Less than
an hour north of Cape Town in the Winelands, Paarl is a beautiful
old town dominated by a huge granite pluton that, after rain, gleams like
a pearl, and from which the town gets its name. (The Dutch word for pearl
is paarl.) Paarl has one of the longest main roads in the country – at
about 11km – and it’s lined with some lovely old buildings. For a
bit of a historical flashback you could visit the Afrikaans Language Museum
or even drive up to the Afrikaans Language Monument – a monstrous hilltop
structure that’s visible for miles. It’s an interesting place to visit
and, whatever you think of the motivation of its construction, there’s
a lovely view from up there. But you’d be more likely to visit Paarl
for wine. There are numerous lovely wineries, some of which also make home
made cheeses and liqueur brandy. Olive farms produce olive oil and various
varieties of bottled olives and Paarl is filled with lovely restaurants. |
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map of Paarl
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For
the more active, there is an excellent paragliding launch site off Paarl
Rock, which also offers excellent granite climbing and some fun rambles.
You could ride up the back of Paarl Mountain, do a wine tasting horse trail,
or even trundle through the vineyards in a horse-drawn cart. In summer
there are early morning hot air balloon flights. ©
Safarinow.com |
See Also: A
Wine Drenched Tour Along The Red Route of Paarl, South Africa by Gregory
Hudson |
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Best
Wines from the Paarl Valley - Cape Town by Bronwen E. Roberts |
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Grande
Roche Hotel, PAARL
Today
Grande Roche is a celebrated international hotel, famous for its exquisite
location in the heart of the beautiful Cape Winelands as well as for its
luxurious, cosmopolitan accommodation, award-winning cuisine and matchless
service and hospitality. The recently renovated manor house at Grande Roche
is the heart of the hotel and home to the award-winning Bosman's Restaurant.
A fusion of imaginative and innovative epicurean delights will tantalize
the most discerning of palates. A sumptuous selection of the Cape's
finest fare can be enjoyed in the relaxed and contemporary Bistro Allegro.
Choose to enjoy your meal out on the pool patio or in its modern, colourful
interior. |
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RECOMMENDED
BY OUR TRAVEL PARTNER:
Palmiet
Valley Wine Estate & Boutique Hotel, PAARL
Located
on a working wine estate just outside Paarl, this 5-star lodge radiates
the charm of a bygone age and provides an oasis of tranquility. Dating
back to a time when the first European settlers arrived on the Cape, Palmiet
Valley Estate has been a wine farm for over 300 years. Enjoy lunch under
the canopies of ancient oak trees. Alternatively, you can dine in the Cape
Dutch homestead, with its dark wooden ceiling and antique furnishings.
Have a coffee on the patio overlooking the pool. Loungers are available
looking to soak up the sun after a quick dip. There you can also relax
in style in the shade of palm trees after a romantic walk through Palmiet
Estate. |
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Pontac
Manor Hotel & Restaurant, PAARL
Pontac Manor nestled below
'Paarl Rock', dating back to 1723, has been beautifully restored to its
original Victorian Splendor. The 22 spacious bedrooms with en-suite
bathroom are situated in a large garden with pool and a magnificent view
over Paarl Valley. Offering a fine dining restaurant that tempers
the palate with local & international specialties. Located in a quite
side street close to the centre of town it’s the Perfect Base to explore
the Cape Winelands. A stay at Pontac Estate Hotel & Restaurant,
with its combination of warm, old-world ambience and air of timeless sophistication,
coupled with personalised service and the hospitality for which the Boland
is famous, will guarantee an unforgettable experience. |
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Paarl Accommodation
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Situated inland in the Southern
Suburbs
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Close to V&A Waterfront,
Casino, Winelands and other attractions
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Close to major freeways, the
city centre and Airport.
