Rooms

Cool, contemporary and chic, Bloomestate's 7 guest bedrooms are also exceptionally comfortable. The Luxury Garden Rooms (extra-length kingsize or twin beds) are housed in a 2 low buildings which looks out across the neatly tended lawns and lavender beds to an ornamental pond. Red Cloud also has a kingsize bed and has the added edge of a huge ensuite with twin red basins and clever in-room LED, sensor lighting.

Rooms are named after seasons and elements; each has a wall papered in a pattern inspired by its name with cushions, blankets and jazzy, splashy paintings in matching colours. The furnishings in each room are identical: a swish slatted headboard and a bedside table, a white wooden wardrobe and a writing desk, creamy screed floors and some classic retro pieces - Mies van der Rohe's iconic black leather and chrome chairs, Eileen Gray's circular glass and chrome table.

Bathrooms are big and functional, almost clinical in feel, with plain white mosaic tiles, underfloor heating, freestanding bowls, a bathtub and a walk-in shower. Complimentary toiletries are by Karoo Lavender.

Beyond the chalky grey French windows is your own private slice of terrace beneath the stylish loggia, which runs the length of each building’s façade.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Safe box
• WiFi

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, Calvin and Chere 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, beautifully presented on sleek square plates of white porcelain.

There's a seasonally changing basic menu in your room; Chere 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, and for dinner some home made filled pasta.

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).

There’s plenty of choice 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 use the guesthouse's restaurant transfer service), there are several more excellent eateries in the centre of town.

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Lunch by arrangement
• Restaurants nearby

Activities

• Tour the local Robertson wine estate, stopping for lunch in its excellent restaurants
  
• Head for the beach making sure to take in the De Hoop Nature Reserve, one of the country’s top whale-watching locations (mid-June - October)
  
• The Breede River flows nearby, where you can fish, canoe or even go rafting in springtime
  
• Hike in the Bontebok National Park or in the Marloth Nature Reserve. Both have great trails as well as amazing fynbos flora and fauna
  
• Head up into the hills on a mountain bike and, if you’re really fit, to the top of the Tradouw Pass. The Langeberg Mountains are also good for horse riding
  
• Take a microlight flight over the Langeberg Mountains, or, in whale and dolphin season, head to the coast for bird's eye sightings
  
• Spend a lazy day exploring the old part of Swellendam. Don’t miss the Drostdy Museum which gives an insight into early settler life
  
• Spoil yourself with a spa treatment, either in the Bloom treatments rooms or in the Rain Forest Day Spa, we thoroughly enjoyed our massage and facial. You can also try reflexology, or sit and drink bubbly in the outdoor Jacuzzi!
  
• While away an afternoon with a good book and a pair of binoculars. You’ll see a lot of feathered activity in amongst Bloomestate’s greenery
  
• There's a 9-hole golf course just outside Swellendam

  Activities on site or nearby include:

  • Birdwatching
  • Cycling
  • Fishing
  • Golf
  • Hiking
  • Horse riding
  • Kayaking
  • Mountain biking
  • Museums / galleries
  • Plantlife / flora
  • Rafting
  • Whale watching
  • Wildlife
  • Wine tasting
  • Yoga

Kids

Children are welcome at Bloomestate and cots are free of charge. They will love the pool, the Jacuzzi and tearing about the ample gardens, although the pool is not fenced and there is no kids' pool. Some parents might feel self-conscious about disturbing the peaceful vibe but note there is plenty of space for everybody to relax. There's also a family lounge where children can play board games and computer games.

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

The Luxury Garden Rooms each have a single sofabed; larger families will need to take two adjoining rooms

Extra Beds Available

Distances:

• Airport: 2 hours (Cape Town & George Airports)
• Hospital: 5 minutes
• Shops: 3 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Bloomestate is in the peaceful town of Swellendam, about 2 hours and 40 minutes from Cape Town, in the Western Cape of South Africa.

By Air:
Cape Town International (200km) is the closest major airport, and an international hub. Click on the links below for a list of airlines. Swellendam also has a small airport, but this is for small private aircraft only.

From the Airport
The drive from Cape Town Airport takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes along good tarred roads, in a hire car or in a taxi / minibus can be arranged through the hotel.

By Car:
See our car rental recommendations.

Detailed directions will be provided when you book through i-escape.

More on getting to South Africa and getting around.