There is something special about staying at a charming country hotel that takes you back in time, the epitome of an elegant bygone era. For those looking to adopt a slower pace of life, at least for a short while, escape the busy city and head for the quaint town of Montagu.
Situated along world-famous Route 62, the longest wine route in the world, you will find the unique 4-star Montagu Country Hotel. Having welcomed guests through its iconic stained-glass doors since 1875, it is the only original Art Deco hotel in the country where you are guaranteed a one-of-a-kind stay. It was our first visit to the pretty town of Montagu and having recently won the KFM 94.5 Best of the Cape ‘Best Dorpie’ Award, we were keen to experience the warm country hospitality that this Klein Karoo town is so well known for.
Nestled between the Langeberg mountain ranges of the Western Cape, Montagu makes for an ideal country escape as it is within easy driving distance from Cape Town. Enjoy a scenic 2 ½ drive (depending on how many stops you make) through dramatic mountain passes and wine farms and prepare to be welcomed by the Montagu Country Hotel team. Warm smiles and a glass of Montagu Muscadel greeted us upon check-in, and after a brief tour of the property, we strolled through the lush gardens to our suite.
ACCOMMODATION
There is nothing quite like entering a magnificent room or suite for the first time. Housed in one of two Victorian Villas in the garden with views of the imposing mountains, the spacious Executive Suite is beautifully furnished with original early French mahogany masterpieces.
I like to think of it as the perfect honeymoon suite. Fit for royalty, I loved the thoughtful attention to detail and its refined, romantic elegance. It features an enormous and very comfortable bed with a plush burgundy bedpost and an ornately carved dressing table.
A lovely seating area overlooks the balcony doors and the garden below. The gorgeous freestanding tub for two is found on the opposite side, complete with double vanity and a large shower. The toilet is discreetly tucked away behind a closed door.
The rooms in the main building are mostly decorated in the unique Art Deco style that the hotel is famous for, but all rooms and suites are individually decorated for your comfort and wellbeing. For something completely different, you may want to book the African hut, a standalone African Chic rondavel surrounded by lush foliage in the tranquil garden. Click here for information on their rooms and suites to suit all tastes and budgets. You’ll find some fabulous special deals and packages.
Good to know: The hotel is pet and family-friendly, and offers one self-catering unit that is wheelchair-accessible.
WINING & DINING
Tasting local cuisine and wines is all part of the travel experience. The Montagu Country creates delicious and wholesome country dishes that will tantalise your tastebuds.
Start your day at Charlestons Restaurant and tuck into a delectable breakfast buffet spread beside the fireplace, or outdoors on the garden patio accompanied by the sweet sound of birdsong and Coco the cat. Perhaps she’ll be in the mood to pose for a photoshoot.
A touch of romance is added in the evenings as you dine by candlelight while sampling local country fare and a range of quality wines from the area. The dinner menu offers a sumptuous selection of starters and traditional dishes such as Karoo Lamb Pie and Lamb Curry.
House specialities include Locally Smoked Pork Loin (this one was a winner!) and Roasted Venison Loin. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, with some seafood dishes as well. Dessert lovers will not be disappointed with the choice of sweet treats.
Fancy coffee and cake or a cool cocktail? Feathers & Flatcaps is a lovely coffee and cocktail lounge and the place to be for a convivial atmosphere. Sip on Bootlegger coffee with a generous slice of cake on the side or sip on a fruity cocktail at the bar. The spacious outdoor deck is ideal for a leisurely lunch as you watch the world go by while planning your activities for the next day.
ACTIVITIES
There is plenty to see and do in and around Montagu, so set aside 4 to 5 days if possible. Choose from a variety of activities and attractions that include market visits, wine and olive tastings, museums, game and nature reserves, farm tours, hot springs and more. Our 2-night stay wasn’t nearly enough to explore it all, but we made the most of our time in Montagu, scheduling in some R&R and sightseeing.
SPA & WELLNESS CENTRE
Spending time at the spa is a must if you truly want to escape the stresses of modern living. The tranquil onsite Spa & Wellness Centre is just the place to relax and rejuvenate your body, mind and soul.
