If you are looking for luxury accommodation with a special twist in South Africa’s semi-arid Klein Karoo region, than look no further than the splendid Rosenhof Country House hotel.
I stayed here once before and when planning another trip to explore the Klein Karoo Wine Route, it was clear Rosenhof was on top of my list of potential stays in the region.
Spacious luxury rooms, excellent food, a little Spa and beautifully curate gardens actually mean once you have arrived you will have a hard time to leave again. Even just for a couple of hours to explore the surrounding area.
The historic farmstead dating back to 1852 is a real gem.
Once you settle down on the lovely patio at the backside overlooking the splendid rose garden, you will feel like being transported back into the glorious (but also hard) colonial past.
The property does not bear the name Rosenhof – which means rose farm – by any chance. There are around twenty different varieties of roses grown here. Just look how beautiful they are.
Alongside the roses, the garden is dominated by a variety of large, old trees including pomegranate, lemon, quince, fig, olive and pear; the latter dating back to the origins of the property in 1852.
Nestled around a small dreamy garden-courtyard you will find 12 luxury rooms spread over six little cottages. All feature their own small patio whilst inside they are all individually styled in a typical retro-chic Laura Ashley country look.
Although the rooms are really spacious – and I mean they are really spacious – I had booked in one of the two lovely executive suites. Not for the extra living room but for the privacy of having my own secluded private little pool and garden.
Hidden away behind the courtyard cottages shaded by a row of trees and bushes, the suites come equipped with a separate living and bedroom, fireplace, spacious bathroom and a private parking lot directly in front.
In addition to the rooms and suites, there is Birds Cottage, with three in-suite bedrooms, which is ideal for families or larger groups.
The small common pool area also looks absolutely gorgeous and during my stay was never crowed either.
After a long day exploring a destination – and even more so when the temperature nearly hits 40°C during the day – I really fancy the opportunity having dinner at my hotel instead of going out somewhere else.
Rosenhof’s little restaurant offers a daily changing three-course a-la-carte menu based on fresh seasonal local produce. Which in this case means the exquisite Karoo kitchen: Think Ostrich (after all you are in the ostrich capital of the world), the truly delicious Karoo lamb, springbok, kudu or braised beef.
I am really the ‘just a cup of coffee’ type of person but while travelling, I enjoy the luxury to take time for a proper breakfast. At Rosenhof, breakfast is served under a large gazebo nestled under the huge century-old trees or inside a little barn (during cooler months) where you will also find a small but well-sorted breakfast buffet.
As for the hot breakfast, the fruit pancake became my favourite (and I had it on all three days).
I had a fabulous time at Rosenhof Country House not least thanks to the high attention to detail of the wonderful friendly staff, making my stay extra special.
If you wonder what to do in the Klein Karoo, you can read my post on the 8 reasons why you should visit the Klein Karoo Valley here.
Rosenhof Country House
264 Baron van Reede Street
Oudtshoorn
http://www.rosenhof.co.za/
Carrots and Tigers 