AEV

GARDEN ROUTE/WINELANDS Many travelers make day-trips to the Winelands and Garden Route from Cape Town, stopping in the spectacular vineyards and charming seaside towns along the way; however, these regions are so rich in scenery, experiences and charming, elegant hotels, that they can (and should) easily be a vacation in themselves. The magnificent 200-mile Garden Route extends from Cape Town through a scenic stretch of the southern coast, nestled between mountains and the Indian Ocean. It incorporates tremendous natural beauty and charm with its many ancient forests, stunning beaches and dramatic mountains. Along the Garden Route, Knysna, translated as "the elegant lagoon," is often named the favorite small town of South Africans. Located between the majestic Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, George is home to numerous world-class golf courses. And Hermanus, a scenic cosmopolitan town which has retained some of its historical fishing village heritage, is considered the world's best land-based whale-watching spot. Just outside Cape Town you'll discover the Winelands, the heart of South Africa's thriving wine-making industry. Beloved by those who enjoy fine wine, gourmet cuisine and beautiful countryside, this region features 15 routes that pass through rolling landscape, with more than 600 wineries. As you travel the Winelands, you'll discover vineyards, estates and small towns which have as much charm as they do history. Along the way, you'll enjoy stunning vistas and an ideal climate, and sample some of the world's most highly acclaimed food and wines. In the Winelands, Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa, and is considered the capital of the country's wine industry, with over 60 estates alone. Settled over 300 years ago by the French Huguenots, Franschhoek is the culinary capital, with an incredible selection of award-winning restaurants and wine estates. And Paarl, framed by the majestic Groot, Klein Drakenstein and Franschhoek Mountains, is known for its legendary red wines. GARDEN ROUTE ooooo BIRKENHEAD HOUSE, HERMANUS This ultimate coastal retreat is perched high on the cliffs of Hermanus, overlooking Walker Bay. Its elegant beach house atmosphere reflects the beauty of its setting, and most of the 11 opulently appointed sea-facing studio rooms offer expansive vistas of the bay and mountains. From here, guests can view the majestic Southern Right whales that enter the sheltered waters to calve. Its facilities include a split-level pool in a sheltered courtyard, an infinity pool above the ocean, a gym and spa, with two of Hermanus' best swimming beaches on your doorstep. Here, world-class cuisine is a matter of course, and spectacular mountain trails and breathtaking cliff walks are within easy reach. 18 Garden Route/Winelands ooooo PEZULA HOTEL & SPA, KNYSNA Pezula is surrounded by rugged cliffs, ancient forests and sheltered beaches, on the clifftop of the Eastern Head. Set on a private estate, this true luxury resort is a sanctuary of privacy and indulgence created to reflect the natural beauty of its surroundings. With its gourmet cuisine, elegant accommodations, world-class spa and fitness center, championship golf course and vast range of outdoor activities including tennis, driving range, hiking, canoeing and horseback riding, Pezula offers guests an essentially African experience in a relaxed and luxurious environment. The 78 exquisitely appointed suites feature private balconies or patios, log fireplaces and sumptuous bathrooms.

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