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Short distance from the Rondebosch
Golf Course
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Witsand/Port
Beaufort, situated at the mouth of the mighty Breede River, is a holiday
destination with a difference. It is situated 300km from Cape Town at the
mouth of the Breede River along the Garden Route. The central feature
of the Malgas/Witsand area is the magnificent Breede River. It is one of
the largest, most navigable rivers in South Africa and is rich in diverse
species of fish and bird life. The Breede River is recognised as one of
the best fishing estuaries in the country with tidal action that reaches
60 km upstream. The river is also ideally suited to a range of water sports
The area's claim to fame is that they have the largest concentration of
Southern Right Whales on the South African coast, growing at an annual
rate of 7%. The official whale count done from a helicopter in October
2002 revealed 117 adults and 49 calves in St Sebastian Bay. On a good day
up to 50 are visible from the shore. |
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map of Port Beaufort
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Breede
River Lodge, Port Beaufort/Witsand
The Breede River Lodge is
situated on the Garden Route midway between Cape Town and Plettenberg Bay.
The area is a mariners dream both on the river and the sea. Angling features
as the number one attraction with many record breaking catches over the
years
- as will be seen on the Breede River Lodge Wall of Fame. Enjoy a
multitude of sports at the Breede River Lodge! From relaxing water taxi's,
deep sea fishing charters, skippered boat hire, spear fishing, horse rides,
hiking, bird watching, walks and kayaking, to the more energetic quad biking
on a nearby farm. |
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Whale
Watchers Inn, B&B, Guest House, WITSAND
Whale
Watchers Inn is a guest house situated in one of South Africa's most beautiful
and unspoiled seaside resorts, Witsand. The Inn is situated ±100
metres from the beach and is within walking distance of the mouth of the
Breede River. Featuring free WiFi, a barbecue and a sun terrace, Whale
Watchers Inn offers accommodations in Witsand. Every room is fitted with
a TV. Some rooms feature a sitting area to relax in after a busy day. Enjoy
a cup of tea while looking out at the sea or garden. Every room comes with
a private bathroom fitted with a bathtub or shower. You will find a shared
lounge at the property. |
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Witsand Accommodation
ST
JAMES - FALSE BAY / HELDERBERG HOTELS, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA
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The town of St James
is
ideally situated for visitors to the Cape. Nestled between the Silvermine
Mountains and the warm Indian Ocean coastline, it offers one of the most
spectacular locations in South Africa. Saint James is a historically rich
area, once considered the Riviera of South Africa where moguls like Cecil
Rhodes established vacation homes. Today, Saint James is home to a diverse
community and offers something for the young and old alike -- local nightlife,
restaurants, museums, and the areas famous antique shops and art boutiques. |
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map of St James
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St
James Manor, Luxury Retreat, ST JAMES
The St James Manor House
is a five star stately seaside retreat overlooking the trendy and vibrant
fishing village of Kalk Bay with majestic views across False Bay and the
Indian Ocean. The St James Manor House, built a hundred years ago, has
an aura of grandeur and old world charm. A magnificent staircase leads
up to the large suites, individually decorated to reflect the opulent times
of a bygone era. And carved into the mountain is a private and wind protected
swimming pool and tanning deck with views across False Bay. Breakfasts
are a speciality offering a wide choice of interesting fare and are inclusive,
as are all beverages. Dinners and lunches are available by arrangement. |
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St
James Seaforth, Luxury Guesthouse, ST JAMES
St James, historically known
as "millionaire's mile", is making its comeback as one of the trendiest
places to stay in Cape Town. Just over a kilometre in length, this prestigious
little stretch along the coastline of False Bay is where Rovos Rail has
established its two five-star guesthouses - St James Manor and St James
Seaforth. The main road through to Kalk Bay Harbour is mediterranean
in style and a trove of novel antique shops, delis,sidewalk cafés,
boutiques and art galleries.In front of the guest houses, across the road,
you will find the famous tidal pools and swimming beaches. A favourite
pastime is the early morning swim in the temperate waters of St James. |
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St James Accommodation
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Coastal location - Atlantic
Seaboard
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Short distance from the city
centre
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Close to the V&A Waterfront
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Framed by Signal Hill
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Short drive to Camps Bay and
Clifton beaches
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map of Sea Point
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Atlantic
Affair Boutique Hotel, SEA POINT
Situated
in the bustling area of Sea Point, with the sea as your backyard, Atlantic
Affair is a luxury, self-catering hotel which fuses incomparable privacy
with a sophisticated interior and a welcoming ambiance. A fresh hotel concept,
assimilating ultimate comfort and flexibility and serving as the ideal
oasis for the discerning traveller or busy executive. The modern, spacious
suites range from eight superior suites, three luxury superior suites and
one penthouse suite. The highest quality Egyptian cotton linen will sooth
you to sleep while the smooth, clean lines and beautifully designed rooms
will have you invigorated for a day of exploring the Mother City.
