Three Family Destinations from Collection McGrath

The Collection by Liz McGrath offers three unique destinations where every element combines to provide the perfect environment for your family stay.

At each of our unique destinations all family activities have been designed to bring families together in a space where they can have fun in an educational way. We have hand-selected and developed family activities which include picking herbs and vegetables, exploring rock-pools, going on a bug safari, interactive cooking classes with our chefs and so much more. Grand Chef Peter Tempelhoff and the Head Chefs at our 6 restaurants have created tailored gourmet children’s menus to complement the a la cart menus available at each of our hotels. When parents want to have a ‘grown-up’ evening, babysitters can be arranged to entertain with games, storytelling or supervise the ever popular movies and popcorn evenings.

Family friendly offerings include:

• Welcome note and age appropriate activity packs for children
• Designated family activity areas
• Educational experiences
• Specially designed gourmet children’s menus
• Family picnics for daily excursions
• Babysitting services upon request
• Cots available on request

The Cellars-Hohenort

Set in the historic Constantia Valley, The Cellars-Hohenort offers a picturesque retreat in tranquil surroundings. The hotel has selected many options which are ideal for family stays, the largest being The Madiba Villa, affording you a luxurious Cape Dutch home away from home with its own private courtyard and solar heated plunge pool. With nine acres of beautiful gardens to explore, The Cellars-Hohenort is the perfect environment for family time. You and your children can discover the local herbs and vegetables being used in our menu options, explore the camphor walk, numerous ponds and so much more. While you relax and read a book your children can search for butterflies and insects or feed the ducks. Practice your golf technique on The Gary Player designed chipping and putting green and give your children some putting lessons or play a ‘mini-golf’ game. Family picnics can be enjoyed in the many secluded spots in the gardens or by one of the hotels swimming pools. There is also a tennis court located next to the spa and hair salon where Dad can play tennis with the kids while Mom has a relaxing spa treatment. There are numerous walks in the area and the Alphen Trail is just a five minute walk from the Hotel a popular walk for local families and visitors alike which meanders along a gentle stream in the Constantia Valley.

The Cellars-Hohenort is also the ideal location from which to explore the multitude of activities around Cape Town.

Some of the highlights for children:

• Bug safari’s where children can explore the gardens and look for local insects, birds and animals
• Picking and learning about herbs and vegetables with the chefs
• Interactive cooking classes with the chefs
• Creating your own menu with the chefs
• A selection of board games
• Bowling, croquet, hop scotch, mini golf and tennis
• Swimming
• Popcorn and movies

The Marine

Hermanus boasts spectacular views of Walker Bay and arguably the best land based whale watching in the world! The Marine is ideally situated for this very activity, located within walking distance of the picturesque town square. Spend your days relaxing at our heated courtyard pool or playing boule on the lawn. A tidal pool below the hotel offers endless entertainment for children who can spend their time investigating the local marine life. Bring a snorkel and mask and you can have an unforgettable “mini marine” adventure! The Cliff Path is a popular and gentle walk where families can discover the local fynbos, birdlife, rock pools and whale watching all the way from the new harbour to the beach. Grotto Beach in Hermanus has 18kms of pristine Blue Flag Beach to enjoy and a mere five minute drive from the Hotel.

From June to November Southern Right Whales come into Walker Bay to mate and calve. Whales can be spotted whilst relaxing in your luxury sea-view rooms or the elegant Sun Lounge. We definitely recommend a few hours with Local whale expert Dave de Beer who gives fun and educational talks to you and your children about the Southern Right Whales, marine “big 5”, bird life, flora, fascinating history and so much more.. The local Hermanus Whale Crier carrying his kelp horn is often in front of The Marine to tell you where the whales have been spotted. Hermanus is home to the Marine Big Five and whether it is watching the whales, dolphins, marvelling at the Great white sharks, viewing the Cape Fur Seals or being fascinated by the African Penguins you are bound to encounter a multitude of marine life. The Fernkloof Nature Reserve features an abundance of plant species from the Cape Floral Kingdom as well as a variety of spectacular walking trails. Additionally there are horse riding trails connecting the reserve to Grotto Beach.

The Marine Hotel is the ideal location from which to explore Hermanus and the abundant activities in the surrounding area.

Some of the highlights for children:

• Marine safari’s where children can explore the tidal pool and look for local marine life
• Encountering the Marine Big 5 whether from land, kayak, boat or micro light.
• Whale talk with local expert Dave de Beer
• Interactive cooking classes with the chefs
• Creating your own menu with the chefs
• A selection of board games
• Bowling, croquet, boule or hop scotch
• Swimming
• Popcorn and movies

The Plettenberg

Plettenberg Bay is South Africa’s premier family beach holiday destination.

Overlooking the Indian Ocean and the Tsitsikamma mountain range The Plettenberg Hotel offers an idyllic setting where year round ‘local’ schools of dolphins can be spotted from the hotel terraces and the comfort of your luxurious sea-view rooms. You may also encounter Southern Right whales from June to November. Situated on a rocky headland with panoramic views of the ocean you can while away a few hours with your family relaxing by the pool, swimming and playing games. It is a mere two minute walk down to the popular Central Beach where there are a variety of water sports available across all ages to discover the variety of marine life in the bay including whales, dolphins and seals. Pack a picnic for the day and spend time on the nearby Robberg Blue Flag Beach or walking in the splendid Nature Reserve of the same name. In the Tsitsikamma forest families can amongst many other activities enjoy a tree top canopy tour or discover the giant old yellowwood trees. There are also a range of animal sanctuaries where families can encounter monkeys, birds, elephants and other animals “up close and personal”.

The Plettenberg Hotel is the ideal location from which to explore the natural beauty of Plettenberg Bay and surrounds.

Some of the highlights for children:

• Buckets and spades to build sandcastles
• Body boards to ride the waves
• Beach cricket and beach tennis
• Interactive cooking classes with the chefs
• Creating your own menu with the chefs
• A selection of board games
• Swimming
• Popcorn and movies
• Playing in the puzzle park
• Walking with elephants
• Visiting the Monkeyland primate sanctuary
• Birds of Eden

Terms and Conditions

• Children under 3 years of age can be accommodated across all categories of room in a camper cot with his or her parents.
• One child up to 16 years of age can be accommodated in the parent’s rooms when booking selected Luxury double rooms and guaranteed when booking Suites or Premier Suites.
• All additional rooms for family travel (i.e. with children under 16 years of age) will be charged at 50% off the rack rates other than in peak season as reflected on our rate sheets.