Looking for a special weekend getaway or an escape from the city? We’ve curated an accommodation shortlist designed for unforgettable, picture-perfect moments.
Aardt’s Starlit Cabin
Klein Karoo, Western Cape
Cradled beneath a rugged koppie in the vast expanse of the Klein Karoo, the Starlit Cabin is a masterclass in architecture that harmonises with raw nature. Starlit Cabin is a collaborative vision of Joram Design, the interior sister-company of internationally recognised furniture studio Meyer von Wielligh and designers, Abrie and Jorika von Wielligh. Designed with a deep reverence for the land, the structure is engineered from sustainable materials such as stone, clay, wood and mud that were thoughtfully chosen to tread lightly on the earth. The discarded metal grain silo, salvaged from a local farmer, has been repurposed into a sculptural front door, a wood-fired outdoor hot tub, and an expansive skylight above the bed which teleports guests to the mystic cosmos of the Klein Karoo. Three-quarters of the structure sits below ground, echoing the desert burrows of the Karoo and providing a sheltered retreat. Organic curves flow through the interior in custom furnishings, as every room pays tribute to the owners’ abiding love for nature’s artistry. Outside, the landscape is sculpted into a desert oasis as indigenous plants and cacti frame the view, while lounge chairs, a fire pit and hot tub invite long sun-soaked days and starlit evenings.
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Sand Cabin at Nima Lodge
Garden Route, Western Cape
Along the scenic Garden Route, perched high above the lush Wilderness coastline, Nima Lodge’s Sand Cabin stands tall as a sculptural ode to organic architecture. Designed by Stretch Architects and Nima Interior’s Vida Sylvia Schiff, the Sand Cabin’s fascinating form draws inspiration from the undulating curves of sand dunes, with a sweeping timber façade that will weather gracefully into the landscape, enhancing the property’s environment. The structure’s fluid lines blur the boundaries between inside and out, guiding the eye towards an expansive valley and ocean views. A sense of spatial flow is orchestrated through subtle level changes and each space is purposeful. The raised platform bed commands stunning views, while the sunken lounge is wrapped in comforting timber tones, while a bathroom tower looks out into a frame of the sky like living art. The cabin is spoilt with soft luxuries and cosy features such as the indoor fireplace and wood-fired hot tub. Every element, from the curvature of walls to the considered placement of openings, is crafted to harness light, air and the shifting moods of the natural world. More than a quick getaway, Sand Cabin feeds inspiration through serenity as the design becomes poetry rooted in its remarkable setting and futuristic form.
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Katrinasrust Nightjar
Machadodorp, Mpumalanga
As far as couple getaways go, this property has been designed for lovers, by lovers. With help from family and farm crew, the host couple have poured their hearts into designing and building the Nightjar. An idyllic romantic hideaway, this place is embraced by nature, where uninterrupted romance feels woven into every detail. The earthy interior is foreshadowed by the cabin’s enchanting timber-clad exterior immersed within the bush. The interior is the host’s personal love-letter to functional beauty, blending unique accents and finishes with finely made furniture as well as elements crafted from oak, cypress and cedar harvested on the property. Even the bed, vanity, kitchen and breakfast nook have been lovingly shaped from a large oak slab sourced right from their farm. While the entire lodge is a moment in itself, a magical scene is set as the private deck and hot tub leads towards the Nightjar’s intimate dome bedroom, which acts as the most perfect cocoon to seek solace in as the outside world fades, and connection takes centre stage.
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Fazenda’s Hacienda
Swellendam, Western Cape
Set against the sweeping natural beauty of the Fazenda farm, Hacienda is a sanctuary that combines rustic charm with refined simplicity. Once an old farm cottage, the property was lovingly reimagined by hosts Marilouise and Jacques, who oversaw every step of the renovation in collaboration with skilled local artisans. True to its name, Hacienda encapsulates the essence of a laid-back yet stylish Latin lifestyle captured amidst the breathtaking nature of Swellendam. Every detail tells a story: Antique Indian doors open into the cottage’s bright and airy interiors, where natural light dances across the walls. Reclaimed furniture pieces and hand-picked treasures from various vintage stores infuse the space with character, while bespoke furniture anchors the rooms in authenticity. The palette is grounded in natural materials, woven baskets, raw timber, aged metals and fresh greenery. Every room feels curated yet comfortable, striking the perfect balance between intention and ease. The open-plan design drifts effortlessly to the outdoors, where a stone-edged pool shimmers in the sunlight and shaded terraces make for much-needed lazy afternoons spent with the farm’s horses. Rooted in history yet refreshed for today, the Hacienda cottage offers a serene haven where time slows down and breathing becomes lighter. Fazendaswellendam.co.za
@lucy.binder 📍“The Hacienda“ on Fazenda Farm in Swellendam, South Africa #swellendam #farm #airbnb #capetown #southafrica #gardenroute #hotel #travel #reise #südafrika #kapstadt #poolvilla #farmlife #airbnbfinds ♬ home but cute – Good Neighbours
Words: Claudia Da Silva
Photography: Katrinasrust Nightjar, Courtesy Of Cabin Fever Escapes
