Travellers Kelli Clifton and partner
Destination Cascade Country Manor, Boutique Hotel, Paarl
Dates 7 to 8 June 2014

Your reason for visiting this destination I was lucky enough to be invited to review the four-star hotel and its facilities. It is the perfect excuse to get away if you reside in Cape Town, even if it’s just for the night. The drive is about 40 minutes from the Mother City, traffic depending.

Our Little Black Book

The best hotel We stayed just for a night, however, Cascade ticked all the boxes for us. The rooms are spacious and warm, and we had lots of privacy. The hotel has plenty of great facilities, like an indoor and an outdoor swimming pool, delicious set-menu dinners, and walking and mountain biking trails. It’s child friendly too.

The best place for dinner We settled in to dine off the set-dinner menu at Cascade boutique hotel. The dining area is cosy and intimate. The portions are huge and the menu changes every night.

The best place for lunch We checked in at 2pm, desperately in need for some lunch. We took advantage of the sunny weather and sat on the terrace overlooking the pool area. For lunch, I’d recommend getting one of the platters to share. The food is fresh and delicious.

The best place for a drink If the weather’s great, it’s essential to have a drink on the terrace overlooking the pool. If it’s a little chilly, pop on over to the lounge area where there’s a fireplace to warm you up, as well as books and board games to keep you entertained.

The first thing travellers should do upon reaching this destination You must visit the waterfall! It was situated only 200m away from our room so it’s easily accessible. Luckily there had been a lot of rainfall so the waterfall was exceptionally majestic. During the summer time, Cascade even offers spa treatments right next to the waterfall, which I definitely want to experience!

Watch out for… Keks, the owners’ adorable Jack Russell. Maybe I’m a little biased as I am a dog-lover, but if you happen to spend some time at the hotel, be it outside or in the living room area, he’ll definitely come to greet you. He performs a trick by sitting on his hind legs (very still), begging for titbits. He’s too cute to resist, so be careful you don’t end up giving him half your meal.

Don’t leave without… Walking around and exploring the grounds. Cascade has the most magnificently manicured gardens. And definitely try out the spa! I experienced a glorious foot massage that left me feeling totally relaxed and calm. Lastly, if you’re an olive oil lover, be sure to try out the olive oil tasting facility.

Insider tip Don’t be discouraged to visit Cascade during the winter months. There’s always a roaring fire in the lounge or in the dining area if the temperature drops. It’s honestly one of the best romantic getaways I’ve ever been on and cannot wait to try it out during the summer as I’m sure my experience will be completely different.

Another tip This is a fabulous wedding venue! Be sure to consider it if you want to get married in the Western Cape.

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