Cederberg Ridge: Classic Courtyard Room

Stealthily tucked into the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, Simbavati Cederberg Ridge is an intimate 11-roomed lodge, where warm service, sumptuous accommodation and delicious food coalesce to create an unforgettable stay. But it’s the lodge’s unrivalled setting – on a 3 000-hectare fruit farm in the heart of the Cederberg Wilderness Reserve – that knocks it out of the park.

Characterised by untamed landscapes, red-sandstone mountains, ancient rock art and flaming sunsets, the Cederberg emanates a kind of otherworldly majesty and sacred solitude you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world. And even though the town of Clanwilliam is a mere eight kilometres away, the hotel’s surreptitious perch on a mountainside creates a sense of utter seclusion where you can – G&T in hand – soak up the raw and rugged beauty of the untamed surroundings.

The rooms are light, bright and utterly luxurious, with earthy hues and natural textures creating a pared-back aesthetic that plays second fiddle to the spectacular surroundings.

THE LODGINGS

The Classic Courtyard Room is located in the main homestead, offering the convenience of proximity to lodge facilities. It overlooks the courtyard and indigenous grasses, but has no mountain view. The room is wheelchair friendly with plenty of space to manoeuvre.

Indoor living

• King-size bed (convertible to twin)
• Ensuite bathroom with bath and walk-in shower with ledge seat
• Sitting area and desk
• Main lodge with sitting room, bar, library and restaurant
• Library with fireplace, books, board games and Smart TV (mainly for sporting events)
• Spa with relaxation room and double treatment room

Outdoor living

• Small private terrace
• Alfresco dining on the lodge deck
• Swimming pool and pool terrace within indigenous garden
• Heated swimming pool facing the sunset
• Firepit with built-in surround seating

Catering

The lodge restaurant serves ’berg to plate food that incorporates fresh farmed produce from the area. You can expect a seasonally changing menu, with a choice of starters, mains and dessert, and breakfasts with freshly baked breads, croissants and Danish pastries.

THINGS TO DO

On the property

• Bird watching
• Hiking, trail running and mountain-biking
• Swimming
• Star-gazing
• Restful spa treatments
• Farm and Lemoenland School tour

In the area

• The Stadsaal Caves in the High Cederberg
• Wine tasting at Cederberg Cellars
• Sevilla rock art trail
• Rooibos farm tours
• Sunset boat cruises
• West Coast excursion
• Spring flowers & Biedouw Valley