Three weekend getaways with jaw-dropping views

Nothing hits the reset button quite like some time away from the city, looking onto an uninterrupted vista, cocktail or coffee in hand. At any given time in Cape Town, you’re a short drive away from a stunning view and a relaxing weekend away, so why not make the most of it, hire a car and treat yourself to some time out. We’ve dug up four local destinations with gorgeous views that will be good for your soul (and good for your Instagram feed.)

The Olive Tree Villa, Yzerfontein

South Africa’s West Coast has a rugged appeal, with its wide open planes and wind-swept beaches. In Spring, the dry landscape gives way to fields upon fields of wild flowers. The Olive Tree Villa is situated in Yzerfontein, one of the quaint costal towns on the West Coast that boasts endless stretches of white-sand beaches.

Nestled among the fynbos in this coastal fishing village, the Olive Tree Villa offers luxurious accommodation with the iconic silhouette of Table Mountain fading in the background. The villa’s bold, modern architecture beautifully contrasts its rough surroundings and turns the villa into a destination in itself.

Located on the beachfront, the villa caters for whale, dolphin and bird-watching. A front-facing pool invites you to recline while enjoying the gorgeous views and sunsets. If you’re not one to leave technology behind, you’ll be happy to know that the villas offers wifi, Netflix and Showmax. Small luxuries like extra length king size beds and 100% linen haven’t been overlooked either – if you’re looking for a short trip from the city, The Olive Tree Villa is for you!

Nima Lodge, Wilderness

On South Africa’s other coast, a somewhat longer drive from Cape Town (we would estimate about a five-hour drive), you’ll find the lush green town of Wilderness. The East Coast of South Africa offers as many beaches as the West Coast, but here the terrain is greener, with cliffs and rocky coastline giving way to beautiful beaches. The water is warmer and the climate is altogether more mild with less intense winds and less drastic swings in temperature.

Perched on the hills of Wilderness you’ll find Nima Lodge, the ultimate sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the city – you’ll feel like you’re a world away. Nima Lodge offers self-catering accommodation with splendid views over wooded hills and valleys, that will refresh your soul and lend themselves to some spectacular images.

There are three spacious chalets, each of which comes with a fully equipped kitchen including a two plate induction stove, a convection oven, mini bar fridge and all cooking utensils. The chalets boast wrap around balconies and floor to ceiling windows that let in plenty of light.

Apart from the jaw-dropping views, Nima Lodge offers several activities so that you can enjoy the area to its fullest: from morning yoga sessions to guided hikes, it will be easy to stay active here. You can also enjoy fresh, locally-sourced vegetarian breakfast on request and a beautiful shared lounge area, complete with sundeck and pool.

Tintswalo Atlantic, Chapman’s Peak

A little closer to the city, there’s a magical drive that is perhaps one of the most famous in the world: Chapman’s Peak drive. The western flank of Chapman’s Peak mountain drops sharply for hundreds of metres into the Atlantic Ocean. Winding through the cliffs at the bottom of Chapman’s Peak is Chapman’s Peak drive. The drive offers a sweeping view over Hout Bay, Noordhoek and the Atlantic ocean.

Perfectly positioned to take in all the grandeur of this view is Tintswalo Atlantic, a 5-star, award-winning boutique lodge, nestled at the foot of Chapman’s Peak. The lodge sits right on the ocean, at a pebbled beach and enjoys panoramic views of the picturesque Hout Bay harbour, the dramatic Sentinel mountain peak, and the Atlantic Ocean beyond.

Tintswalo Atlantic offers the opportunity to truly spoil yourself without travelling too far from the city. Each suite is decorated in a unique style, according to individual themes drawing from the rich heritage of the lodge’s surroundings. Tintswalo promises all the luxuries and style you’d expect from a 5-star lodge, as well as unmatched views that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Fancy taking a bath with uninterrupted views over Hout Bay harbour and the Hout Bay Sentinel? The Elba & Corsica Suite will make your dream come true! Or would you prefer to see out the day with a sunset dinner on the deck, with sweeping views over the while bay? In that case the Lamu Island Suite is the one for you!

Tintswalo Atlantic offers a picturesque, cosy dining experience in their dining room featuring exciting meals created from fresh, locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients. The dining area leads to an expansive deck where you can enjoy ocean views and the fresh sea air.

Lastly, you’ll want to treat yourself to the divine spa experience that Tintswalo Atlantic offers you from the comfort of your suite, against the backdrop of ocean sounds and smells. The Tintswalo spa therapists promise to leave you feeling rejuvenated and peaceful.

And there you have it! Three destinations in different price ranges to enjoy spectacular views from. Escaping from the city is that easy!