A Staycation at the Montagu Hotel

Halfway between Cape Town and the Garden Route lies the pretty village of Montagu and the elegant Montagu Country Hotel (MCH). I've stayed there every August since 2012 - when I'm in town to adjudicate the vibrant annual youth festival. The visit (to the fest and the hotel) is a highlight on my calendar and the MCH has become a home away from home.

The Montagu Country Hotel is another beautiful Cape 'Staycation' option. You know, one of the fabulous places you can escape to for some downtime, mid week or weekend. It's a mere 2 hour drive from the Mother City via the famous Route 62. 

Gert Lubbe, the owner of the hotel, is a gracious host. He  has transformed the MCH into a destination in itself. The Art Deco building is iconic and the interior is filled with beautiful pieces of art and furniture. The staff are welcoming, nothing is too much trouble. This is hospitality at its best.

Montagu itself is the gateway to the Klein Karoo, surrounded by mountains and gorgeous at any time of the year. And wine...there are excellent experiences to be had close by, at estates like Springfield (two of my fave wines are Life From Stone and The Work of Time) in Robertson .

On their website, the MCH points out that you can taste wine on a barge, have sundowners on the river and even have dinner served while drifting down a stream. Another unique way to explore the town and area is in one of the hotel's American Dream Cars....such a treat. All must-have adventures I'd say. 

There is a lot to do in Montagu people, from hot springs, to mountain bike trails, walks and more - have a squizz at the tourism site and go exploring!

27 Bath Street, Montagu | +27 23 6143125| res@montagucountryhotel.co.za 

Porridge for breakfast, my favorite...

Gert Lubbe

Tippie...

Montagu, a small town with big heart...

Route 62 is one of the most stunning drives in the Western Cape, probably in the whole of South Africa actually, & one of my favorites. It leads to some of the most picturesque towns & villages in the province, like Montagu, a 2 hour journey from Cape Town & also known as the gateway to the Klein Karoo. I was there to co-adjudicate the dance section of the annual youth arts festival with Miz Fiona du Plooy.
The dramatic entrance to the town is via that famous 'gat innie berg' or hole in the mountain that was blasted into existence in 1899 by one Thomas Bain, to clear a passage through the rock face. Surrounded by the impressive low lying Langeberg mountains that are currently blanketed in snow, Montagu is overflowing with amazingness. Stroll down Long Street where there are no fewer than 14 national monuments; take beautiful walks, go quad- biking, or enjoy wonderful restaurants like Ye Olde Tavern, the Burgundy Gherkin, the Rambling Rose & Die Boord. Browse in fabulous gift shops like those at Church Corner (I picked up exquisite crystal wine glasses at the antique store & a wool coat at the Diva Dressing Room second hand outlet), or forget all that retail therapy & head for the soothing hot mineral springs to de-stress.
There are more than 50 wine cellars in the Montagu area - they say 62 has the longest wine route on the Planet. Montagu- produced 'takeaways', other than the nectar of the gods, include olives & olive oil, dried fruit & nuts, honey, home made rusks, rose geranium products & preserves.
Other than its scenic beauty & must-have wares, what impressed me was the friendliness, hospitality & amazing service I experienced (almost) everywhere I went, be it the Montagu Country Hotel, the local Shoprite, or waiters at the restaurants I mentioned earlier. Take, for example, my experience at Niël se Huiswinkel...walking past I spied a table in the winter sun & thinking I could, I asked for tea. Proprietor Niël Ackermann didn't bat an eyelid, but warmly obliged & as it turned out his store is a DIY enterprise, not a coffee shop, not even close; Niël was just being friendly, in the Montagu way...too fabulous & another reason I love the town.

On my way...flaming red disa flowers line the way on sections of Route 62...

The famous hole in the Kogelberg...blasted by Thoams Bain in 1899..

One of many national monuments on Long Street...

The NG Kerk...

Meet Niël Ackermann...the friendly man with the coffee shop that isn't ...

Die Boord...the outdoor area with a gorgeous view...try their bobotie...

Piet Antonie, seen on Long Street with his home made musical bicycle, a real gem..

