Be it gazing up at dazzling night skies while soaking in a hot tub, taking a plunge in a rejuvenating natural mountain rock pool or exploring fynbos wilderness on foot, is there a better way to recharge your batteries or reignite your soul than to spend some time in nature? Arguably not.
Is there somewhere in the Western Cape where you can do all this and more? Absolutely.
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Tucked away in the dramatic foothills of the Langeberg mountains between Montagu and Barrydale along a tiny mountain road off the iconic Route 62, lies Starry Starry Night: An off-the-grid and pet-friendly eco farm and mountain reserve, idyllic for those in need of a natural tonic to stir the soul.
Far enough from civilisation for an authentic middle-of-nowhere experience yet close enough to the Mother City (A two-and-a-half-hour drive) and surrounding towns (A 25-minute drive to Montagu) to still feel like home.
Starry Starry Night Eco Mountain Reserve is powered by the sun, so there’s no need to worry about loadshedding, and boasts paradisical views of the natural surroundings of mountains, valleys and rivers, 400 hectares of pristine fynbos wilderness, and, of course, star-studded night skies with a dreamy Milky Way.
Where to stay
The reserve offers three accommodation options comprising two mountain cottages (Gaia and Luna) and one geodesic stardome (Nova), all fully equipped for self-catering with a strong focus on the small things – Starry Starry Night believes the divine is in the details.
Gaia and Luna mountain cottages
The two mountain cottages are semi-detached and stand side-by-side with an inter-leading doorway on the front stoep. The cottages are oriented in a way to allow for unadulterated views of the reserve while still offering a sense of privacy, making it an ideal stay for couples and small families with children over 13.
Both mountain cottages are equipped with a lounge and dining area, a queen-sized bed and a sleeper couch for children, a well-stocked self-catering kitchen, an outside braai area and a fireplace to melt away the chill of the winter air.
Each mountain cottage can host two people and one sociable and well-behaved dog/pet.
Children are only accommodated by prior arrangements.
- Children over 13 are considered adults
- Children under two stay free by prior arrangement
Winter 2023 (11 April to 16 November) rates:
- Weekday rate: R1 050 per room per night on self-catering basis / minimum two nights required.
- Weekend rate: R1 250 per room per night on self-catering basis / minimum two nights required
- Children between three and 12 years pay 50% of adult rate
- For two adults and two children over 13 years, it is recommended to take two units.
Nova StarDome
For solo travellers yearning to get away from it all, families with young children looking for a unique stay and couples in search of romantic isolation, the two-bedroom, one-bathroom Nova Stardome is your idyllic solution.
Perched on a solitary koppie with no other buildings in sight, with huge windows and swing doors framing 360-degree vistas of the surrounding landscape, the striking structure makes for a truly unique getaway experience.
A large bay window allows natural light to flood in, and at night, guests can bask in out-of-this-world views of the Milky Way through the overhead skylight, all while cosying up in bed.
Nova StarDome can host up to four adults and two children under 12, as well as a maximum of two sociable and well-behaved dogs/pets.
Winter 2023 (11 April to 16 November) rates:
- Weekday rate: R1 350 per night on self-catering basis for two adults / minimum two nights required.
- Weekend rate: R1 500 per night on self-catering basis for two adults / minimum two nights required.
- Extra adult pays R500 per person per night.
What to do
If stargazing from your bed and soaking up the views from your patio has only piqued your appetite for adventure, Starry Starry Night has a selection of communal areas and activities to offer, not to mention the reserve acts as a base to explore the many things to see and do in Montagu and Barrydale.
- Communal KolKol/wood-fired hot tub (please reserve beforehand at R195 per booking), pool, fire pit area and herb garden
- An established network of sign-posted hikes and running trails
- Natural rock pools (best enjoyed in summer)
- Children’s play area
- Mountain biking in the area
- Trad rock climbing
- Bird watching (including the Fynbos Six and many other birds of interest)
Starry Starry Night is currently running a Stay 4, Pay 3 special for its winter season until 16 November 2023, allowing guests the opportunity to indulge in the splendour of nature for four nights while only playing for three.
The offer excludes Fridays and Saturdays and is valid for a check-in on a Sunday or Monday.
Details:
- Location: Starry Starry Night, Rietrivier Road, Route 62, Montagu (30-minute drive from Montagu, towards Barrydale)
- Bookings: starrystarrynight.co.za
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Picture: Starry Starry Night / Facebook
