The Hideaway in Swellendam

The Garden Route of South Africa has the second mildest climate in the world, after Hawaii, perfect for flowers and beautiful gardens, so it's well named. Our first stop for a couple of nights was at The Hideaway; it's run by a lovely English couple, Stephen and Jackie, who stayed here once and then bought it on a whim - they're naturals for the business, too! It's beautifully appointed, well priced, there are no extras as everything's included, they make reservations for you at different restaurants around town or fix you a lovely "light" supper (seriously, they don't know the meaning of the word 'light,' but you won't go to bed hungry!) -- well, I'm gushing, but believe me, it's entirely justified.

The outside of our room:

The spacious and charming inside:

The lawn and gardens, where the proprietors and the guests gather for drinks and nibbles about 6:30 pm, amply entertained by both the company and their kitten, Per.



Gaura, one of my favorite garden plants and one I can't keep alive in my own garden, no matter what, even if it is a North American plant that's considered an invasive weed some places...