Spanish Farm, Somerset West, a memorable accommodation service provider

In 2019, tourism accounted for 7% of global trade. With Covid-19 challenges having negatively affected this key sector, it is projected that export revenues from tourism, which supports one in 10 jobs globally, could fall by $910 billion to $1.2 trillion in 2020. At this critical time, everyone has an opportunity to help communities that depend on tourism for their livelihoods to rebuild their businesses in a more resilient and sustainable way. By venturing out and visiting diverse and attractive tourism destinations that this country is endowed with, you are helping to mitigate the socio-economic impact on livelihoods. You are contributing towards boosting competitiveness and economic diversification with promotion of domestic and regional tourism. You are also advancing innovation and digital transformation of tourism, including promotion of innovation and investment in digital skills, particularly for workers temporarily without jobs. Travelling now is therefore not just about relaxation and connecting with family and friends while learning new customs, cultures, people and places, it is about contributing to the greater wellbeing of our communities, country and the globe at large. One tourism business that has weathered the Covid-19 storm and still remained a top-notch luxury accommodation host while providing jobs and excellent service is Spanish Farm Guest Lodge. Spanish Farm Guest Lodge in Somerset West is a home away from home. With its stunning scenery and panoramic views, lush indigenous gardens, luxury air-conditioned guesthouse and self-catering villas, Spanish Farm is the ideal base from which to explore the beauty of the globally acclaimed Western Cape of South Africa. Spanish Farm is a special piece of paradise and one of the best luxury hotels in Somerset West, offering a peaceful ambiance and typical warm South African hospitality in the city of Cape Town. Spanish Farm Guest Lodge is situated in the beautiful Helderberg region. Surrounded by lush forests and a magnificent view of the Helderberg basin, it is truly an experience to stay at this gorgeous establishment. It is the perfect location between Strand, Stellenbosch and Gordon’s Bay. Situated on a 4-hectares estate, the guest lodge and rose cottage are situated on the upper part of the estate and the villas are situated on the lower part. Both offer amazing views of False Bay and the surrounding mountains. Some of the facilities at the Spanish Farm include air conditioning & heating, bath robes, beach towels, braai facilities, complimentary toiletries, a DStv connected flat screen TV, a hair dryer, Nespresso, access to a private patio, pure cotton percale, a sauna, a cosy sun deck, a clean swimming pool, under floor heating and WiFi. This breath-taking venue is located within 20-minutes’ drive from Cape Town International Airport, 40-minute drive from Cape Town and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and close to many outstanding golf courses, a number of major shopping centres, beautiful beaches and excellent restaurants. From here you can visit South Africa’s most famous wine routes, set off on a safari to nearby game lodges in the Klein Karoo area, or try some shark cage diving in Gansbaai. There is a wide variety of activities that are suitable for the whole family. This ranges from wine farms, markets, golf clubs, and nature reserves to cheetah outreaches. Some of the special places of interest within reach from the Spanish Farm include: Wine farms: Waterford Estate is a winery situated in the Blaauwklippen Valley, in the Stellenbosch region, offering guests unique tasting experiences. This 120-hectare property, owned by Jeremy and Leigh Ord, and managed by partner and Cellar master Kevin Arnold, boasts old citrus groves, rolling lawns, water features and fragrant lavender and rosemary beds. Peter Falke Wines is another gorgeous wine farm situated in Stellenbosch with a rich history dating back to the 18^th century. The exclusive winery of Peter Falke is nestled against the majestic slopes of the Helderberg mountains in the heart of the Stellenbosch winelands. The stately old homestead is partnered by a “boutique” winery, contemporary wine tasting room and luxurious outdoor lounge which have established Peter Falke Wines as the most elegant and serene sundowner retreat in the winelands. Owner Peter Falke and his better half, Daniele Gortz, allow you to enjoy the exceptional wines that reflect their lifestyle, cultures and personalities. Indulge yourself in the wine and olives at Hidden Valley Wines with a picnic for a wonderful day spent in the green outdoors. Enhance your experience by taking a stroll along their nature trail to experience the calm beauty of the surroundings. Spend a day in the life of a winemaker by joining one of their informational cellar tours to gain insight regarding the wine making process and a little history regarding the wine farm. Markets: The Route 44 Market attracts customers from all over the Western Cape with their comprehensive list of activities available for people of all ages. Housed in sturdy, super-cosy marquees, and surrounded by picturesque vineyards and trees, this Stellenbosch market offers live entertainment, craft and homeware stalls perfect for leisurely browsing, as well as an awesome selection of edible and drinkable treats. Thanks to the shelter provided by the marquees, this market is open for trading every Saturday and Sunday regardless of the weather. It’s also one of the most child-friendly markets around, boasting an array of children’s entertainment and activities including World of Adventure (indoor and outdoor jungle gyms, mini-golf and more); and the popular Parkrun (only on Saturdays), during which participants can work up an appetite. They also offer a free weekly 5km parkrun for anyone with the willingness and drive to participate. Lourensford Night Market – Located at the historic Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West, this Helderberg hang-out is just 40 minutes outside of Cape Town. Head there on a Friday evening for the Twilight Market, or take a drive out on Sunday morning for a more family-orientated affair. The setting alone is worth the drive. Imagine sprawling lawns flanked by (award-winning) manicured gardens, majestic trees providing cool shade, and the backdrop of the azure Helderberg mountain flanking the valley. The Night Market twinkles with fairy lights, attracting the after-work set like moths to a very attractive flame. Golf: Erinvale Golf Estate offers not only the basic golf course, but they offer a variety of walking and hiking trails to suite the desires of all. Since launching in 1995, Erinvale Country and Golf Estate established its ranking amongst the top Estates in South Africa. Erinvale combines the best of everything; excellent security within a gated community, the tranquillity of the surrounding nature, a world class golf course and other local facilities which all contribute to a 5-star lifestyle. Their award-winning world-class gold course is accompanied by two tennis courts and a Boule court to give the well-rounded experience to all. The gold facilities by extension and within reach include Stellenbosch Golf Course and Strand Golf Course. Hiking: For those looking for a hiking experience, the Helderberg Nature Reserve is the place to be. Helderberg Nature Reserve is a 398-hectare nature reserve in Somerset West, South Africa. This nature reserve is located on the southern slopes of the Helderberg mountains. Its 398 hectares consist mostly of Kogelberg Sandstone Fynbos with smaller patches of Boland Granite Fynbos and Southern Afrotemperate Forest. The trails range from 2.2 km to a 7 hours hike for the bold and courageous. Their picnic spots are a great way to relax and enjoy nature. Their restaurant is equipped with everything you will need to enjoy your time. Animal lovers: The Cheetah Outreach is a preservation centre to promote the survival of the cheetah. You can visit the Cheetah Outreach facility and experience the excitement of a personal encounter with hand raised ambassador cheetahs. Very few animal experiences can compare to experiencing an interaction with a majestic and beautiful Cheetah, the fastest land animal in the world which is sadly on the endangered list and remains incredibly fascinating to people. The above listed accommodation offerings coupled with a broad array of activities is what memories in Somerset West and the surrounding areas are made of. In keeping with protocols regarding the coronavirus, Spanish Farm is monitoring the situation, following guidelines, and adhering to stringent health and safety cleaning protocols – the safety and well-being of guests and staff at all its properties being of the highest priority. As you plan to visit Cape Town, let Spanish Farm be your first contact on Tel: +27 (0) 21 852 7352 or Email:info@spanishfarm.co.za.