Unfettered luxury reserve
Discover the unbridled beauty of Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, resting beneath the craggy mountain peaks of the Overberg, overlooking the white sands of Walker Bay, embedded into the fynbos and milkwood forests, in one of the Cape’s flagship eco reserves.
There are few places out there for us to venture to, that present such a plethora of historical, cultural, and natural insights and escapades, all at once. Where luxury travel is delicately intertwined with the abiding conservation efforts of its ecosystem. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve manages to dish up the platinum travel wish list on one mammoth silver platter. Its serving spoons gilded and pungent with the fragrance of fynbos. Its ambience as pacifying as the gentle, melodic lullaby that’s being sung by the landscape.
Settled on over 3,500 hectares of pristine botanical wilderness, within the Walker Bay Nature Reserve, surrounded by the Overberg mountains and the great expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, this hideaway is considered to be one of the most unique places in the world, according to National Geographic. Of its almost a thousand plant species, one hundred of them have been listed as endangered, and seven of them were in fact first discovered on the reserve. Home to over twenty-three mammal species, a few ancient milkwood forests, as well as the marine’s big five. That silver platter generously extends itself the further you explore. And this is just the nature side of things. When you’re out on excursions with the passionate and knowledge team of guides. Traversing the ancient Khoi terrain. Taking in the scents on beautiful botanical walks, the birdwatching and wildlife sights on the 4×4 drives. The beach excursions, horse riding, cave hunting, forest foraging, river cruising, sand duning and of course whale watching. The reserve liberally escorts you and your chosen clan through the Western Cape’s utopia. And then appoints you in the direction of your luxury suite, villa or even an exclusive lodge. Depending on the size of that chosen clan.
Five-star family affair in nature
Alongside the deeply embedded ethos of Grootbos Private Nature Reserve; its eco awareness, preservation, and efforts of regeneration, sit those opulent platters that you and the clan will feast and sip from. Experiencing all of the luxury one expects from a platinum hot list. The culinary excursions will be as riveting as the nature. The perfect pairing, if you ask us.
Luxurious suites within the lodges and villas that can accommodate families, friends or couples. The 11-bedroomed Garden Lodge, the 16-bedroomed Forest Lodge, the 6-bedroomed Fynbos Villa, 4-bedroomed Sunbird Villa, and the expansive communal areas of the reserve. Wellness spas, heated swimming pools, playrooms and pony stables. Cosy fireplaces lit by the butlers. Elegant meals prepared by the private chefs and wine served from the cellars. A gym to work off all of the feasting if the activities don’t quite take the exercise cake. All of the simple pleasures are taken into account, in accordance with your own zest for luxury. The only thing left to do, in the minutes or hours you have available to yourself, is to ponder your own existence in this remarkable spot in the world. That’s what this hideaway has a humble way of doing. Holding up the mirror to what it means to walk in such a place. To witness the wildlife roam and swim free. Without any maps, only that primal sense of seeking.
What we love!
- Taking magical walks through the ancient Milkwood forests, learning all about the boundless landscape and its inhabitants.
- The fynbos focus extends to an extensive collection of botanical art. As artists continue to document the plant species that are discovered here.
- Arriving by helicopter from Cape Town is truly one of the most scenic routes (if you’re lucky, you’ll spot some whales in Walker Bay). There’s also a landing strip for small planes.
- The endless-star service that you receive at the reserve from all pillars and posts.
- It goes without saying, but just to reiterate…the nature is breathtaking!
What you need to know…
- Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a year-round destination and ideal to include with a safari itinerary.
- It is less than a two-hour drive from Cape Town, and only an hour’s drive from the southernmost tip of Africa. And only a short drive to the beach via De Kelders seaside village.
- For all of your chosen marine safaris, ensure that they are booked in advance.
- There are a number of wonderful activities that you and your travelling clan can partake in. The concierge team and fantastic field guides will escort you on some truly memorable journeys. Especially a visit to the Klipgat Cave at De Kelders – a World Heritage Site.
- If Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses in the Overberg.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie