A stone’s throw from the alluring V&A Waterfront, the Dock House Boutique Hotel has been voted among the top 25 luxury hotels in South Africa.  It's prime V&A Waterfront location ensures that guests are within an easy walking distance to the vibrant harbour area, upmarket shopping malls, excellent restaurants, entertainment areas and ocean cruise facilities.

The hotel’s charming exterior gives way to an opulent world beyond its front door. Chandeliers and ornate ceiling cornices, among other fine touches, create a sense of Victorian charm and allude to the property’s historical roots, originally the Harbour Master’s private residence in the 1800s. Since then, the building has been transformed into a distinguished boutique hotel, and has been uniquely decorated with elaborate furnishings and bold artworks, maintaining a feeling of classic exquisiteness throughout the establishment.

A pristine swimming pool, surrounded by a beautiful courtyard, offers guests the opportunity to cool off on warm days, and a bar and a number of deck chairs alongside the pool invite guests to relax and absorb the views of Table Mountain. The hotel has an intimate dining room where breakfast is served, or guests can choose to enjoy their breakfast at one of the hotel's sister properties in the Waterfront if they want some variety.

Address

The Dock House,Portswood Close, Portswood Ridge, V&A Waterfront

Directions

From the N2 (Cape Town International Airport/the Winelands/Hermanus/The Garden Route): Take the N2 towards Cape Town. Keep on this road until you enter the city, following the signs for Cape Town North, and then 'M6/Sea Point/Waterfront'. You will then see the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on your left-hand side (very large cream-coloured building), and there will be a set of traffic lights at a major junction.

Continue over the traffic lights into Lower Buitengracht until the first set of traffic lights. Turn right at the traffic lights into Helen Suzman Boulevard. Move into the lane signposted  'Portswood Road/V&A Waterfront'.

Turn right at the traffic lights into Portswood Road. Turn right at the entrance of The Commodore Hotel and continue driving until you reach a security officer at the boom. Continue straight ahead and The Dock House is approximately 100m in front of you.

From the N1: Follow the road into Cape Town where it merges with the N2, and you will see the CTICC on your left-hand side. Follow the directions as above.

South Africa is today one of the major producers and exporters of wines worldwide, and has been producing wine since the middle of the 17th century. Franschhoek is nestled at the bottom of a valley, surrounded by rolling mountains, and is arguably one of the most prettiest villages in South Africa.

There are over 20 wine estates in the region, and staying in the area will give you the chance to either search out the labels you are familiar with from home or to go on a voyage of discovery and find new favourites.

The main street in Franschhoek is home to many excellent restaurants, and no fewer than 8 feature in the country's Top 100, quite deservedly earning the town the reputation of being South Africa's 'Food and Wine Capital'.  Other activities include walking trails, hiking, cycling, horse-riding, fly fishing and golf. For those more adventurous, paragliding offers a stunning bird's eye view of the area. Or simply amble among an array of art shops, galleries and specialist stores that grace the village centre.

The Last Word Franschhoek is an exclusive 5* residence situated right in the heart of the gourmet village of Franschhoek. It is private and peaceful, yet only a minutes walk from the many award-winning restaurants and numerous character-filled boutique shops and galleries.

The generous guest lounge opens onto a sun-drenched poolside patio and courtyard featuring a sparkling pool. Adjacent to this is the beautiful dining room. Abundant sunshine and fresh air spill through the large windows, elevating moods and dining experiences. The self-service Resident's Bar offers a selection of quality beverages and is always available for your enjoyment. Raise a toast the end of another perfect day out from Last Word Franschhoek's private rooftop patio, a personal space to pair champagne moments with gorgeous wrap-around views.

The accommodation offers 8 lavishly appointed, spacious en-suite Superior Rooms and 2 sumptuous Pool Suites.

Address

The Last Word Franschhoek,68 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek

Directions

From Cape Town (via N1): Drive out of Cape Town on the N1 past Belville and Brackenfell turn-offs. Continue past the Winelands 1-Stop Engen petrol station as well as the first Stellenbosch turn-off after the petrol station. Take the next turn-off named Stellenbosch/Klapmuts and turn right at the stop on the R44.

Approximately 600m further, go over the 4-way stop. Shortly after the 4 way stop (+/-400m) turn left at the Franschhoek sign. Carry along this road for approximately 8 km until it ends at a T-junction at which you turn right to Franschhoek on the R45. This road will take you straight into Franschhoek (approximately 16 km further).

The Last Word Franschhoek is on right-hand side of the main street in Franschhoek, opposite the River Cafe.

From Cape Town (via N2): Drive out of Cape Town on the N2, and take the first Stellenbosch turn-off (Baden Powell Drive/R310) and keep on travelling to Stellenbosch. You will eventually pass the Spier Wine Estate (on your right) and a few kilometres after that, the road will end at a T-junction (approximately 13 km from the N2 turn-off).

Turn right at the T-junction and travel into Stellenbosch. You will pass over 3 traffic lights - keep to your left. The road ends at a T-junction at which you turn left. Pass over 3 traffic lights and shortly after the 3rd set, turn right at a set of lights at the Franschhoek/Idas Valley sign.

This road will take you over the mountain on the Helshoogte Pass, through Johannesdal and through Pniel and eventually ends at a T-junction (16 km from Stellenbosch). This T-junction is shortly after the Boschendal Wine Estate (which would have been on your right). Turn right at the T-junction onto the R45 to Franschhoek. This road will take you straight into Franschhoek (approximately 13 km further). Follow the directions as above.

