Some vacations are made for relaxation, and some are made for exploration.
I recently returned from a long weekend trip to the 4th oldest town in South Africa, Tulbagh in the Western Cape.
This charming little town lies at the northern edge of one of the most beautiful fertile valleys in the country.
The people in Tulbagh are renowned for their warmth and easygoing hospitality and I could see why.
Since the moment we arrived at The Tulbagh Boutique Heritage hotel, we were transported from the chaos of city life to a world of lush comfort and elegant hospitality.
Since the moment we arrived at The Tulbagh Boutique Heritage hotel, we were transported from the chaos of city life to a world of lush comfort and elegant hospitality.
The friendly receptionist checked us into a beautiful room in one of the manors that is a listed heritage property in Tulbagh.
The room oozed old world charm with crisp linen, yellow wood floors and sparkling chandeliers.
The room oozed old world charm with crisp linen, yellow wood floors and sparkling chandeliers.
After an easy check in procedure, we decided to explore the beautiful historic Church Street that makes up the largest concentration of National Monuments -32 in total.
It was amazing discovering the cluster of Cape Dutch, Edwardian and Victorian provincial heritage buildings during a magical sunset followed by a bottle of wine at one of the 3 pool areas on the hotel property that reminds me of Greece for some reason.
It was amazing discovering the cluster of Cape Dutch, Edwardian and Victorian provincial heritage buildings during a magical sunset followed by a bottle of wine at one of the 3 pool areas on the hotel property that reminds me of Greece for some reason.
Later that evening our hungry souls found an unusual eatery called Paddagang on Church Street where we had some of the finest Cape Dutch and Cape Malay cooking accompanied by a delicious blend of Shiraz & Pinotage from the Tulbagh Winery.
During dinner, we learned that Tulbagh was the site of the country’s most significant earthquake in 1969, after which an extensive and highly successful restoration project allowed the village to retain its historic feel.
During dinner, we learned that Tulbagh was the site of the country’s most significant earthquake in 1969, after which an extensive and highly successful restoration project allowed the village to retain its historic feel.
Day 2 started off with breakfast out on the patio under the White Karee tree, overlooking the lively and entertaining van der Stel street, at one of the most popular restaurants in Tulbagh, the Olive Terrace Bistro.
I was super impressed with their unwavering dedication to service and knowledge of the menu.
The restaurant also pride themselves in delivering only the freshest produce and tastes, which we experienced in both our breakfast and dinner meals.
The restaurant also pride themselves in delivering only the freshest produce and tastes, which we experienced in both our breakfast and dinner meals.
After breakfast, the manager of the hotel moved us over to the original main building that hosts 8 contemporary styled rooms.
She checked us into the Saronsberg Suite that also boasts an extra length king size bed and the best way to describe it is plush.
Each side has two cushy pillows, a thin sheet, and duvet. I personally had some of the best sleeps of my life in that bed.
She checked us into the Saronsberg Suite that also boasts an extra length king size bed and the best way to describe it is plush.
Each side has two cushy pillows, a thin sheet, and duvet. I personally had some of the best sleeps of my life in that bed.
The bathroom is spacious and lux with a large bespoke shower and something I don’t normally find at hotels…an oversized tub, perfect for 2 people.
For each guest, there’s the softest robe that is laid out neatly on your bed each night when you return to your room.
The room also has a closet complete with an iron, a flat-screen TV, a mini bar, a sitting area, a make-up desk.
You also get free mineral waters and a little treat at night when they turn the bed.
You also get free mineral waters and a little treat at night when they turn the bed.
We could easily have spent our entire day relaxing at the pool area where we experienced only great service, but the Tulbagh Boutique Heritage Hotel arranged for us to participate in various tours and activities during our stay which I will share in my next few posts with you.
Without feeling pretentious, the Tulbagh Boutique Heritage Hotel manages to mix the historical beauty of Tulbagh and world renowned luxury into one. The way this hotel focuses on its visitor experience is an art form.
