Best Winter Weekend Getaways

5 May

Anyone looking for an exciting weekend escape this winter can enjoy warm hospitality – including log fires – with breathtaking views at Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate at Hermanus, nestled in the Walker Bay region of the Western Cape.

Oceanfront villas are available for holiday rentals all year round, providing guests with an unparalleled experience in one of South Africa’s most notable coastal habitats, says estate owner Penny Streeter OBE:

“Guests can enjoy a warm and cosy winter break, with log fires in all the villas, the restaurant and tasting room, and eco-friendly inverters providing power during loadshedding. Outdoors, there’s lots to do, with pontoon boat wine excursions and watersports. The entertainment programme features art and live music, and delicious food and wine of course – and it’s a great time for whale-watching, to see the famous Southern Right Whales in Hermanus.”

The eco-friendly Hermanus wine farm and holiday destination recently clinched the national ‘Cellar Door Experience of the Year’ award in the 10th Annual South Africa Special Report by renowned wine writer, Tim Atkin. The estate unveiled a new oyster and seafood bar, with the estate celebrating its three 5-star and ten 4.5-star awards in the prestigious Platter’s 2023 South Africa Wine Guide.

Villa guests are greeted by views of the picturesque lagoon, which is protected from the Atlantic Ocean by a sandbar. The winery on the estate features a restaurant and wine-tasting lounge, and there are complimentary pontoon boat cruises for villa guests, to enjoy tastings of some of the best South African wines anywhere.

Holiday Villas

The self-catering holiday villas offer full amenities, including Wi-Fi, log fires, outdoor braai, swimming pool, and sundeck – all within a secure, private area on the estate. Each accommodates 6 to 10 guests, with en-suite bedrooms and fully equipped kitchens making the villas perfect for family vacations, staycations, wedding celebrations and company away-days.

Benguela Cove estate offers pick-up services from Cape Town International Airport upon arrival, and in-villa guided wine tastings, as well as cellar tours and vineyard safaris available for booking.

Visitors can explore the free art exhibition daily from 10:00 to 18:00. ‘The Art of Living: Visit, Reflect, Explore, and Experience’ showcases both established and emerging artists working in diverse modern styles and mediums. Guests can sip on a glass of wine, while admiring the paintings and sculptures for sale amidst the tranquil atmosphere of the gallery and outdoor areas.

The lagoon beachfront offers guests an array of water-based activities, with exclusive boat access. Activities include sailing, motorboating, paddleboarding, waterskiing, fishing, and kitesurfing. The estate’s on-site facilities provide boat storage, a tractor, and a slipway that makes launching boats quick and effortless for guests.