last minute bookings at Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge we are thrilled to offer the following rate of R1950 per person sharing for all new bookings staying at the lodge between now and 31st July 2011
This rate is a nett.
DE HOOP COLLECTION
De Hoop is fast becoming the “place to be” and interest for the reserve was huge at Indaba. With everything it has to offer it is easy to see why.
The whales will be arriving soon and guests coming down to De Hoop this season are in for a treat, with over 40% of all Southern Right whales coming into the bay at De Hoop, the season is geared to showcase some of the best *if not THE best* land based whale watching in South Africa.
De Hoop is perfect for couples, families and groups of friends travelling together. During the Easter weekend the team entertained the little ones with fun Easter egg hunts and the team are available every day to ensure kids have a great holiday, with fun activities.
Couples can enjoy romantic picnics on the beach, go for long walks or enjoy romantic meals in the Fig Tree Restaurant.
A huge variety of activities await guests of all ages: walking, birding, game drives, mountain bikes, quad bikes, rock pools, whale watching, swimming pool, tennis court, golf course, picnics,
learning centre and lots more ...
Don’t forget that we have a WINTER WHALE SEASON offer - stay for 2 nights and get 3rd night free AND kids under 12 stay free – valid for all bookings between now and 31st July.
Please let me know if you would like any training, product information, images or any assistance with the De Hoop & Madikwe Collection properties.
We understand that it has been a very tough year for all of us and we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support – we really appreciate it!
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
Whale / Winter offer at De Hoop Collection
To celebrate the upcoming start of the whale season the De Hoop Collection are offering all guests staying for two nights a third night FREE!
In addition to this all kids under 12 STAY FREE!
Details are: Stay for 3 and only pay for 2 offer....
On the web: www.dehoopcollection.co.za
In addition to this all kids under 12 STAY FREE!
Details are: Stay for 3 and only pay for 2 offer....
- Valid from April 2011 until 31 July 2011
- Excludes major holiday periods and long weekends
- The offer is subject to availability
- Inclusive of 14% VAT
- The offer is NOT accumulative
- Not combinable with other offers
- Is commissionable
- Children under 12yrs of age stay free of charge
On the web: www.dehoopcollection.co.za
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
April offers at Valldemossa Hotel
We are delighted to extend the following offer for the month of April at the Valldemossa Hotel. With spring in the air and the blossoms in full bloom, April is the perfect time to visit Valldemossa.
These offer are valid on all new bookings staying at Valldemossa Hotel during the month of April and are commissionable at 10%
- Dine & Relax: €300 per room Double Superior
o One night accommodation
o Welcome drink on arrival
o Romantic candle dinner with a special menu
o Buffet breakfast
o Use of our Spa facilities, swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi
- A day to Remember: €350 per room
o One night accommodation in a Junior Suite
o Welcome drink
o Tasting menu
o Buffet breakfast
o Use of our Spa facilities as swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi
o Relax 30 minutes massage for him and her
- Valldemossa Basic: €265 per room Double Superior
o One night accommodation
o Welcome drink
o Buffet breakfast
o Use of our Spa facilities as swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi
To book please contact the hotel at: info@valldemossahotel.com
These offer are valid on all new bookings staying at Valldemossa Hotel during the month of April and are commissionable at 10%
- Dine & Relax: €300 per room Double Superior
o One night accommodation
o Welcome drink on arrival
o Romantic candle dinner with a special menu
o Buffet breakfast
o Use of our Spa facilities, swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi
- A day to Remember: €350 per room
o One night accommodation in a Junior Suite
o Welcome drink
o Tasting menu
o Buffet breakfast
o Use of our Spa facilities as swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi
o Relax 30 minutes massage for him and her
- Valldemossa Basic: €265 per room Double Superior
o One night accommodation
o Welcome drink
o Buffet breakfast
o Use of our Spa facilities as swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi
To book please contact the hotel at: info@valldemossahotel.com
Monday, 21 February 2011
My recent vist to De Hoop Nature Reserve and De Hoop Collection
I have just returned from a fantastic 2 week trip to South Africa. During my trip I visited friends and family, enjoyed 2 amazing concerts, ate way too much, drank way too much but most importantly had the opportunity to visit the De Hoop Nature Reserve. I have taken a few minutes to give you a quick update and overview of my trip and a bit more information on this amazingly fabulous place!