Plasma screen satellite TV and free Internet connection is available in
all rooms. |
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Radisson
Blu Le Vendome, SEA POINT
Blending the facilities
and services of a world-class business and leisure hotel, Hôtel Le
Vendôme emanates the true ambience of France in the bustling heart
of Sea Point in Cape Town. Blending the elegance and the refinement
of a traditional French chateau with the facilities and services of a world-class
business and leisure hotel, Hôtel Le Vendôme emanates the true
ambience of France in the bustling heart of Sea Point, Cape Town. Hôtel
Le Vendôme is within easy reach of the Central Business District,
Cape Town International Airport, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and
some of Cape Town's finest beaches. Our sparkling pool side offers
guests an oasis of calm and tranquility, where one can enjoy an outdoor
breakfast, light refreshing lunch or sunset cocktail. Discover the
vibrant Sea Point promenade, a mere fifty metres from the hotel, for an
early morning workout or a picturesque evening stroll, with breathtaking
views of the Atlantic Ocean. |
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Protea
Hotel Sea Point Cape Town
The Protea Hotel Sea Point
Cape Town is situated between Main and Beach Roads in Sea Point in Cape
Town, just minutes away from the V and A Waterfront. The hotel is only
30 minutes away from Cape Town International Airport and 5 minutes from
the CBD. It offers 123 stylish and spacious guestrooms offering breathtaking
views of either the sea or the mountains. The La Cafe Restaurant
is open for a delicious buffet breakfast while guests can also relax in
the La Cafe Coffee Bar at the hotel. Sporting and leisure activities nearby
the hotel include hiking on Table Mountain, beach volleyball and many more.
In addition, it also provides conference facilities for its guests. |
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The
Cape Town Ritz Hotel SEA POINT
With
the best Atlantic seaboard views in the Peninsula, offering modern accommodation
and various facilities to cater to the needs of guests travelling for business
or pleasure. Located in Sea Point, only 300 metres from the beach
and the famous V and A Waterfront. All the 222 guestrooms are comfortable
and well equipped with modern amenities. Each room offers views either
over the sea, the surrounding city of Cape Town or the famous Lion's Hill.
Set literally at the top of the hotel, the onsite Top of the Ritz Restaurant
revolves full circle every 90 minutes, offering the guests a delightful
international cuisine with unsurpassed views of the Table Mountain, Robben
Island and the famous waterfront. Furthermore, you can take a refreshing
dip in the pool or relax at the jacuzzi during your free time. |
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The
Hyde All-Suite Hotel, SEA POINT
Situated
in the cosmopolitan area of Sea Point, The Hyde comprises 36 swanky self
catering apartments and is Cape Town's new hot spot for production crews,
conferencing clients, and business or leisure travellers. Catering specifically
to this discerning market, the Hyde delivers the small things that make
the big differences - with a style all of its own. The Hyde knows how to
'work hard and play hard', and offers a series of individual solutions
that go beyond the typical. The Hyde is just a stone's throw away from
all the local pubs and restaurants. Enjoy and nice long stroll on the Promenade
hearing the waves breaking to a breathtaking sunset. |
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Winchester
Mansions Beach Road SEA POINT
This
modernized 1920s hotel faces the ocean on Beach Road and is located on
Cape Town's famous Platinum Mile, 10 kilometers from Clifton Beach. The
air-conditioned guestrooms feature modern décor with antique-style
furniture and floral fabrics. All include cable television, telephones,
safes, Internet connections and tea and coffee making facilities. Hotel
guests can relax with loungers and parasols on the decked sun terrace that
surrounds the heated outdoor swimming pool, and indulge in a range of Far
Eastern influenced treatments and massages in the spa. Dining options include
a selection of international dishes in an eatery which incorporates a formal
restaurant, a bar with a sea facing terrace, and a courtyard encircled
by palm trees and fountains. |
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Sea Point Accommodation
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