STUFF TO DO
THE PLACE The De Hoop Collection is a privately run lodge (or rather, a number of varied accommodation options under one umbrella) within the De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Western Cape. Opened in 2007 by Carl Trieloff and William Stephens, the masterminds behind the fine Madikwe game lodges, it is in the Overberg region, a three-hour drive from Cape Town, splendidly situated between land and sea with all the best protected natural aspects of both, plus a bit of luxury to boot. range cooker and chimney have been preserved, as has the original, uneven stone floor. The fittings and furnishings in all the reserve’s accommodation options have been overseen by the discerning eye of Nini Stephens, who turns a hotel into a place of homely comfort with small original touches, artwork, antiques and objets d’art. EAT The charming and capable Marcia Tyobeka is head chef at the Fig Tree restaurant. Many of the greens included in her unfussy, beautifully balanced dishes come from the vegetable and herb gardens in courtyards behind the restaurant. Gates were recently added to the arched entrances to discourage the resident eland and bontebok from snacking on baby lettuces.
There are tables outside, where one can breakfast in the sun and watch chattering families of francolin on the lawns. The new Working in close partnership with Cape Nature, De Hoop offers guided marine walks, where guests can take a dip in silvery rock pools or just lounge on a series of beaches and look for whales beyond the surf. There is also a nesting colony of endangered Cape vultures nearby — soon guests not averse to a short, energetic climb will be able to visit these in their airy lairs. De Hoop also offers guided bird walks, mountain-bike trails, eco-boat cruises and stargazing excursions. And, as recovery from all this exertion, there is a tranquil spa with marvellous treatments. AND … In another CapeNature reserve long, long ago, I once stayed up most of the night waving a piece of salami in the air, in the hope that the scent might attract the rare and elusive bat-eared fox. No such luck. I had still not seen one in the wild when we arrived at De Hoop, but on the first morning, as we drove from the manor house towards the sea, across a field bounded not one, not two, but seven bat-eared foxes. Seven. They were beautiful. RATES Accommodation options vary broadly, from pretty waterside camping rondawels (with communal bathrooms) to cottages, houses, suites and the magnificent manor houses. Rates vary accordingly, from around R525 per person to R2 750 per person, with dinner, bed and breakfast options as well as self-catering choices and different packages. SPECIALS As part of De Hoop Collection’s 10th birthday celebrations, De Hoop Village will be charging just R1 500 per cottage (normal rate R4 950). The De Hoop Village units sleep six in one double room, one twin room and one room with bunk beds. There is a lounge, bathroom, dining room, fully equipped kitchen and outside braai area. Valid for new bookings only, ends July 27 2017. CONTACT Phone 021 422 4522; e-mail res@dehoopcollection.co.za; or visit dehoopcollection.com — De Groot was a guest of De Hoop