I collected my Group B car from the airport and headed out of Cape Town on the N2 motorway. After a spot of lunch at the “Steers” in Riviersonderend (a must for all N2 trips!) I carried along the road and finally hit the dirt road to De Hoop just before I reached Swellendam.
Due to a recent experience with me being very (shall we say unkind) to my hired car on a dirt road, I decided to take this road carefully and averaged a respectable 30 miles an hour – after about 45 minutes of this I decided that dirt road driving at this speed could be implemented as a form of torture! The thing with dirt roads in Africa is that you see the long road ahead of you, you finally get up a hill and as you pass over the hill you see another long stretch ahead, shattering all hopes of the madness ever ending! I thought that nothing on earth could be worth this suffering – that is until I reached the De Hoop Reserve and on my final hill climb spotted the magnificent dunes and Fynbos landscape in the distance. It is not often I am left speechless but as I started making my descent into the reserve I really fought back the tears (call me a softie but my goodness what a view) every little bump in that dirt road was forgotten and all I could think about was getting to those dunes as fast as possible. It is also at this point that I would like to point out that the dirt road can be done a lot quicker – many cars flew past me, I just chose to do it at a crawl.
The De Hoop Nature Reserve is situated in the Overberg area of the Western Cape - an ideal stop on a Garden Route itinerary or within very easy reach of Cape Town for a stand alone wilderness holiday. I could kick myself for only booking 1 night but was determined to make the most of my time there. After checking into my superb accommodation (more on that later) I jumped back into my car and headed to the Koppie Alleen beach. This beach is about 30 mins from the main Opstal Camp.
One of the De Hoop Collection properties is situated at Koppie Alleen – a four bedroom house with direct access to the beach footpath. Whilst taking the stroll down to the beach I already imagined my next visit with my husband staying at Koppie Alleen. I went down to the beach whilst the tide was in but if you pop down during low tide you are greeted with an array of rock pools teaming with interesting sea life. It was just so great for me to a) be in the sunshine and b) by the sea that I didn’t mind too much missing out on these rock pools. I had 3 lovely little Black Oyster Catchers keeping me company and posing for my photos that made up for it! From here I took the walk back up the hill and onto the huge imposing sand dunes. I can’t possibly think that there is anywhere in South Africa I’d rather be during whale season than on these dunes. You will have the absolute definitive VIP seat from which you can watch the spectacle unfold. Remember 43% of all Southern Right whales visit this bay during whale season.
As the sun started setting I had to rush back to Opstal camp as I was meeting Justin (no not Bieber!) the General Manager for dinner in the Fig Tree restaurant. The restaurant is decorated in typical Cape Dutch farm house style and we were met by a very enthusiastic and professional team. I was very impressed with the wine list and had to smile to myself when the French couple behind me commented that the food was as good as food prepared by a French master chef.
I enjoyed a Camembert Starter and a Polenta, Yellow Pepper & Sweet Chilli bake with greens as main course. Dessert was a chocolate pudding that went to my hips as soon as I saw it on the plate – but oh boy it was worth every calorie!
The following morning Jolene (Justin’s wife and Assistant Manager) took me around all the accommodation on offer at the De Hoop Collection. I was lucky enough to have the entire Opstal Manor House to myself – this is a 3 bedroom guest house. It is the original farm house and still retains historic features like the old baking oven and chimney. The rooms are all en-suite and 2 of them come with stand alone Victorian claw-baths. One of my biggest surprises was the fantastic Maria Garcia amenities – a real treat!
Other accommodation in the Opstal area included the Vlei Cottages, beautiful thatched cottages with 2 bedrooms so perfect for a small family or a couple wanting a bit more space and privacy from other guests. Another 2 bedroom option was the Equipped cottages – these all come with an open area for kids to play outside. The Opstal Village really did remind me of a small village and the 3 bedroom houses here are ideal for families or groups of friends. They are a lot bigger and have a separate dining area. The village house I visited even had 2 outdoor “African tyre” swings. Last but by no means least there are the 2 Opstal Houses, two big stand-alone houses with 3 bedrooms and private gardens.
De Hoop really is a haven for people wanting to experience open spaces, scenic beauty and prolific bird life and of course Whales & Dolphins. I really do think that De Hoop and the De Hoop Collection is one to watch and will earn its place on the “What’s Hot in South Africa” list.
For more information please see www.dehoopcollection.co.za or let me know and I can send you a brochure and fact sheet.
