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All 7 Calitzdorp accommodations »

The Retreat at Groenfontein

3.5 of 5
Groenfontein Valley | P.O.Box 240, Calitzdorp 6660, South Africa
Hotel amenities
The Retreat at Groenfontein
4.5 of 5 stars 47 Reviews
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47 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveler rating
    39
    6
    2
    0
    0
Date Rating
Cape Town
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 7, 2012

The title of this review says it all. 'Aged' parents with young children. Stayed for 9 nights - 1 night extended because children requested. Something for everyone. We all had time out & a bit of solitude after a hectic start to the year. Superb & genuine hospitality. Walks, sleep & wonderful food. Quiet when needed. Not many places in... More

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Derby, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 19, 2012

Sometimes one chooses a place so one can explore the surrounding locality - but here is a delightful Victorian hotel which is really a destination in itself. There are extensive gardens from which are many miles of hiking trails. You can swim in the river or the dam or the hotel pool. Go outside after dark and lie on your... More

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Sheffield, United Kingdom
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 13, 2012

We had read about the Retreat in a guide book and it sounded fabulous. We were not disappointed. We had decided to drive Route 62 rather than take the more conventional route to the Garden route. This meant we travelled through the Little Karoo. Fabulous scenery and when you get to Calitzdorp you turn left and drive for about 23... More

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Fredrikstad, Norway
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 30, 2012

If you are looking for fabulous walks in beautiful mountains, this is the place for you. The retreat center is beautifully set in a remote area, very quiet and peaceful. I and my husband, both in our late sixties, spent two days here enjoying early morning walks in the sunrise, swims in the dam, and delicious dinners in good company... More

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Winchester, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 18, 2012

Good accommodation and quirky hosts. It is a long way from anywhere so be prepared for isolation, but also a wonderful opportunity to relax and stop travelling. We particularly enjoyed eating with all the other guests on the terrace. Wonderful view of the Milky Way at night as there is no light pollution. More

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Cape Town Central, South Africa
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 17, 2012

We were totally surprised what we have found! For people who are tired of city life, this is just what the doctor ordered! It is the most tranquil place where you can enjoy the unspoiled nature and do some hiking in the mountains, swim in real unpolluted, cool rock pools in the mountain stream when hot. Most comfortable accommodation, we... More

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London, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed December 21, 2011
1
person found this review helpful

A unique experience. Dow to earth people running it - with a continental touch. Marie, who make the most delicious food is Swedish. She and Grant are the most charming hosts. This is a place where you can recharge your batteries, chill out, think. A Retreat in every sense of the word. More

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Utrecht, The Netherlands
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 28, 2011

This really is a place where you can sit back, relax and enjoy the views, birds and surrounding nature. Hikes are availible, but also just sitting on the verandah or near the pool is a treat. The lovely hosts really make you feel welcome and introduce you to other guests. The meals are excellent, the rooms clean and comfortable. More

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Kiruna
1 review
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 29, 2011
2
people found this review helpful

We left Europe in snowstorm for two weeks in South Afrika. After two great days in Capetown we went to The Retreat at Groenfontein. During our stay on christmas 2010 we were taken care of in a most wonderful way. We will never forget Grant and Marie and their staff, the meals, the bedrooms, the wonderful nature. Not to forget... More

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Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
1 review
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 26, 2011
3
people found this review helpful

I rarely write reviews because I think it’s unfair in many ways, to criticize anything you’re unable to do yourself - but occasionally, just for the hell of it, I look at Tripadvisor, to read some of the current reviews of guesthouses we’ve stayed at previously. In doing so, I recently came across a vicious and personalized attack on the... More

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