Winter is a great time to go on holiday. Hotels usually run Winter specials and things tend to be less -which makes for a great escape from the daily grind. If you’re anything like me, your idea of a great holiday is probably something along the lines of lazing in a heated pool and cuddling in front of a fire with a good book. We’ve compiled a list of accommodations which have heated pools and are less than a 3 hour drive from Cape Town. Perfect for weekend, winter getaways.
Accommodation near Cape Town with Heated Pools
Arabella Hotel and Spa, Kleinmond
If you enjoy luxury, Arabella is the place for you. Arabella has the most gorgeous views and the hotel is well deserving of its 5 stars. There is something for the whole family: an award winning golf course, a decadent spa and 3 beautiful pools. Both the indoor and one of the outdoor pools are heated. Read more about it here.
Distance from Cape Town: Around 90 minutes.
Price: From 1500 per night. They have a pay 2 nights, stay 3 nights Winter promotion.
Avalon Springs
Situated in Montague, Avalon Springs is well known for their hot, mineral springs. Accommodation includes the hotel, the self-catering time-share accommodation and their lovely mountain chalets. They are currently undergoing renovations so be sure to query it before booking.
Montague is a quiet town but the walks around Avalon Springs are quite scenic.
Distance from Cape Town: 2+ hours drive.
Price: From R700 for their budget rooms on weeknights.
Caledon Hotel and Spa
Caledon is one of my favourite winter getaways. The hot mineral springs are divine! They have a selection of outdoor mineral pools and an indoor roman bath. The pool temperatures vary from ice- cold to unbearably hot and everything in between, so there are pools to fit everyone’s preference.
They also have facilities for the whole family such as horse-riding, zip-lining, quad-biking and a casino with a kiddies game room. The best part is that its so near to Cape Town that the drive doesn’t tire you out. You can also go there for a day and it costs only R150 pp. Read more about a day-trip to Caledon here.
Distance from Cape Town: 90 minutes drive
Price: Midweek special from R999 per night.
Club Mykonos
Club Mykonos is a family favourite. It is situated just outside Langebaan, on the West Coast. They have ample facilities to keep both the adults and kids busy. These include squash courts, tennis courts, 4-wheeling, paint-balling, a spa, ample cold outdoor swimming pools and a heated indoor swimming pool. It gets awfully busy in Winter but its still a great place for a family getaway. Read more here.
Distance from Cape Town: Approximately 2 hours drive.
Price: From R800 per unit per night
Goudini Spa
Goudini Spa has been popular with Capetonians for a long time. They have a variety of accommodation to suits most budgets ranging from caravans/ camping to rondawels to big houses for families. Many of their accommodations have been renovated. They have the ever-popular hot mineral pool which is hot! Many of us remember going up and down the water-slide for hours. They have a cold pool, a heated indoor pool and if you stay in the Boland Complex, there is a central private pool (our favourite). Other facilities include: Jacuzzi, mini-golf, hiking and an arcade room for the kids.
Distance from Cape Town: Less than 2 hour drive.
Price: From R450 for 2 people sharing to <2000 for a 8-sleeper
Please note that only ATKV members are allowed as day visitors
Kol-Kol Mountain Lodge
So this one is a little different because its not a heated pool but rather a wood-fired hot tub. There are 6 self-catering log-cabins which have a rustic-luxury feel in the middle of the mountains. Each cabin has its own hot-tub. It is perfect to get away from the hustle and bustle. They are fully booked for months in advance so you need to plan early.
Distance from Cape Town: about 90 minutes. Situated in Botriver.
Price: From R1120 for 2 people per night.
Majeka House
This is for those of you with deeper pockets. Majeka House is a high-end, 5-star luxury guesthouse located in Stellenbosch. They have an indoor heated pool in their Sanctuary Spa.
Distance from Cape Town: Less than an hour
Price: From R1700 per person sharing per night
Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort
Piekenierskloof Mountain lodge is situated 8km from Citrusdal. The area is quiet but great for those who enjoy hiking and mountain biking. There are self-catering chalets and a lovely 4-star hotel. The hotel rooms are beautiful with a simple, yet elegant decor. The highlight of the hotel are the views of the Cederberg mountains.
The hotel facilities include an indoor heated pool, an outdoor cold pool, mini-golf, a games area for kids and trampolines.
Review full review here.
Distance from Cape Town: Approximately 2 hrs drive.
Price: >R1000 per night
Sante Hotel and spa
Sante Hotel and spa is situated between Paarl and Franschhoek and its the perfect base to explore the Winelands from. The villas are large, comfortable and romantic with the most spectacular views. Its a great place for R&R. Their heated pool and jacuzzi is located within the spa complex which is quite elegant. Read more here.
Distance from Cape Town: approx 90 minutes drive.
Price: Their prices start at R1500 per night. Use the promo code “LVWINTER” to access their Winter Specials.
Hint: they often have specials on Daily deals sights.
The Baths
The Baths is situated in Citrusdal under the Cederberg mountains. They offer a range of accommodation, ranging from camping to newly renovated self-catering chalets. They have a 43 degree Celsius mineral pool which is pretty hot but pleasant. There is also a cold pool and some small rock pools behind the accommodation.
They allow day visitors at R100 per person. Reservation is required for day visitors.
Review to follow.
Distance from Cape Town: 2 hrs drive
Cost: from R700 for 2 people per night.
Warmwaterberg Spa
This one is a little further from Cape Town. It is located between Barrydale and Ladismith in the Karoo. This resort is often described as “rustic” or “down-to-earth”. It has beautiful views of the tranquil Karoo.
Their main attraction is the 44 degree Celsius mineral pools. They also have a conference centre and restaurant.
We are yet to try this resort but if you have been there, do let us know.
Distance from Cape Town: 3+ hour drive.
Price: Prices start at R500 for 2 people per night. They also have camping sites available. Day visitors need to make a reservation.
Bergsicht Farm and Town Cottages
Bergsicht is situated in the peaceful town of Tulbagh. Their cosy cottages have fireplaces and wood-fired hot tubs. Bergsicht is situated on a farm with the backdrop of the picturesque Witzenberg and Winterhoek mountain ranges. It sounds like the perfect spot for a romantic getaway.
Distance from Cape Town: 90+ minutes.
Price: From R800 per couple per night
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This is by no means an extensive list. If you have a favourite, let us know in the comments.
Awesome this is very helpful. Thanks again
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Piekernierskloof Mountain Resort, Citrusdal: Review -
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This is a fantastic review. However, I was at the Arabella over the weekend and the outdoor heated pool was NOT heated. According to sources, this has been the case for a few months now. In addition, children can’t access the only heated pool as it is inside the hotel. It is such a shame.
That is super disappointing. It is one of my faves. It is super child-friendly in Summer but not much for kids to do in Winter. Ill send them a tweet to query the heated pool situation.
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