Take the GR8 Cape Escape this winter
This winter, The Living Journey Collection invites travellers to embrace the quieter, more contemplative season of the Cape with the launch of its GR8 Cape Escape, a winter offering designed to celebrate the region at its most verdant.
Available from 1 May to 31 August 2026, the GR8 Cape Escape encourages South Africans to journey through some of the country’s most compelling regions: from the energy of Cape Town to the vineyard valleys of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, the charm of the farming town of Robertson, and the coastal beauty of Hermanus.
For stays of three nights or more, guests enjoy a 25% saving across the collection’s eight boutique hotels, each defined by its own sense of place and personality. Spa and dining experiences further enhance the offering, creating space for both restorative solitude and memorable shared moments.
Cape Town
The journey begins in Cape Town, where The Tree House Boutique Hotel and Zest Boutique Hotel offer a home away from home in the heart of Green Point. Positioned within walking distance of the city’s cultural landmarks, fine restaurants and the V&A Waterfront, both hotels provide an ideal balance between exploration and retreat.
Guests can unwind with treatments at the Zest Spa, enjoy relaxed all-day dining in the hotels’ urban gardens or engage with the city’s multicultural community through a collaboration with Artroute South Africa, offering curated art and design led experiences across galleries, studios and local ateliers.
Franschhoek
In Franschhoek, winter brings a slower rhythm to the Valley of Dreams. Crisp mornings and quiet streets set the tone for days spent exploring wine estates, interesting boutiques and celebrated restaurants.
The historic Chapter House Boutique Hotel, originally built in 1888, and the contemporary Plumwood Boutique Hotel offer contrasting yet equally compelling stays, each framed by vineyard views and mountain backdrops.
Seasonal highlights such as the Franschhoek Literary Festival and Bastille celebrations add further allure to a winter visit.
Stellenbosch
A short drive away, Stellenbosch offers a blend of heritage, culture and natural beauty. River Manor Boutique Hotel, located just moments from the town centre, provides a tranquil retreat with classic charm and inviting spaces that encourage rest after days spent wine tasting, gallery hopping and exploring the surrounding landscapes.
Majeka House brings a bold and eclectic energy to the Winelands. The hotel offers a distinctive stay with its signature Plenitude Restaurant, the destination Majeka Spa and close proximity to renowned wine estates including neighbouring Vriesenhof Vineyards and the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden.
Robertson
The gateway to Route 62, the Boland town of Robertson is home to The Robertson Small Hotel, offering a refined countryside escape. This intimate property blends Victorian elegance with contemporary design across its collection of rooms and suites. Guests can enjoy the spa, two pool areas and The Small Restaurant, where winter dishes are paired with local estate wines. The EM Bar introduces a playful element, with interiors inspired by the region’s flora and creative spirit.
Hermanus
Along the Cape’s coastline, One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel in Hermanus provides a front row seat to the dramatic beauty of Walker Bay. With uninterrupted ocean views and direct access to cliffside paths, the hotel is perfectly positioned for bucket-list whale watching, coastal walks and exploration of the world renowned wines of the Hemel en Aarde Valley. Interiors are calm and contemporary, offering a welcoming space to return to after a day spent outdoors.
Across each of the eight hotels, The Living Journey Collection presents a considered approach to travel, where every stay is shaped by authenticity, comfort and a deep connection to place.
The GR8 Cape Escape is an invitation to rediscover the Cape in winter, when the landscape softens, the crowds recede and the experience becomes all the more personal.
Image: The Robertson Small Boutique Hotel, Zest Boutique Hotel, Chapter House Boutique Hotel
