We can’t believe it’s possible but neither of us has ever been down the Breede Valley.  WHAT???!!?  Sad, but true.  We made up for it this weekend though.  A friend of Frans calls it ‘God’s Country’ and ain’t that the truth!  The drive down the valley was rather spectacular and it must be exceptionally beautiful in spring as the vineyards shoot new growth and the fruit orchards blossom.

We stayed in one of Dwarsberg’s pods – Wallis Simpson (aka Fire) right next to a pear orchard and with the most glorious view of an avenue of red trees.  There are 3 pods – each themed according to one of the elements (water, air, fire).  No expense has been spared.  The cabins are brilliantly equipped and tastefully furnished.  There’s an air conditioner in each of the bedrooms, excellent appliances and really nothing extra that you could ask for.  All rooms have block out curtains and both bedrooms have a comfy king-sized bed and a bathroom en suite.  The showers look out onto the mountains so you have the most incredible view during ablutions.  And dreadful for the hips – we were welcomed with a home made plaasbrood and Dwarsberg apricot jam.  So yummy!!!

Outside is a fire pit and a braai and there’s an indoor braai as well (great for warming up the interior on cold winter’s evenings) and joy of joys there’s a hot tub.  This tub is quite big so it takes a looooong time to get hot.  We literally had to start heating it at 12:30 in the afternoon to be ready by 17:30, but it’s heavenly once heated.  With the mountains as backdrop and a glass of bubbles in hand you can literally feel the stress ease out of you.

There are also 10 huge campsites spaced out along the river with fly fishing opportunities and a few cottages too.  You can meander around the farm to a lookout point and stroll around the orchards if you’re in the mood for a bit of activity.  Further away there is a 3.2 km hike to a waterfall at the end of the gorge.  We did some preliminary bundu bashing but decided to tackle it properly next time with improved shoes and fitness levels.  And then it might also be hotter so we can sneak in a swim too.

The final highlight for us was spotting a pair of Spotted Eagle Owls in the tree outside our pod.  Hooting away at each other – so special.  It was such a treat to break away and go somewhere new and to stop worrying for five minutes.  The sound of the river, the birds in the trees, the crackle of the fire – really grateful to be able to experience this slice of paradise.