They call the De Hoop Reserve – just a 3 hour drive out of Cape Town – the Jewel of the Cape. And it’s easy to see why. Because this is the kind of place where you can look in one direction and see the majestic Potberg mountains, then look in another to view the sparkling sea and in yet another to see rare fynbos plants. And there’s always a chance of sighting the area’s A to Z of wildlife, from antelope to mountain zebra.

With the natural world putting on such a wonderful variety show in the air, on the water and right on your doorstep on dry land, it’s small wonder they’ve built a variety of suites and cottages here in the reserve.

The De Hoop collection, as this accommodation is called, attracts hikers and cyclists, couples, families and groups of friends from all over the world. You can expect a front row seat for nature’s show, with whales, wading birds, vultures, baboons and ostriches all visible with the naked eye and through binoculars.

When you’re taking a break from observing the wildlife, there’s an on-site restaurant (the Fig Tree), deli and shop to enjoy. Two swimming pools give you a choice of where you take your daily dip, while the tennis court and boules courtyard can help you decide once and for all who’s the sporting champion in your party.

Cloete Cottage

This is a brand new suite located close to the Fig Tree restaurant where your breakfast and dinner will be served. The room sleeps 2 in its lone bedroom and has an ensuite with bathtub and shower.

Cloete Suites

There are 4 suites in total, 2 offering grassland views where zebra roam, and the other two overlooking the courtyard of fig trees. Each sleeps 2 in a kingsize bed and has a seating area as well as an ensuite with tub and shower.

Dassie Suite

The views of the vlei you get from here are hard to beat. It sleeps two and features a fireplace that keeps the place cosy. The sunset views are as impressive as the array of wildlife you’ll be able to spot from the comfort of your kingsize bed and separate seating area.

Figtree Suite

You’ll soon see where this suite gets its name when you look across the attractive courtyard where it’s located. After you wake up in your gloriously comfortable kingsize bed, it’s just a short walk to the restaurant for breakfast (where you also eat dinner). The suite sleeps 2 and has a bathroom with shower and tub.

Otter Suites

Your near neighbours when you choose this suite will likely be members of the local otter population, hence the name. It’s a room you can book for two on a bed, breakfast and dinner basis, and features a kingsize bed with ensuite bathroom, exterior shower and a seating area overlooking the vlei.

Opstal Vlei Suite

Facing the vlei and overlooking the fig tree rich courtyard, this suite for 2 is a great place to relax and recharge in between doing more relaxing in the shared swimming pools or marvelling at the varied wildlife in the area. The ensuite has a bath and shower, and as with all De Hoop Collection accommodation, breakfast and dinner are all part of the service you receive.

Opstal Stable Suites

This converted stable provides accommodation for 2 people close to the courtyard and Fig Tree restaurant where your breakfast and dinner are served. The room has a kingsize bed and ensuite bathroom with tub and shower.

Opstal Manor House

There are 3 ensuite bedrooms here arranged around a shared lounge. These can be rented individually, or you can book the entire house exclusively for your group. Either way, you’ll have access to all the reserve’s dining and leisure facilities.