The De Hoop Nature Reserve – spectacularly beautiful with pristine white sand, turquoise sea and miles and miles of unspoilt nature, is one of the most diverse reserves in South Africa.
And in its heart lies the De Hoop Collection, part of Cape Country Routes.
The De Hoop Collection offers a range of affordable accommodation ranging from campsite rondawels and self-catering cottages and houses overlooking the vlei to the luxury Opstal suites. Dotted around the central Opstal area – where there’s a pool with views over the vlei, a tennis court, the Fig Tree restaurant and its in-a-silo wine cellar, are a dozen or so of the Collections Cape Dutch style suites.
Also the De Hoop Villa Collection comprising De Mond Villa – a serene, secluded escape with contemporary comforts and panoramic views, Melkkamer Manor House – a heritage gem offering old-world charm and spacious elegance, and De Hoop Collection’s latest expression of refined simplicity, privacy and natural beauty, the ‘new kid on the block’ – De Hoop Villa.
- De Hoop Villa, an exclusive and fully catered retreat that successfully blends modern comfort with the tranquillity of the surrounding fynbos landscape opened its doors in November. Inspired by De Mond Villa’s layout it is designed to accommodate up to six guests and features three beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms – two located within the villa and one, just a few steps away in a private, standalone suite. Guests can unwind in the elegant lounge with a fireplace and featuring some exquisite Grootbos Florilegium artwork, take a dip in the private swimming pool or enjoy the warmth of the Kolkol wood-fired hot tub while admiring panoramic views stretching across the fynbos towards the iconic sand dunes. The villa’s boma area provides the perfect setting for starlit dinners and fireside relaxation.
- De Mond Villa, a serene, secluded escape with contemporary comforts and panoramic vlei views. The five en- suite bedroomed luxurious, beautifully decorated, off-the-grid villa overlooks the beautiful Ramsar vlei and comes with incredible views, awesome interior décor, a boma and an inviting swimming pool. It is home to spectacular bird life and where wild bush pigs, otters, rock dassies and herds of Eland can be spotted and sometimes, sightings of tracks of the elusive leopard.
- …and the ‘grande dame’ of the Villa Collection, Melkkamer Manor, located on the opposite side of the vlei from the main Opstal area. Built in the 1800s, the magnificent sensitively restored sandstone house with its wrap-around verandah and spacious elegance offers an exclusive and tranquil accommodation experience. There are four en-suite bedrooms (with both bath and shower facilities), a spacious, fully equipped kitchen with an open fireplace, a dining room, a living room, indoor fireplaces and an outdoor barbecue area under the milkwood trees. Maintaining its historical authenticity the house has no standard electricity; it uses gas-powered appliances, with lighting provided by candlelight and lanterns. A generator is available for guests’ convenience at pre-determined times and Wi-Fi is also available. With its distinctive blend of historical grandeur and remote natural beauty, the Melkkamer Manor House provides a unique and luxurious escape within the De Hoop Nature Reserve.
Each villa offers exclusive use, fully catered meals, guided activities and warm, attentive service within this celebrated World Heritage Site – home to coastal dunes, fynbos and an abundance of wildlife.
