Plan your next holiday to South Africa!

We all know how hard it is to travel at the moment. But that does not stop us from dreaming about South Africa, and planning the next holiday for our clients. Something positive, something to look forward to – this is what everyone needs right now.

And this is why we will never stop exploring this beautiful country on your behalf. We have recently been to our famous and fabulous winelands for you….

Babylonstoren

Babylonstoren lies at the foot of the Simonberg in the picturesque Franschhoek valley wine route.

If you are for all things nature, natural and true Cape Dutch Style, this is just the place to be. Fully functional fruit and vegetable gardens are not just for those long summer’s strolls but provide delicacies straight to the dining tables. Their philosophy being farm-to-fork. Babel Restaurant is housed in the old cow shed that has been designed with a real farmstyle feel, and the food leaves a feeling of immense satisfaction – from the mouth-watering grilled lamb rack with glazed honey and soy sauce to the lightly smoked Franschhoek trout, served with fresh vegetables straight from the garden.

As for accommodation, you have a range of choices for all the different travellers’ needs. Farmhouse rooms have a more botanical theme combined with moody interiors. The Garden Cottages have luxurious interiors, some even with their own fireplaces for those colder evenings. The Fynbos Cottages are newly built in the Cape Dutch Style -they are very modern with a contemporary glass cube that hosts as the kitchen and dining area. A large sparkling Pool with Jacuzzi forms the centre part of these cottages and can be enjoyed on those warm summer days – sipping a cocktail next to the pool and just totally relaxing. Last but not least, the Manor House. This unit sleeps 10 – it has 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, as well as a private lawn and personalised, well-stocked larder. A library with interesting reading material and a huge old fireplace that could be just the thing, with a glass of Babylonstoren Red, listening to the conversations of family and friends and enjoying the very interesting architecture.

For the active party there are garden and cellar tours, as well as various workshops on the farm. Go for a relaxing massage, pamper those hands and feet or just go shop for all the goodies from the farm in the shop. Don’t forget to buy some extra wine to take home…😊

Grande Roche in Paarl

The old kid is back on the block!

With its beautiful well-established gardens, renovated Terrace Suites and the new Grande Roche Restaurant, the hotel is looking lovely. It has become a very well rounded product and will delight new and repeat guests. If you have ever stayed at the Grande Roche Hotel in the past, you will value that it still has all its old charm but also presents a new Grande Roche experience – a perfect mix of tradition and nostalgia combined with new anticipation and an evolved experience.

The Grande Roche opened its doors again at the beginning of November and is very ready to welcome guests – be it for a lovely dinner or scrumptious breakfast in the new Grande Roche Restaurant, or an overnight amongst the vineyards – they are ready and waiting! The new restaurant is headed up by Chef Kevin Grobler who does an amazing job treating your taste buds. Specialising in classic dishes which are very well put together – you can’t go wrong with any of the choices. The breakfast menu has also been revamped and is an absolute breathe of fresh air – boasting some very traditional dishes but also some out of the box options.

Grande Roche has a sister wine farm called Under Oaks and now also offers wine tasting and visits to Under Oaks, which will be arranged for you should you wish to visit. We enjoyed a personalised wine tasting with the GM, Johann, which was such a special experience!

With its wonderful value for money and offering, a visit or stay at the Grande Roche comes highly recommended. They are waiting to treat you to an experience you won’t soon forget, whether you are revisiting or coming for the first time!

Corona Update from South Africa:

We are still under adjusted Level 3 lock down restrictions until the 15.02.2021.

This means there are still no alcohol sales or transporting of alcohol allowed, curfew hours remain from 21h00 until 06h00, and all beaches remain closed.

Product Updates for this week

• Extraordinary is excited to announce the upcoming refurbishment of Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway in January 2021. Please be advised that the lodge will be closed between the 20th and 31st January 2021. We are looking forward to unveiling an even more luxurious lodge in February 2021 so watch this space for further information.

• The 3 Day Package – Marine Exploration Experience at Tintswalo Boulders valid until March 2021 (enquire for more details)

Let’s start dreaming and planning your clients’ next holiday to South Africa!