Page 10 www.lux-review.com LUXlife 2019 Global Excellence Awards Nestled at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, in the picturesque small town of Swellendam, South Africa, is one of the country’s most exquisite and homely B&Bs. The Hideaway, a luxurious mini- resort, boasts all the facilities of a five-star hotel under the guise of a beautiful and tranquil guest house on the idyllic Garden Route. Join LUXlife as we unearth the elegance of this outstanding B&B. Youngsholt Tourism Services: B&B of the Year 2019 - Garden Route Swellendam, a town that oozes history from every building and avenue, is the third- oldest in South Africa. Historical monuments are strewn throughout the delightful little town beneath the blazing sun and towering mountains, and it truly is a place of wonder for those who love history, nature, and outdoor activities. Just a few minutes’ walk from everything that Swellendam has to offer is The Hideaway, a gorgeous B&B that provides the perfect base from which to explore. Run by Stephen and Jackie Young, and a small team of support staff and gardeners, this charming guest house has everything for a short stay whilst exploring South Africa’s lush and vibrant Garden Route. Akin to a mini-resort in the countryside, The Hideaway offers four sumptuous suites for couples, and a cottage with two en suite bedrooms, a living room and kitchen for larger groups. Each suite is beautifully-furnished and decorated in an alluring and homely manner, and comes fully-equipped with every need for the modern guest. Bathrooms benefit from underfloor heating, fantastic hand-made local toiletries and complimentary facilities, whilst free WiFi, extensive TV packages, Bluetooth speakers, and full air-conditioning can be enjoyed throughout. No B&B would be complete without a breakfast, and The Hideaway’s options are truly mouth-watering. A variety of home- baked breads, pastries, scones, muffins grace the sideboard alongside local honey, homemade jams, cheeses and lovely hams, salami and liver paté, fruit and homemade muesli. Hot food is individually-prepared to order by Stephen. Everything is prepared at the Hideaway or very locally procured and invariably handmade. Undoubtedly, one of the crowning jewels in The Hideaway’s collection is the garden. An expansive space, the private garden plays host plentiful rose bushes and a wealth of beautifully exotic wildlife. Throughout the gardens, guests can relax and unwind to their heart’s content with peace and quiet in abundance. Within the gardens is the equally wonderful natural swimming pool, free of chemicals and kept pristinely clean by the plants within it. Temperature is around a comfortable 26 degrees, so guests can experience the coolness of the water, whilst also soaking in the rays from the glorious South African sun. Should guests choose to relax at The Hideaway beyond simply bed and breakfast, there is a myriad of activities to take part in. Stephen and Jackie have made sure that guests truly are receiving five-star luxury, with regular yoga classes and retreats. For those guests who require a bit more pampering, the beauty salon offers a wide variety of lavish massages and other treatments. When the evening draws in and the muscles are tired from exploring the stunning countryside, guests can sink into the welcoming bubbles of the jacuzzi or experience the dry heat of the sauna. Feel the tension and the tiredness simply melt away as the bubble jets gently soothe the body, and the magical atmosphere of the Hideaway’s garden in twilight comes to life as you sit with a complimentary glass of wine in hand and enjoy some of Jackie’s homemade snacks before dinner. Recognising the need to continue protecting the beauty of the world’s natural spaces, such as South Africa’s Garden Route, both Stephen and Jackie strive to run The Hideaway as an environmentally-friendly establishment. Between generating more than two-thirds of its own electricity needs, only using LED lighting, heating water using solar power, storing all rainwater for irrigation purpose, and constant recycling, this is not only one of the most beautiful B&Bs around; it is one of the most green. Not only is The Hideaway one of the most exquisitely beautiful establishments along the Garden Route; it also happens to be one of the most reasonably priced. Luxury has never been so affordable, as the B&B is better priced than all of the five-starred establishments, and many of the four-starred establishments in the region. Coupled with the fully-stocked minibar fridges, comprehensive choice of teas, coffees, and hot chocolate, local port and Muscadel, and Jackie’s homemade shortbread, there is luxury to spare on offer in the heart of South Africa’s spectacular countryside. Stephen and Jackie are always on hand to help with whatever guests need, whether it be dietary requirements, restaurant bookings, advice on routes and excursions, maps, itineraries, or activities. A beautiful home that is open to everyone, guests are honoured visitors at The Hideaway, made to feel extremely special with every luxury available in a truly outstanding location. Company: Youngsholt Tourism Services Contact: Stephen Young Contact Email:
[email protected] Telephone: +27 28 514 3316 Website: www.hideawaybb.co.za