Bloomestate

Eating

Breakfast is served in the dining room of the main house, which has been decorated in the same colourful, contemporary vein as the bedrooms. Light floods in from its high French windows, mingling with the sound of a trickling Zen fountain. Unusually for South Africa, you'll be served by your hosts themselves, who will also help you plan your day's activities.

After kicking off with freshly squeezed orange juice, Carla and Maarten offer a big buffet of cereals, yoghurts, fresh fruit salad, local cheeses, cold meats, muffins and a selection of freshly baked breads, as well as black rye bread from Holland. And you'll be offered a different gourmet dish each day, which is prepared by Maarten and beautifully presented on sleek square plates of white porcelain.

No other proper meals are on offer but Carla and Maarten will happily prepare you a light lunch which can be brought to the lounge terrace, the swimming pool or to your bedroom terrace. This might be a seasonal salad served with warm garlic bread, an open sandwich, or a choice of breads and local cheeses.

Picnic hampers can also be prepared, which come complete with a map, a field guide to the local fynbos flora and fauna, and a pair of binoculars. You’re welcome to help yourself at any time to a selection of wines, including Bloomestate's own-label house wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz).

And there’s plenty of choice when it comes to eating out in Swellendam. The Old Mill restaurant is just across the street, with its lovely leafy terrace; and you’re just a short walk away from La Sosta which offers traditional Italian cusine. If you don’t mind jumping in the car (or making use of the guesthouse's restaurant transfer service), there are several more excellent eateries in the centre of town.