Berne van Zyl’s favourite places and things to do

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OUTDOORS One of the most family-friendly recreational areas in the region is the Helderberg Nature Reserve. Situated on the southern slopes of the Helderberg mountains, the 398ha reserve offers numerous walking trails and idyllic picnic sites – no open flames allowed – consisting mainly of Kogelberg Sandstone Fynbos. There is an early riser key which friends of the reserve can buy for access in the cool of the early mornings. 021851 4060. Bikini Beach, named after university students who throng to this sheltered enclave, enjoys

Blue Flag status, meaning it is certified by the Foundation for Environmental Education, meeting stringent standards. The beaches are childfriendly and ideal for long walks.

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EAT A top-10 finisher for three years in a row, The Restaurant at Waterkloof was selected as South Africa’s Best Restaurant in the 2018

Eat Out Mercedes Benz Restaurant Awards. In 2019 executive chef Gregory Czarnecki was named South Africa’s Best Chef. The biodynamic ethos of the farm permeates the food and the wines. This is one of the most spectacular restaurant settings in the entire region. 021 858 1491.

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DRINK Thirsty Scarecrow offers 55 local craft and international beers on tap, 30-plus gins, and the largest selection of non-alcoholic spirits in Africa. You can sip a strawberry-based cocktail while enjoying a beer base pizza. 021 881 3444. On the wine front there are many estates, but those on the Schapenberg Wine Route benefit from the cool Atlantic sea breeze suitable for certain cultivars. A must-visit is Lourensford. Nestled in the basin of the Helderberg Mountains, its scenic splendour is matched by world-class wines. The winery offers tastings, including a Belgian chocolate and wine pairing and blind tasting challenge.

021 847 2300.

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SHOP Arguably one of the most scenic shopping centres in the region, The Sanctuary is fast becoming a favourite in the greater Somerset

West precinct. There is a range of shops offering beauty, fitness, convenience and great selection of restaurants. Visitors get 250mb free wi-fi daily and 90 minutes free undercover parking. 021 492 3877. If you’re looking for something unique, Chelsea Village is for you. Located in the heart of Somerset West, on bustling Bright Street, it offers a tranquil garden environment in which to meander and be inspired. There are also eateries in which to relax after a retail therapy session.

021 852 5738.

Chocolate and wine at Lourensford, where a blind pairing is a challenge.