If you are one of those people who enjoys having a pet (or two) in the house, even whilst on holiday, then you may like to consider these luxury hotels and lodges in South Africa with special pets on site.
IN KWAZULU-NATAL
Skabenga – despite his name having the connotation of a vagabond, is a very fine gent who has celebrity status at The Oyster Box in Umhlanga. He lives a royal life, rubbing shoulders with high-end travellers who come to this opulent hotel to enjoy all the grandeur of a world-class hotel set right at the oceanside. He certainly knew how to choose the best location when he arrived at the hotel many years ago, unannounced and under his own steam. He quite rightly decided that he had made an auspicious landing, and so he cast anchor and has been there ever since. He has the air of a 2IC, keeping a beady eye on operations from his favourite reclining spots. Read about Oyster Box.
IN CAPE TOWN
The Cellars Hohenort is a prestigious Relais & Chateaux hotel set on a vast Constantia garden-estate. The resident ducks add to the serenity of a beautiful world where outstanding accommodation, service and cuisine are provided. The ducks at the Cellars are so well regarded that male staff had cute duck motifs on their ties at one time. A dear old cat called Angel lives in-house at the hotel. She does not, apparently, hobnob with everybody, but has one or two favourite return guests whom she visits in-room. Read about Cellars Hohenort.
Ben, Bella and Bailey have a grand life at Camps Bay Retreat in one of the most gorgeous parts of Cape Town. Ben is said to have enough charisma to charm guests out of their Pradas! Enjoy the playfulness of these hounds at this luxury boutique hotel. Read about Camps Bay Retreat.
IN CALITZDORP
The Retreat at Groenfontein is a wonderful hideout in a nature conservancy in the Calitzdorp area. The owners run the lodge, and their adored dogs are much a part of the scene. Guests can also arrange to take their own hounds to this pet-friendly place. Read about Retreat at Groenfontein.
IN MATJIESFONTEIN
If you go to the lovely Lord Milner Hotel in Matjiesfontein, you’ll meet the grande old dame Theresa. She’s an adorable, elderly feline who rules the roost. When we visited the hotel, she was stationed at the front door to welcome guests and look them over. The staff regard her as the Princess of the Castle. She is a much-loved resident at this wonderful character-hotel in the charming Karoo town of Matjiesfontein.
IN WELLINGTON
Looking suitably regal and self-assured, the resident cats at Grand Dedale in Wellington have proprietors’ rights to an exclusive country manor on a wine estate at the foot of Bainskloof Pass. The 5-star luxury that is the special holiday privilege of guests, belongs to these kitties daily! Read about Grand Dedale.
IN STELLENBOSCH
Hawksmoor House is a welcoming farm retreat near Stellenbosch. A pair of Pointers are very much at home here, and so your hosts at Hawksmoor brief you in advance of your stay, “If you love dirt roads, sunsets, wine by candlelight, an owl outside your window, and don’t mind sharing the pool with the occasional disoriented frog or hearing the contented sighs of a Pointer drowsing on the cool floor nearby, you’ve found the right place.” Read about Hawksmoor House.
Mail us to book your next getaway in South Africa, or call +27 21 797-7122.
