THE PLACE
The De Hoop Collection is a privately run lodge (or rather, a number of varied accommodation options under one umbrella) within the De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Western Cape.
Opened in 2007 by Carl Trieloff and William Stephens, the masterminds behind the fine Madikwe game lodges, it is in the Overberg region, a three-hour drive from Cape Town, splendidly situated between land and sea with all the best protected natural aspects of both, plus a bit of luxury to boot.
THE TREES
Spreading their protective foliage over De Hoop's meandering collection of manmade edifices are skyscrapers that grew here - giant Natal wild fig trees, planted in 1956 when the then-Department of Nature Conservation took over the farm named "The Hope".
Sometimes they are strung with lights and used as canopies for wedding parties, and their trunks and branches look like twisted, petrified pythons - this area is famous for its snake population and apparently a friendly emerald boomslang sometimes suns itself on the bank of russet aloes outside the restaurant. The only snake we saw over the weekend was swinging in its final dance from the beak of a massive grey heron.SLEEP
The Opstal Manor House, one of the earliest buildings on the reserve, sleeps six people in three bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. With walls a meter thick and ancient hardwood floors, it is pleasantly cool. In the kitchen, the old coal-fired range cooker and chimney have been preserved, as has the original, uneven stone floor.
The fittings and furnishings in all the reserve's accommodation options have been overseen by the discerning eye of Nini Stephens, who turns a hotel into a place of homely comfort with small original touches, artwork, antiques and objets d'art.
EAT
The charming and capable Marcia Tyobeka is head chef at the Fig Tree restaurant. Many of the greens included in her unfussy, beautifully balanced dishes come from the vegetable and herb gardens in courtyards behind the restaurant. Gates were recently added to the arched entrances to discourage the resident eland and bontebok from snacking on baby lettuces.
There are tables outside, where one can breakfast in the sun and watch chattering families of francolin on the lawns. The new location for the restaurant has a stellar view of De Hoop's magnificent vlei, bliss for bird lovers.STUFF TO DO
Working in close partnership with Cape Nature, De Hoop offers guided marine walks, where guests can take a dip in silvery rock pools or just lounge on a series of beaches and look for whales beyond the surf. There is also a nesting colony of endangered Cape vultures nearby - soon guests not averse to a short, energetic climb will be able to visit these in their airy lairs.
De Hoop also offers guided bird walks, mountain-bike trails, eco-boat cruises and stargazing excursions. And, as recovery from all this exertion, there is a tranquil spa with marvellous treatments.
THE FOXES
In another Cape Nature reserve long, long ago, I once stayed up most of the night waving a piece of salami in the air, in the hope that the scent might attract the rare and elusive bat-eared fox. No such luck. I had still not seen one in the wild when we arrived at De Hoop, but on the first morning, as we drove from the manor house towards the sea, across a field bounded not one, not two, but seven bat-eared foxes. Seven. They were beautiful.RATES
Accommodation options vary broadly, from pretty waterside camping rondawels (with communal bathrooms) to cottages, houses, suites and the magnificent manor houses. Rates vary accordingly, from around R525 per person to R2,750 per person, with dinner, bed and breakfast options as well as self-catering choices and different packages.
SPECIALS
As part of De Hoop Collection's 10th birthday celebrations, De Hoop Village will be charging just R,1500 per cottage (normal rate R4,950). The De Hoop Village units sleep six in one double room, one twin room and one room with bunk beds. There is a lounge, bathroom, dining room, fully equipped kitchen and outside braai area. Valid for new bookings only, ends July 27 2017.
CONTACT
Phone 021-422-4522; e-mail res@dehoopcollection.co.za; or visit dehoopcollection.com
• De Groot was a guest of De Hoop Collection...