Some of the pictures I took at De Hoop:
I collected my Group B car from the airport and headed out of Cape Town on the N2 motorway. After a spot of lunch at the “Steers” in Riviersonderend (a must for all N2 trips!) I carried along the road and finally hit the dirt road to De Hoop just before I reached Swellendam.
Due to a recent experience with me being very (shall we say unkind) to my hired car on a dirt road, I decided to take this road carefully and averaged a respectable 30 miles an hour – after about 45 minutes of this I decided that dirt road driving at this speed could be implemented as a form of torture! The thing with dirt roads in Africa is that you see the long road ahead of you, you finally get up a hill and as you pass over the hill you see another long stretch ahead, shattering all hopes of the madness ever ending! I thought that nothing on earth could be worth this suffering – that is until I reached the De Hoop Reserve and on my final hill climb spotted the magnificent dunes and Fynbos landscape in the distance. It is not often I am left speechless but as I started making my descent into the reserve I really fought back the tears (call me a softie but my goodness what a view) every little bump in that dirt road was forgotten and all I could think about was getting to those dunes as fast as possible. It is also at this point that I would like to point out that the dirt road can be done a lot quicker – many cars flew past me, I just chose to do it at a crawl.
The De Hoop Nature Reserve is situated in the Overberg area of the Western Cape - an ideal stop on a Garden Route itinerary or within very easy reach of Cape Town for a stand alone wilderness holiday. I could kick myself for only booking 1 night but was determined to make the most of my time there. After checking into my superb accommodation (more on that later) I jumped back into my car and headed to the Koppie Alleen beach. This beach is about 30 mins from the main Opstal Camp.
One of the De Hoop Collection properties is situated at Koppie Alleen – a four bedroom house with direct access to the beach footpath. Whilst taking the stroll down to the beach I already imagined my next visit with my husband staying at Koppie Alleen. I went down to the beach whilst the tide was in but if you pop down during low tide you are greeted with an array of rock pools teaming with interesting sea life. It was just so great for me to a) be in the sunshine and b) by the sea that I didn’t mind too much missing out on these rock pools. I had 3 lovely little Black Oyster Catchers keeping me company and posing for my photos that made up for it! From here I took the walk back up the hill and onto the huge imposing sand dunes. I can’t possibly think that there is anywhere in South Africa I’d rather be during whale season than on these dunes. You will have the absolute definitive VIP seat from which you can watch the spectacle unfold. Remember 43% of all Southern Right whales visit this bay during whale season.
As the sun started setting I had to rush back to Opstal camp as I was meeting Justin (no not Bieber!) the General Manager for dinner in the Fig Tree restaurant. The restaurant is decorated in typical Cape Dutch farm house style and we were met by a very enthusiastic and professional team. I was very impressed with the wine list and had to smile to myself when the French couple behind me commented that the food was as good as food prepared by a French master chef.
I enjoyed a Camembert Starter and a Polenta, Yellow Pepper & Sweet Chilli bake with greens as main course. Dessert was a chocolate pudding that went to my hips as soon as I saw it on the plate – but oh boy it was worth every calorie!
The following morning Jolene (Justin’s wife and Assistant Manager) took me around all the accommodation on offer at the De Hoop Collection. I was lucky enough to have the entire Opstal Manor House to myself – this is a 3 bedroom guest house. It is the original farm house and still retains historic features like the old baking oven and chimney. The rooms are all en-suite and 2 of them come with stand alone Victorian claw-baths. One of my biggest surprises was the fantastic Maria Garcia amenities – a real treat!
Other accommodation in the Opstal area included the Vlei Cottages, beautiful thatched cottages with 2 bedrooms so perfect for a small family or a couple wanting a bit more space and privacy from other guests. Another 2 bedroom option was the Equipped cottages – these all come with an open area for kids to play outside. The Opstal Village really did remind me of a small village and the 3 bedroom houses here are ideal for families or groups of friends. They are a lot bigger and have a separate dining area. The village house I visited even had 2 outdoor “African tyre” swings. Last but by no means least there are the 2 Opstal Houses, two big stand-alone houses with 3 bedrooms and private gardens.
De Hoop really is a haven for people wanting to experience open spaces, scenic beauty and prolific bird life and of course Whales & Dolphins. I really do think that De Hoop and the De Hoop Collection is one to watch and will earn its place on the “What’s Hot in South Africa” list.
For more information please see www.dehoopcollection.co.za or let me know and I can send you a brochure and fact sheet.
Some of the pictures I took at De Hoop:
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