What is better than soaking in a self-prepared wood-fired hot tub with your mates and admiring the breathtaking environment around you? As the end of year fatigue kicks in there’s nothing quite as comforting as sinking into a steaming drum, after a blustery day exploring the surroundings by soaking up in a wood fired hot-tub.
Here are Cape Town’s most visited hot-tub places for you and your mate to escape to. From a treetop cottage in a sun-drenched valley to a secluded mountain cabin and a seaside villa. All you need to do is lie back, relax, and let the tribulations of daily life fade into the distance.
Copia Eco Cabins
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Copia Eco Cabins is a beautiful cabin located on a working farm in the heart of the Overberg, these converted shipping containers are the perfect off-grid stay for an overdose of nature and seclusion with little cellphone reception and no wifi or TV, it’s easy to unplug and embrace the hilltop views while enjoying a soak in the wood-fired hot tub.
While all the cabins are beautifully designed and stylishly appointed, the brand-new Soetdoring cabin (pictured above) has a glass-roofed bedroom and floor-to-ceiling windows that maximise views and create a contemporary feel.
The lodgings
- 4 cabins: Copia, Lone Tree, Waterval and Soetdoring
- 1 bedroom with king-size bed
- bathroom with free-standing bath and shower
- open-plan lounge and dining area
- indoor fireplace
- fully equipped kitchen with gas stove
- covered deck with braai and outdoor seating
- wood-burning hot tub
Things to do
- in-cabin massage
- hiking in the scenic Kogelberg Nature Reserve
- neighbouring farm for mountain-biking and fly-fishing
- nearby wine farms
- explore Elgin valley and Hermanus
- golf at Arabella
Kwelanga
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Kwelanga is situated in the peaceful outskirts of Baardskeerdersbos also known as “B-Bos” this off-grid glamping retreat in the Overberg offers an uninterrupted sense of tranquillity, where sweeping fynbos plains and towering mountains set the scene which makes this retreat the perfect place to get back in touch with nature.
The lodgings
- caravan and eco-tent, each sleeping 2 adults
- each has a fully equipped kitchen with gas stove and fridge
- eco tent has an en-suite bathroom with hot shower and compost toilet
- outdoor fire pit and seating area
- wood-burning hot tub
- free-range eggs and herbs available
Things to do
- pool table, books, board games and swimming pool at main house
- Saturday farmers’ market
- hiking trails
- mountain-biking
- stargazing
- nearby beaches and whale-watching
- wine estates nearby
- explore Stanford and Gansbaai
- Baardskeerdersbos Art Route (twice a year)
Southern Yurts
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This private yourts is located in Diepklowe Nature Conservancy on Porcupine Hills Guest Farm, a short drive from Bot River. It is made from wooden beams draped in canvas, the solar-powered yurts offer all the amenities of luxury glamping without the schlep associated with DIY camping. In addition to Forest View Yurt (in its own separate location, with a deck overlooking the valley) There is also an option to book the yurt as a group.
The lodgings
- 4 yurts: Forest View and Kestrel sleep 2, there is an extra tent for children
- double beds, bedding, towels and extra blankets included
- kitchen area with indoor fireplace and gas stove
- bathroom with hot shower
- outdoor lounging space and braai area (firewood included)
- wood-fired hot tub
- fan/heater (in Forest View Yurt)
- binoculars and nature books
- breakfast, sundowner or braai baskets to order
Things to do
- swing under an ancient oak tree
- explore the Secret Forest
- hiking and running trails on site
- birdwatching (resident black eagles)
- swimming in the dam, canoe and kayak available
- fishing
- nearby wine farms
- horse riding nearby
- Cape Canopy Tour zipline
Opstal Stay
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This hot-tub is found in Rawsonville, this seventh-generation property offers an idyllic stayover that combines magnificent scenery and true country-style hospitality. Tucked between rugged slopes, a cluster of privately located modern mountain cabins provide cosy, stylish and tranquil and bonding with nature along with your family or friends even just a romantic getaway. Each has an outdoor deck with a wood-burning hot tub to set the scene for an unforgettable stay.
The lodgings
- 5 cottages (The Barber and Carl Everson sleep 4 each; Lang Jan, Nellie’s Needle and Lady Ansie sleep 2 each), bathroom with shower (plus outdoor shower in the 2-sleeper units)
- fully equipped kitchen with gas hob
- living area with a slow-combustion fireplace
- indoor and outdoor dining tables
- sheltered outdoor deck with a braai and hot tub
- complimentary firewood bundle
Things to do
- restaurant on site (including pizzas and platters)
- wine-tasting on-site, and nearby
- hiking and mountain-biking on the farm, and nearby
- trekkertrein (tractor-train) vineyard tour and picnic
- explore Rawsonville’s farm stalls, shops and restaurants
- fly-fishing
- birdwatching
Wolwehoek Private Nature
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This private nature reserve is near Montagu. The place is breathtaking and the perfect escape for time alone and away from the city, it is hidden in the untouched Keisie Valley just outside the Karoo town of Montagu.
The lodgings
- king-size bed
- freestanding slipper bath and outdoor shower
- lounge with sofa and armchairs
- fully equipped kitchen
- wood-fired hot tub
- pizza oven and outdoor braai with firewood
- outdoor lounge with 12-metre super-hammock
Things to do
- hiking trails
- rock-climbing, on site and nearby
- birdwatching (binoculars supplied)
- mountain-biking
- stargazing
