Ashanté Boutique Retreat

Slip off the N7 just north of Clanwilliam, and you’ll discover Ashanté Boutique Retreat’s recently completed self-catering eco-cabin – an off-grid sanctuary that’s designed for an escape into nature. Built of pink-tinged mountain stone, Ananda Cabin is completely off-grid, and designed with so many luxuries that you might never want to leave. A double-sided fireplace warms both bedroom and living area, and folding glass doors open up both rooms to the long covered stoep, where a deck hammock inspires lazy afternoons with a book and a glass of wine.

Stone steps lead down the steep hillside to a hot tub and firepit – another secret nook to enjoy sunset-gazing evenings and mountain vistas. The space is beautifully decorated, featuring works by local artists, jellyfish chandeliers and aloe hemp prints – and you only have to step outside to explore a 200-hectare nature reserve and the nearby Olifants River.

Good to know
There is a strong WiFi connection but no cellphone reception. Well-behaved dogs who won’t chase the wildlife are welcome, at R250 per pet per stay.

THE LODGINGS

Completely off-grid and powered by solar energy, Ananda Cabin still encompasses plenty of life’s luxuries, from the organic toiletries and a generous supply of firewood, to a Bluetooth speaker, air-conditioning and an electric blanket. And the welcome basket includes the kitchen basics, milk, eggs and rusks.

Bedrooms + bathrooms

• 1 bedroom with a king-size bed
• 1 ensuite bathroom (bath and shower) plus an outdoor shower
• Bathroom amenities

Indoor living

• Lounge with a double-sided fireplace
• Fully equipped kitchen with a 2-plate gas stove, fridge-freezer, toaster and kettle
• Air-conditioning
• Tea and coffee facilities
• Complimentary WiFi

Outdoor living

• Stoep with a built-in braai, deck hammock and day beds
• Wood-fired pizza oven
• Wood-fired hot tub
• Firepit
• River access

THINGS TO DO

On the property

• Lounging in the hot tub
• Braaiing
• Pizza-making
• Relaxing in the hammock or on a day bed
• Stargazing by the firepit
• Bird-watching (bird books and binoculars supplied)

In the area

• Hiking
• Mountain-biking
• Rock-climbing
• Fishing and stand-up paddling on the Olifants River
• Boating on nearby Bulshoek dam
• Exploring 200 hectares of pristine wilderness