So by now you’re familiar with the epic PR failure that was BIC’s attempt to celebrate Women’s Day. Yes, that one where they saw fit to tell women to look like girls and think like men. How cute, you designed some pink pens and called them the Miss BIC range – perfect for our nimble lady fingers more traditionally suited to knitting and cooking.

Thanks pen people, we appreciate your complete lack of understanding on the matter.

The nice thing about being a woman is that we can choose to enjoy ourselves whenever and however we please. We’re a unique bunch, which is why when we go away for the weekend it’s nice to know there’s something out there for our differing tastes.

In celebration of Women’s Month we’re going to look at seven different Western Cape getaways; here’s hoping you find something that suits your needs. And hey, just by the way, no one is telling you that you can’t enjoy them all.

Grand Dédale Country House – Wellington

For those who enjoy a pampering, these folks believe that luxury comes with space and have therefore created a large veranda, two dining areas, a library and tea lounge, a TV lounge with international channels, two conservatories, extensive landscaped gardens and a 15-meter pool, ensuring a high level of privacy and comfort. A treatment room by the pool area is available for a wide range of stress relieving and invigorating spa treatments performed by professional mobile therapists.

Nyaru Game Lodge – Garden Route

Nyaru Game Lodge is the ultimate escape for the nature lover who want to see the beauty and natural wonders of South Africa from a first-hand point of view. This Mossel Bay accommodation offers tours which will introduce you to 17 different species of game and wildlife including giraffe, rhino, zebra, blue wildebeest, the rare black impala and much more.

Surrounded by beaches and green Outeniqua Mountains, this secluded lodge offers an outdoor pool, a restaurant, quad bike safaris, game drives and helicopter flips. Traditional South African meals are prepared and Nyaru invites their guests to sip their drinks on the deck while relaxing to the sound and sight of the wildlife and bush, before either moving inside for their meal or being served on the deck area around a crackling fire. 

Wolfkop Camping Villages – Citrusdal

If you’re an avid adventurer, picture this; 100-hectare citrus-buchu-rooibos farm located about 20 km from Citrusdal, with the campsite located right on the banks of the Olifants River. We’re talking wide open spaces, green grass, gorgeous sunsets, languid days filled with swimming, braaing and getting to know your neighbours.

Furthermore, every village has its own power point and hammocks,lest you forget that camping is hard work. Ablutions hot showers and flush toilets are communal, as is the fridge for the frosties, freezer and microwave. Talk about roughing it in style.      

Kam’Bati River Resort – Swellendam

Kam’Bati River Resort is situated where the Riviersonderend and Breede Rivers meet, just 20 km outside of Swellendam. Accommodation is provided in self-catering cabins and on a large campsite on the river bank. Along with great fishing in the area the resort has a super tube, swimming pools and canoes to rent.

The resort is very safe and the kids can rum around without any worry. All that’s left is to kick back and enjoy some quality family time.

Misty Cliffs Cliffhouse – Misty Cliffs

Misty Cliffs is an exclusive conservation village near Scarborough in a unique enclave of the Table Mountain National Park. There is no better way to watch a sunset or the whales frolicking in the bay ahead. It has have been designed in such a way to take full advantage of these breathtaking views.

A stunning private outdoor shower is perfect for some ‘together time’ (nudge nudge) and the other two bedrooms have lovely cliff views and share a full bath. There is an open-plan dining and living room with a gourmet kitchen and a fireplace so get that fire cracking and, well, romance is alive and well.

Daddy Long Legs Art Hotel – Cape Town City Centre

Daddy Long Legs Boutique Hotel offers accommodation with a difference! Housed in a beautiful 4 storey Victorian (1903) building the Hotel is located on the world-famous Long Street, slap bang in the middle of city living. Every room is a work of art. Different Cape Town artists, musicians and poets have been commissioned to do the rooms, so each is wonderful and unique in its own right. Relax in the beautiful bar and reception area and meet travellers from every corner of the globe, then nip out for a drink at one of the many bars and restaurants in the area. 

Wish U Were Here Guesthouse – Woodstock

At Wish U Were Here you will experience an authentic cool urban stayover in a renovated old building with high ceilings and wonderful old wooden floors. And guess what? It’s easy on the pocket! This building has been lovingly restored using materials sourced within a mile’s radius of the building. It has a central courtyard with a funky bar, fire pit and a pizza oven!

The guesthouse is run by super friendly staff who can cater to all your needs and supply you with travel information and tips to make the most of your Cape Town stay. Stick close to home with the trendy cool cats of Woodstock or venture out and explore – your call.

So if you’re looking at spending some well-earned down time here’s hoping one of those spots catches your fancy. Sorry we never had anything in frilly pink but, you know, we’ll have to try harder next time.

Our thanks to the folks at SafariNow for the information and images.