Aloe Valley Retreat

Stunning location, amazing hostess, every convenience you need, plus spotlessly clean.

Nothing.

Bed could have been a little more comfortable. I would recommend a plastic dish cover for the microwave.

Friendly host,

Ideal retreat in the countryside with exceptional views and a gracious host. We loved our stay with Belinda!

lovely large room

not much of a view given the location

Attention

This was such a wonderful getaway! Belinda is the most concerned, lovely hostess, helping me wherever possible -- it rained on the day I left, and she drove ahead of me in her 4x4 to make sure I got out okay (and made treads in the mud for me to follow). The guest cottage is open-plan in the best way, absolutely perfect size for a solo traveller with all the amenities in comfy reach. The kitchen is equipped with most tools/utensils (including a pair of metal chopsticks), and there were cleaning products provided. Though I was prepared for some very chilly nights, with the aid of a gas heater and a quality Canadian duvet, I wasn't cold at all! The wifi was quick and pretty reliable (it was unavailable a couple times, but I can't say for sure whether that was the relay's fault or my devices'), and there are plug points on both sides of the bed, including a 2-prong adapter. Onto outside things: the drive on a dirt road through the Red Hills was ridiculously beautiful, and when I stopped there was no proof of other humans for miles, only the cheep and chitter of wildlife. (I took the slightly longer route through Outshoorn on my way home to Cape Town tho, because my sedan is not set for muddy adventures.) It was a 15-20 minute drive to the Cango Caves from the cottage, and an insanely pretty drive at that, past lush hills on a winding road. The immediate space around the cottage includes awe-inspiring views of the mountains, and a huge sky that would surely have been filled with stars in less overcast weather. Do you like friendly chickens and cats? Come meet friendly chickens and cats! They will be introduced by name and temperament upon arrival. I'm sure I'm leaving something out, but suffice it to say, I had a wonderfully relaxing time, and would love to go back.

This is personal preference, so ymmv, but I had a neck-crick because the pillows were downy-soft. So if you need firm support like I do, switch to one of the cushions on the bed, that did the trick for me from night two. There is a rooster at a neighbouring farm who gets loud from about 5am, so if that sort of noise bothers you, bring earplugs just in case. It's not Belinda's chickens, though, they stay in their pen like good children until later.

This is not just accommodation and its rather a drive into an out of Africa setting… travelling in from the west , there is a stunning vista of the large Swartberg Mountains on your left , and game farms viewed from a windy dirt road. From the porch of the cottage you look straight onto the South side of the Swartberg pass , which is within easy reach from the accommodation. The setting is a typical South African farm cottage, looking onto majestic mountains. The cottage faces east and therefore sunrise is enjoyed whilst the sun rises along the mountains which run from East to West.. when doing Swartberg pass , ideally you can ride up Swartberg pass , traverse the pass into Prince Albert , have lunch at the Lazy Lizzard and then travel back down Meiringspoort pass , two iconic places, with incredible beauty . Belinda is a great host , and responds , advices where possible. The Cottage has all the great details , and is well equipped for almost anything. The setting in the garden , access to pool and garden gives you lots of room to move .. and if you enjoy a farming community, mountains, mountain biking or hiking , walking etc … there is great access to the area , with many attractions including Cango caves. If you are driving in a fancy car , the roads may be challenging, preferably a med SUV type car for the attractions , the road in from Oudtshoorn side is tarred.

You are situated on a rural road , with local community using the road , so you may encounter some rowdy people. For a long stay requiring washing , contact the property ahead of time to confirm .