bloomestate is a retreat with clean architecture and design that blends seamlessly with the green gardens and rising foothills of the Langeberg mountains. Relax on the deck at the dam, take a walk through the beautiful gardens and orchard, sunbath by the pool or gently swing in the hammock...Relaxed yet?

Additional mind and body restoration awaits you at our treatment room where you can have a relaxing massage on the property with a professional therapist from the area who makes use of authentic African beauty products.

Wine lovers will be directed to Bonnievale and the Robertson Wine Valley. This scenic and flower-rich region is one of South Africa's premium wine destinations and is only a 20-minute drive away.

You will find over 50 famous and friendly wine houses, including Van Loveren, Springfield, De Wetshof, Bon Courage and Graham Beck. With a choice of gastronomic lunch spots along the way, the route makes for the perfect day or half-day trip. And yes, of course we can arrange a designated driver...

Bloomestate breakfasts have become famous over the years. To start you off we have a delicious continental breakfast with various options and then a choice of perfectly cooked eggs in any style and lots of mouth-watering sides to go with it…Hungry yet?

Lunches, small platters and dinners are available on request. For restaurant options, Calvin and Cheré can recommend local specialities at one of Swellendam's many restaurants which cover the range from fine dining to simple & delicious.

As the third oldest town in South Africa, Swellendam is steeped in a rich history. The award-winning Drostdy Museum and its surrounding properties give an extensive overview of the area's past - a past in which guided tours can immerse you deeper into this history. A haven for contemporary artists, Swellendam is also filled with galleries and exhibitions. Browse away.

If you want to travel further afield, the options are nearly endless. Depending on the mood of the day or the changing of the seasons, bloomestate can dot out a map (whether paper or digital) with a tailor-made road trip.

One favourite is the spectacular mountain tour over the Tradouw Pass with a picnic or have lunch in the quaint town of Barrydale. Another winner is the daytrip to De Hoop Nature Reserve. Take a fully-stocked picnic basket and drive through the rolling fields and white dunes towards the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Whales (best seen between July and November), natural beaches and rocky coves work together to create, what we believe to be, the most romantic spot in the world.

For the more adventurous, why not take a trip to Cape Agulhas, the most Southern tip of Africa, going via the shipwreck museum in Bredasdorp, to hear more about this treacherous coastline.

Active golfers can position themselves in the midst of the spectacular views over the Langeberg Mountains while playing a very satisfying 9-holes. It's a gem that will put an extra swing in your step.

Horse-riding treks can also be organised locally through the forests and along the foothills of the mountains, regardless of one’s equestrian experience.

Swellendam is a hiking paradise for which we can make suggestions for all levels of wanderers. From our doorstep, you take a short drive to the Marloth Nature Reserve in which you can hike up to the beautiful waterfalls in the region. In addition, Bontebok National Park, cradled between the Langeberg Mountain and the swimmable Breede River, is home to the rare Bontebok, as well as Grey Rhebok, Grysbok, Red Hartebeest, Cape mountain Zebra's and countless varieties of birds. Here too you will find various hiking routes.

Yet rarer than the Bontebok are the elves, pixies and gnomes that populate the renowned Sulina Faerie Sanctuary. Fun for both the young and the young-at-heart.
During berry-picking season, local farms in the nearby Hermitage Valley are open to all pickers and those who want to learn about the alchemy behind transforming these jewels into delicious jams, liquors and sauces.