For more about Montagu, www.montagu.org.za *

Posted with Blogsy

Cadillac, Route 62

This divine car belongs to the Montagu Country Hotel~ guests can take trips in it to the surrounding areas...travel in style*

 

Posted with Blogsy

Marie Coon cat

 

 

Posted with Blogsy

Friends

Having the best time in Montagu with Fiona du Plooy & Emile Minnie

 

Posted with Blogsy

Artwork by the kids

A few of the fab artworks spied at the Montagu Youth Arts fest...let's of talent...

 

Posted with Blogsy

Youth Arts Fest

A bunch of the dancers that took part in the youth arts festival in Montagu this past week that I had the privilege of adjudicating,together with Fiona du Plooy...so much passion & talent! Cant wait for 2013,

 

Posted with Blogsy

The Montagu Country Hotel

I had a great stay at the Montagu Counrty Hotel, 27 Bath Street. The hotel is run by such friendly staff...nothing is of much trouble. There are 33 comfortable rooms- I stayed in a luxury suite alongside the swimming pool which was fab. Ask about a trip in the hotel Cadillac or a tractor ride in the countryside...this hotel is one of the gems of Montagu.

Posted with Blogsy

Ballet in the Karoo

Dancers from Bodrum in Turkey from the Zeynep Okcu Ballet School, have competed in the Montagu Youth Arts Festival ...a lovely group of girls between ages 13 and 15, performing repertoire that included variations from Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty & more. Check out their website www.zeynepokcuballet.com

 

Posted with Blogsy

Montagu

 

Celebrating love with crazy friends in Montagu...pianist Emile Minnie, Pilates instructor & dance choreographer Fiona du Plooy, Helen Gooderson from the Montagu Youth Arts Festival & moi, Diva *

Posted with Blogsy

Montagu

 

 

 

 

 

Montagu, the Gateway to the Karoo, is a village with soul. Once voted Village of the Year, not only for the gorgeous views, beautiful architecture and excellent Hot Springs - but for the homeliness and hospitality of the people living there. It's 200km from Cape Town on the famously beautiful drive that is Route 62. There are excellent restaurants with cuisine that ranges from traditional Afrikaans, to Italian to Croatian. Wine is one of their best-kept secrets with over 45 different cellars offering some very good wines - a Route 62 Wine Tour is something to consider as well. Oh, and be sure o try their excellent muscadel! There is lot to do in Montagu- scenic walks, rock climbing, biking, bird watching, hikes, the Hot Springs, boat trips on the Breede.... visit www.montagu.org.za or www.marvellousmontagu.com for more info*

 

Posted with Blogsy

The Youth Arts Festival in Montagu

 

 

Posted with Blogsy

Friends!

 

My good friend Fiona du Plooy kidding around in Montagu - such funtimes !

Posted with Blogsy

The Olive House

 

Posted with Blogsy

The Olive House

 

Dinner last night in Montagu was at The Olive House, a delightful restaurant that is also an art gallery and guest house. Its the second oldest house in Montagu (20 Bath Street) and is a national monument. The food was fantastic...we did a seriously carnivorous moment: lamb cutlets, fillet & vegetables on the side. www.theolivehouse.co.za

Posted with Blogsy

Randomness on Route 62

I so love aloes...especially against a South African sky

 

Posted with Blogsy

Randomness on Route 62

Spotted these hanging utensils etc en route to Montagu for the youth arts fest...looking so forward to that..

 

Posted with Blogsy

Montagu youth arts festival

Next week sees the start of the youth arts fest in Montagu, a divine village/town in the Klein Karoo, on Route 62, famous for the beautiful scenery & towns along the way. The festival attracts young people from Cape Town, & the areas around the town itself. Dance, drama, art, music, writing....it's a wonderful little festival & in such a gorgeous town. So many kids get an opportunity to express their talents & amazingness comes from it all. Children grow & gain confidence & that is so important. I am adjudicating the competitive dance section of the fest & am looking forward to seeing, amongst others, the ballet group from Turkey...first time international artists will be a part if this fest. Check out more on their Facebook page, Montagu Music Arts Drama and Dance fest, MMADD for short *

 

Posted with Blogsy