Cederberg Ridge

The stone-clad main house is surrounded by a wide, shaded veranda with seating – perfect for absorbing the wilderness views. Broad glass double doors lead to the cool interiors, with high, beamed ceilings, wooden floors, and fresh, modern décor. The main lounge offers comfortable seating, a library and entertainment centre. In the restaurant/bar, light floods the room through a glass wall. (Food here is superb.) There's a spa room, a crystalline pool, and indigenous gardens with facilities for boules and croquet.

Nine rooms and suites are lovely spaces to lay your head. Closest to the communal area, two Classic Rooms are small but perfectly formed, with large en-suite bathrooms. Three Luxury Suites enjoy phenomenal views of the mountains from perfectly placed window seats. Each also has a fireplace for chilly evenings, a romantic free-standing tub, and indoor and outdoor showers. For families, two luxury rooms have interleading doors. Four Superior Suites have added walk-through showers and day-beds on the deck.

The Cederberg's attractions are manifold. Explore the network of hiking and mountain-biking trails that crisscross the estate. Follow trails to the Maltese Cross or Wolfberg Cracks (for the reasonably fit). Sevilla Rock Art Trail winds past nine rock art sites. Investigate Clanwilliam's delicious local products, from cured meats to wines and rooibos tea. Enquire about the lodge's schedule of activities – watersports on local dams, wildflower tours, rock art excursions, and a slackpacking Heritage Trail. And expect to eat well...