Faces of the Cape

On arrival at Cape Town, you collect your Group B rental car and drive to Four Rosmead where you spend 3 nights. Cape Town is one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world. Cradled by Table Mountain, it has immense charm and historical interest whilst its unique cultural blend; part African, part European and part Asian, makes for a cosmopolitan dining experience. Take the cable car or walk up Table Mountain, visit the colourful Malay quarter or meander through the wonderful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Browse through the vibrant Greenmarket Square, head out to Robben Island by boat or simply relax on the beach. When you want to range further, the Cape Peninsula offers one of the finest coastal drives in Africa to the Cape of Good Hope. Here you might see whales breeching just off the bay or quirky penguins on Boulder's beach. The charm of Cape Town is partly explained by Table Mountain, which breaks up the city into distinct areas, each with its own character and, indeed, its own weather! The city bowl basks in the dramatic shadow of the 1000m mountain, with its characteristic tablecloth of mist rolling over the edge.

Four Rosmead is a boutique lodge on the slopes of Table Mountain with 360º views of the mountain, Lions Head, Signal Hill and the city. Built in 1903, Four Rosmead has been stylishly remodelled so that its classic Cape heritage has been sympathetically combined with a contemporary style. The decor is chic with a subtle, distinctive African spirit enhanced by original South African artwork. Eight bespoke en-suite bedrooms offer extra-length beds, air-conditioning, satellite TV, telephone, minibar, DVD player, coffee/tea facilities and Wi-fi internet connectivity. Selected rooms also have fireplace, private garden, balcony or courtyard. Outside there's a covered terrace for alfresco breakfasts overlooking the Provencal garden, herb garden and swimming pool. Bed & Breakfast

Head north via the West Coast to the Cedarberg for 2 nights at Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve (Approx drive time: 3½ hours, 270km).

Bushmanskloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat is one of our favourites places to stay in the Cedarberg. The canyons, rivers and waterfalls of the Cedarberg can be savoured from the warm and stylish ambience of this luxurious Relais & Chateaux lodge, run by an ever-attentive team. A South African natural heritage site, Bushmans Kloof offers the world’s largest open air art gallery with more than 130 pristine rock art sites, some dating back 10,000 years. Guided rock art walks and sunset nature drives bring guests close to the indigenous game, including eland, red hartebeest, gemsbok, klipspringer, cape mountain zebra and the elusive cape mountain leopard. Other activities include birding, mountain biking, walking trails, archery, croquet, fly-fishing, canoeing and, of course, relaxing by one of the four swimming pools or swimming in the crystal clear rockpools of the river. There?s also a health and beauty spa. Mouth-watering cuisine is served in different locations throughout the lodge including Makana, with its open views over the starlit river at night. Full Board and Activities

Travel to the Winelands via Tulbagh to spend 2 nights at the Lanzerac Hotel and Spa (Approx drive time: 3 hours, 250km).

The Winelands is an exquisite area of rocky mountains overlooking green vineyards. Oak avenues lead to elegant Cape Dutch wine estates and some of the most charming towns and villages in South Africa. The pleasure of this region is the enjoyment of the good life: appreciating the wine and the unique Cape architecture; savouring long, lazy meals at one of the many excellent restaurants; debating the merits of the latest vintages; or browsing in the craft studios and art galleries. Stellenbosch is a historic university city with charming Cape Dutch streets, shady oaks, and water furrows.
 
The Lanzerac Hotel & Spa is located on a wine estate in the magnificent Jonkershoek Valley. Few hotels enjoy a more spectacular location: mountains, oak avenues and lush vineyards provide the backdrop to the hotel which is one of the finest examples of Cape Dutch Architecture. This gracious hotel's rooms, restaurants, bar and public areas are all located in the estate's 300-year-old Manor House and outbuildings, amidst 10 hectares of landscaped gardens. There are 48 individually decorated rooms and suites each with private patios overlooking the vineyards, gardens and the mountains. Lanzerac wines are the perfect complement to dining here: whether it be in Ralph’s Restaurant, the classical Lady Anne Courtyard, or the relaxed alfresco charm of the Terrace. The well-equipped Spa & Wellness Centre offers sauna, steam room, outdoor jacuzzi and heated outdoor swimming pool. Bed & Breakfast

Take a scenic coastal route to Hermanus to spend 2 nights at Grootbos Nature Reserve (Approx drive time: 2 hours, 180km).

The southern coast boasts some of the finest land-based whale-watching in the world between July and early December, when the Southern Right Whales come right into the bays to give birth. Enthralling sightings are a daily occurrence with spectacular breaches and whale song.

Grootbos Nature Reserve, located amidst the spectacular fynbos and ancient dunes of the Southern Coast, is a multi-award winning gem. Overlooking Walker Bay, it’s a nature-lovers paradise – all but the most committed urbanite will enjoy the inclusive activities: guided fynbos 4x4 drives, milkwood forest walks, horse riding, beach visits and guided land-based whale-watching as well as the optional activities of boat-based whale watching and shark cage diving. A dedicated team including marine biologists and conservationists help you to appreciate what makes this area so special. Grootbos consists of two lodges, the family-friendly Garden Lodge with one and two bedroom suites and the new contemporary Forest Lodge. Full Board and In-house Activities

After a final morning activity at Grootbos you have the whole day to enjoy Hermanus as you meander back to Cape Town Airport where you drop off your rental car in time for your onward flight.