Olive View: Columbus Eco Pod

Just an hour from Cape Town, in the picturesque foothills of the Hawequas Mountains outside Wellington, this olive farm provides a beguiling escape into nature. With just three luxury pods spaced far apart, it’s the ideal spot to leave the busy world behind. The farm is 100% off-grid, solar powered and eco-friendly, and most of the farm’s original landscape preserved.

The mountains are part of the Limietberg Nature Reserve, a wilderness playground of hiking trails, rivers and waterfalls, which also includes the stunning Bainskloof. You have two wine regions on your doorstep – Wellington and, over the mountains, the hidden-gem Breedekloof Valley. However, you might want to simply stay put and enjoy Olive View.

The solar-powered pods – Hemingway, Columbus and Romeo – are modern, light-filled and dressed in natural tones that echo the scenery outside (decor is courtesy of Imagenious). Gaze over the olive orchard, breathe in the fragrant fynbos, listen to the birdsong, watch the morning mists swirl and simply daydream…

Follow the dirt and brick road to your remote hideaway, and be welcomed with a generous stock of coffee, olive oil and other kitchen basics. ‘Slackpacker’ meal kits of locally sourced ingredients (with recipes) are available, so you can just relax and enjoy. Cookware is Le Creuset, ceramics are handmade for untether, and all the gear you need for picnics is supplied too. There’s optional complimentary housekeeping – and even the wifi is on request.

THE LODGINGS

Columbus Eco Pod provides a luxe off-grid retreat for two.

Indoor living

• Ensuite bedroom with king-sized bed
• Bathroom with shower, plus outdoor shower
• Open-plan living room with fireplace
• Writing desk with international adaptors/plugs
• Fully equipped kitchen with gas stove, fridge and freezer
• Dining table and chairs
• Field guide and board games
• Air-conditioning
• Complimentary firewood

Outdoor living

• Deck with dining table, braai and pizza oven
• Wood-fired hot tub
• Picnic basket and blanket, flask and Fieldbar cooler box

THINGS TO DO

On the property

• Nature walks and hiking (including 4km marked trail on site)
• Mountain-biking
• Birdwatching
• Picnicking
• Communal heated swimming pool

In the area

• Explore Limietberg Nature Reserve
• Bainskloof river pools and waterfalls
• Wine farms nearby
• Restaurants and cafes in Wellington (12 minutes)
• Skydiving nearby