The serene oasis offers a range of treatments including couples’ treatments, massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. My personal favourite was a calming therapeutic soak in their thermal spring Jacuzzi. Even 30 minutes in the mineral-rich thermal spring water will have you relaxed in no time.
My husband doesn’t “do spas”, but he joined me in the private double volume Jacuzzi. We were blown away by how reinvigorated we both felt. Read more about the treatments on offer.
AMERICAN DREAM CARS
It isn’t every day that you get to cruise around in an iconic 1956 or 1964 Cadillac Sedan DeVille. Get ready to turn heads while driving around Montagu with a registered guide on one of their Classic American Dream Car Tours, exploring either the town or nearby wine cellars.
As luck would have it, the owner of Montagu Country Hotel, P-J Basson, offered to take us on an early morning Montagu Town Tour. P-J is a fountain of knowledge and regaled us with anecdotes about the town and its people. This is such a fun and unique way to experience the town and comes highly recommended.
THINGS TO DO
The friendly folks at the hotel’s Activity Hub will assist you with booking tours and offer advice and tips on what to see and do.
Here are some ideas to inspire your Montagu explorations, many of which are within walking distance of the hotel:
- The hotel’s location is ideal for a historical walk around Montagu (either on your own or a guided tour), taking in the different architectural styles of the houses and churches. Bicycle and ghost tours can also be arranged. Enquiries can be made at the Tourism Association based at the hotel.
- Experience a slice of Montagu life at the Montagu Village Market. Held each Saturday in the lovely Euvrard Park in Bath Street, it is popular with both locals and visitors.
- Visit the bird hide at the corner of Barry and Bath Street. Leiwater Dam has a large variety of indigenous birds with more than 52 visiting species identified.
- Browse the town’s art galleries, museums, thrift and antiques stores.
- Take a stroll through the Montagu Nature Garden. We tried walking there from the hotel, but quickly discovered that it is not within walking distance. Drive there or rent a bicycle.
- Pop in at The Rambling Rose Country Kitchen & Deli. We only stopped for something cool to drink in the lovely courtyard, but the dishes being brought to happy patrons looked delicious. Locally sourced eats and treats are available to purchase in the farm shop.
- The hotel’s Art scene is brought to life with contemporary South African art displayed at their own gallery, where you can discover local talent in regular temporary exhibitions.
- Relax beside the pool and explore the hotel’s idyllic garden.
BE ALIVE, BE YOU WITH THE FUN FORD ECOSPORT BLACK
Take your road trip to the next level with the limited-edition EcoSport Black. Courtesy of Ford South Africa, we travelled in style during our Western Cape road trip. This sleek and sassy SUV is right at home on country and city roads.
Besides its eye-catching stylish and sporty look, I was really impressed by its fuel efficiency. A full tank took us from Cape Town to Montagu, via various mountain passes through Calitzdorp, Oudtshoorn and George, before hitting the N2 highway to Plettenberg Bay. We only had to fill up on our way back to Cape Town! Watch this space for Part 2 of our awesome road trip.
It isn’t the all-time best-seller in its class for nothing. Here are just some of the fab features that gives the uber-cool EcoSport Black the edge over its competitors:
The front grille and skid plate are finished in black which immediately makes it stand out from the regular compact SUV crowd.
The bonnet has a bold black decal insert on the upper section of the hood that matches the painted black roof rails.
Sporting stylish 16-inch black alloy wheels, black side decals, mirror caps and a black spare wheel cover on the rear.
Choose from a range of striking colours – Diamond White, Moondust Silver, Smoke, Blue Lightning and Canyon Ridge.
“Cape Country Routes (CCR) South Africa is a leading group of owner-operated and managed accommodation and activity establishments – more than 20 privately owned hotels, lodges and guest houses – located on the scenic and historic routes in the Western and Eastern Cape. All carefully selected for their character, charm, and romance they offer the best accommodation and activity options to suit every taste and budget.“
Disclosure: I was invited by Cape Country Routes to review their members Montagu Country Hotel and American Dream Cars. All views and images are my own unless stated otherwise. All Covid-19 safety and hygiene protocols were adhered to throughout our stay.
A special thank you to P-J Basson and your wonderful team for your gracious hospitality and Ford South Africa for sponsoring the Ford EcoSport Black.
Yours in Travel
xoxo
Until the next adventure!
