Have you ever visited a destination where, from the minute you leave, you're already planning on how to get back there?
I recently visited Bartholomeus Klip in partnership with Miles For Style.
Miles For Style in an online platform that offers a shopping experience like no other. You can shop luxury products, five star wines and of course beautiful accommodation like Bartholomeus Klip. The added bonus? They are a loyalty programme in partnership with SAA voyager where you can convert an (unlimited) amount of voyager Miles into their very own Style Miles and use them to shop the amazing offerings they have online. From craft beer to electronics, homeware products, destinations and more.
Basically - what this means for us regular folk is, instead of banging our proverbial head against the wall because we couldn't get a specific flight or upgrade there is an alternative option. You can use miles for a weekend away or shop to your hearts content. And if you don't have enough miles? You can simply top up with cash. A perfect shopping experience if you ask me.
Bartholomeus Klip is situated a mere hour outside of Cape Town where it rests at the foot of the surrounding mountains of Riebeek Kasteel and Wellington on the Elandsberg nature reserve.
This spectacular farmhouse simply took my breath away.
On arrival we were met with bubbles and a fireplace to warm the cockles (it was cold after all).
Not a bad start to a two day getaway.
The house has 5 gorgeous bedrooms and the property has two additional self-catering cottages hosting up to 8 guests luxurious rooms and true country charm!
The farm also boasts the more contemporary comforts and a quick dip in the pool is compulsory for cooling down on hot summers days.
The farmhouse is famous for their food.
To put it bluntly, I was utterly blown away and I don't think I stopped eating for three days.
The breakfasts, (which made me redefine my entire understanding of the term) were nothing short of decedent.
Tables were opulently adorned with everything from baked muesli pies to chocolate waffles, cheese, tarts, pastries, stewed fruit, granola, charcuterie, nut spreads and more!
The food throughout the stay was amazing. At every sitting we were spoilt for choice; be it vetkoek or eclairs at high tea or the perfect muffin before the early mornings game drive.
Dinner was a 4 course affair showcasing the star of the show; fresh (and seasonally accurate) local produce.
Highlights were the smoked tomato soup with confit garlic, the fresh seafood chowder and of course, not one to shy away from desserts...the chocolate mousse with fennel ice cream was exquisite. I highly recommend visiting to experience the fantastic food.
The farm is a hive of activities. You can choose to go on a nature walk, take a game drive at sunset or go bird watching. The gardens are teeming with birdlife and sitting on the patio pretending to be Sir David Attenborough was certainly a highlight.
The game drives depart every morning and you can expect to see bontebok and buffalo.
We took in sunset with g&t sundowners and sat overlooking the lake of breeding blue cranes.
If game drives aren't your cup of tea - then take a canoe out onto the lake at sunset and admire nature from a unique lookout point.
The property is on a 10 000 acre nature reserve so there is plenty to explore and see.
For the more foodie orientated types (like me) Batholomeus Klip offers the ultimate opportunity to step into the kitchen and receive instruction from world class chefs. We were treated to a cooking class and a parting gift of the farmhouse's cook book (which I am most definitely going to be using)
Just 15 minutes away is Riebeek Kasteel, a quaint little town that offers craft beer tasting, great little stores and one of my favourite lunch spots, Mama Cucinas. Unpretentious Italian cuisine thats an absolute must if you are in the area.
If you are in the mood for Wine tastings, Bosman wines and Kloovenburg are worth the visit.
Bosman have a wonderful family history and although they don't have a restaurant, their wine more than makes up for it.
Their single block Chenin blanc is crisp and fresh and I couldn't resist buying some for home.
Kloovenburg wines and Olive products are also fantastic.
I am a huge fan of their quality Olive Oil and believe it or not they produce the only olives that I actually eat.
If you don't try their blueberry olives then you are missing out.
Isn't it fantastic that all of these activities and destinations are only an hour outside of Cape Town?
If you take a drive out around this time of year, you will be sure to catch the rolling canola fields.
Oceans of yellow will surround you on your drive... With a good song and good company you are in for a great adventure.
So, the only question remaining is; what are you waiting for?
-Melissa