From Hermanus/The Garden Route: Either follow the N2 to the Baden Powell Drive/R310 exit, and follow the directions as above OR you can take the more scenic route via the Franschhoek Pass - leave the N2 at the R43 towards Villiersdorp (16 km past Caledon) and follow this road to Villiersdorp. Turn onto the R45 and go over the Franschhoek Pass to Franschhoek. Turn right into the Main road (R45) at the Monument. The Franschhoek is on left-hand side of the main street in Franschhoek, opposite the Tourism Centre.

Situated right in the heart of the Garden Route and set on the shores of a beautiful lagoon, Knysna (pronounced 'Nysna') is a bustling little holiday town with a lively Waterfront area.

The excellent selection of accommodation and restaurants, coupled with the many activities on offer, makes this a superb holiday destination and a perfect base from which to explore the many attractions of the Garden Route. The annual Knysna Oyster Festival takes place mid-year in Knysna and is one of the area’s annual highlights, boasting amazing food, great music and friendly people.

The Knysna Lagoon is sheltered from the ocean by a coral reef and the Knysna Heads - 2 large cliff formations which form a natural narrow opening into the ocean. Several operators offer relaxing catamaran trips and sunset champagne cruises out to the Heads and into the open sea, which is a great way to escape the busy streets for a while.

The surrounding forests and nature reserves provide ample opportunity for leisurely walks or picnics, short hikes or more strenuous day walks, plus a number of biking trails. Nearby Brenton-on-Sea beach is a magnificent 7 km stretch of uninterrupted white sands around a half heart-shaped bay.

On the shores of the tranquil lagoon on the Garden Route is The St James of Knysna, owner run Country House Hotel. The luxuriously appointed suites and rooms offer spectacular views across the peaceful lagoon to the dramatic Knysna Heads or over the magnificent 3 acre gardens.

At the Manor House you’ll find the luxurious George Rex and Lady Anne Suites, both situated on the first floor boasting large lagoon facing balconies. Along with these you’ll find 2 garden facing Deluxe Suites and a smaller double Room.

The Courtyard, which is adjacent to the Manor House, consists of 4 Superior Suites, 3 of which are Lagoon facing, all with balconies are located on the upper floor and 3 Deluxe Lagoon facing Suites and two Junior Suites nestle around the Mediterranean courtyard with a private swimming pool.

Light refreshments can be ordered from reception throughout the day, and can be served in the dining room, in the garden, at the swimming pool, or in your room or suite.

Address

St James of Knysna,The Point, Eastford, Knysna

Directions

From Cape Town/Hermanus/The Winelands/Swellendam/Wilderness: Follow the N2 to Knysna. When you approach Knysna, you will cross a bridge - there will be a small section of the lagoon on your left, and the main lagoon will be on your right. Approximately 3 km from the bridge you will see a sign for The Point, where you turn off to the right. The St James is signposted off this road.

From Port Elizabeth/Plettenberg Bay: Take the N2 to Knysna. Drive straight through the town, and you will see a sign for The Point, where you will turn off to the left. Follow the directions as above.

From Oudtshoorn: Depart Oudtshoorn, and follow the N12 towards George. Join the N2 and head to Knysna, following the directions above.

The 5* Bukela Lodge, situated in the 8,500 hectare, malaria-free Big 5 Amakhala Game Reserve less than an hours drive from Port Elizabeth, offers a gentle, tranquil escape from the world.

The abundant wildlife that can be seen on guided game drives includes lion, cheetah, black and white rhino, elephant, giraffe, zebra and buffalo.

The main lodge comprises a reception, dining and sitting area with a central fireplace which is always the centre of attraction in winter.

Also available are a media and library area with Internet, television, DVD player, games and books and a large wooden pool deck overlooking a small dam frequented by buffalo.

A separate area known as a boma adjoins the main lodge where bush braais can be enjoyed under the open starry African night.

The lodge offers 4 suites (3 standard suites and one Honeymoon Suite) and 10 luxury safari tents, each individually styled in African simplicity while never compromising on luxury. They are all separated from the main lodge by wooden walkways and indigenous bush.

The suites and safari tents are well appointed for guests' optimal comfort with every amenity, including a large, en-suite bathroom with a spa bath overlooking the African bush, an indoor and outdoor shower for the more adventurous, a central fireplace for romantic evenings, air-conditioning, underfloor heating, a private wooden deck, bar fridge and hot drink amenities. The Honeymoon Suite has a huge 4-poster mahogany bed.

Address

Bukela Lodge,Off the N2, Amakhala Game Reserve

Directions

Note that Port Elizabeth has been renamed Gqeberha, and Grahamstown has been renamed Makhanda - both names for each place can appear on roadsigns and maps and can be used interchangeably.

From Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha): Follow the N2 from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) towards Grahamstown (Makhanda) for approx 70 km. Turn RIGHT onto the R342 to Alexandria - DO NOT take the first turning onto the R342 (left) to Paterson - the right hand turn onto the R342 is exactly 3 km further down the N2 from the left turn to Paterson. Go through the security gate into the Amakhala Game Reserve and follow the signs to Bukela Game Lodge (you will be driving about 7.5 km through the reserve).

From Grahamstown (Makhanda): Follow the N2 from Grahamstown (Makhanda) towards Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) for approx 55km. Turn LEFT onto the R342 to Alexandria. Go through the security gate into the Amakhala Game Reserve and follow the signs to Bukela Game Lodge (you will be driving about 7.5 km through the reserve).

Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.