5 Extraordinary Eastern Cape accommodation options to explore
Discover the first series of our unique selection of Eastern Cape accommodation options:
Glass Pyramid at Misty Mountain Reserve, Tsitsikamma
Perfect for: honeymooners/romantic retreat for two
The Glass Pyramid, nestled within the indigenous Tsitsikamma forest, lies 230m above sea level on a dramatic escarpment. All four sides of the Pyramid are glass, allowing you to immerse yourself if your surrounds. This luxurious setting in the lush Tsitsikamma forest forms the background to an incredible getaway experience, a perfect honeymoon escape or romantic retreat.Start your day with a specialty coffee enjoyed on the deck and a hearty breakfast, unwind in the deluxe accommodation or spend the day exploring the area. The Pyramid is an idyllic relaxing holiday destination, offering comfortable, secluded accommodation and lavish amenities including an outdoor shower with gorgeous forest views, an eco-friendly wood-fired hot tub and side-by-side sunken tubs, perfect for soaking with a glass of bubbly while enjoying the captivating views surrounding you.Come back in time to catch the stunning sunset from the deck. At night the clear glass sides provide the chance for uninterrupted stargazing of the clear African night sky. Celestial telescopes are on-hand to enhance your experience. Spoil yourself to this exclusive experience!
The Bethesda Tower, Nieu Bethesda, Karoo Heartland
Perfect for: small town holiday, family time
In the hidden town of Nieu Bethesda, deep in the Karoo Heartland, is the mythical Bethesda Tower. Live a real-life fairy tale in the three-story round building, with picturesque vistas in all directions of the quaint town and encompassing landscape. At night, sip a glass of wine in the privacy of the round stone courtyard and admire the stars.The master bedroom on the top floor houses an enormous round bed allowing you to positing yourself to enjoy all aspects of the view. The middle floor room has twin beds, making this work for either a romantic getaway or an adventurous family holiday. Scrumptious meals are served in the restaurant/gallery with ingredients picked from the Arts Centre garden, and time can be spent browsing the unique décor items crafted at the centre.
Stargazing Camp at Bellevue Forest Lodge, Sundays River Valley
Perfect for: honeymooners/romantic retreat for two, individual stay
The Stargazing Camp Bellevue Forest Lodge forms part of the Greater Addo area, shielded by the enveloping forest deep in the game reserve. This is luxury camping at its finest, a chance to lie under the stars nestled in cloud-soft bedding with only draped netting separating you from nature. The twinkle lights draped across the trees will enhance the endless canopy of the starry night sky, allowing you to bask in the glow of the Milky Way above while you try to catch glimpses of shooting stars. The luxe five-star accommodation is for adults only, and completely off the grid, running on green energy principles. With outdoor showers and toilets immersing you in nature, a cosy fire pit in the centre of the camp and chef and butler service, it is the perfect retreat. Enjoy sumptuous meals of African cuisine served under the boughs of the trees, and during the day explore the sandy paths or visit the camp.
Sandcastle Luxury Villa, Sunshine Coast
Perfect for: group travel, family time
If you’re looking to celebrate that special occasion with an all-inclusive yet private retreat, the unique Sandcastle Luxury Villa along the Sunshine Coast is one to consider. It sleeps a maximum of 8 guests in 4 lavish bedrooms and has the largest capacity for guests on the accommodation featured on this list. A private chef is on-hand to make this a culinary experience, with meal times an event to be revelled in. The individual design of the villa is inspired by African and South American influences and the inside is itself a wonder of carefully chosen artefacts, tapestries and locally-crafted artworks. You will be spoilt for choice with views of the 2km of untouched beachfront and the 250-hectare wildlife conservancy that mantles the property. There is a wide variety of activities to try out including beach walks, game drives, hiking, surfing, kayaking and many, many more.
Pods at Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve, Graaff-Reinet, Karoo Heartland
Perfect for: romantic retreat for two, individual stay
Commune with the stark, dramatic landscape of the Karoo Heartland in a pod at Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve. With nothing but the desert panorama around you, away from everything, you can truly appreciate the soulful stillness of the Karoo and the wild game that inhabits the land. The pods are comfortably appointed and eco-friendly, blending into the surrounds to offer enticing glimpses of the reserve from the glass wall and skylight. Take an unforgettable safari journey witnessing rare wildlife wandering the hills and at night be engulfed by the vastness of the Karoo night sky. Book a night-time game drive and watch the landscape come to life under the watchful gaze of the moon and stars. This is an ideal escape for two!
