Nestled on the foothills of the majestic Langeberg Mountain range in the heart of Montagu on the popular Route 62 is Mimosa Lodge. Only a 2 hour drive from Cape Town, Montagu is the perfect stop between Cape Town and the Garden Route.
Better known for the fine hospitality and superb cuisine provided by the friendly couple Fida & Bernhard Hess, an award-winning Swiss chef, Mimosa's restaurant is a culinary experience par excellence.Beautifully appointed en-suite rooms open up onto a rambling garden littered with myriad facilities including a sparkling swimming pool and deck, Bernard’s herb and vegetable garden, croquet lawn and boules pitch.
Beautifully appointed en-suite rooms open up onto a rambling garden littered with myriad facilities including a sparkling swimming pool and deck, Bernard’s herb and vegetable garden, croquet lawn and boules pitch.
With more than 200 plant species, the garden makes the ideal spot for a tasting of Bernard’s handcrafted Mimosa wine label or perhaps, fine dining al fresco.
The more adventurous are welcome to explore the Robertson Valley for a more intimate wine route experience or visit neighbouring town and villages such as Robertson, Bonnievale, McGregor, Ashton, Barrydale and Swellendam. Alternatively, enjoy local sites such as relaxing at the hot springs, lumbering along the numerous nature trails and rock climbing.
With sweeping views of the majestic mountains, blue skies, excellent conference facilities, idyllic Wedding venue and innumerable culinary delights, Mimosa Lodge is an ideal spot to refresh, revive and rejuvenate.
Accommodation
Mimosa Lodge
boasts 23 sumptuous double rooms for both overnight guests and those who would like to enjoy the tranquillity of a longer stay.
The Classic Rooms
Located within the main house, a charming 1859 national monument, these 11 rooms are elegantly decorated in attractive hues that encourage relaxation. They include a shower or bath with hand shower and Double, Queen or Twin beds.
The Garden suites
Luxuriously appointed suites surrounded by rambling gardens. All 11 suites include shower and bath, patio, CD-player and, King, Queen or Twin beds. All rooms are wheelchair accessible and one room is wheelchair friendly.
The Orchard suite
This suitably secluded suite with its own private garden and champagne pool is perfect for a quiet romantic weekend away. The suite boasts a double shower and corner bath, tea & coffee making facilities, mini bar, private champagne pool with balcony & extra-length King sized bed.
All rooms include the following facilities:
Ceiling fans
Bathroom amenities
Heaters
Hairdryer
Complimentary Muscadel
Mineral Water
Fresh Fruit
Food
Mimosa Lodge Restaurant,Mimosa Lodge’s award-winning restaurant has put Montagu on the culinary map. Its award-winning Swiss Chef takes pride in using only the freshest ingredients, to create gourmet masterpieces, incorporating local specialities such as Lamb, Springbok and Ostrich.
Dishes are paired appropriately with the suitable wine from the Robertson Wine Valley fit for aficionados and gourmands alike and can be enjoyed in the Mimosa Cellar where a chefs table can be set for a party of eight.
The restaurant is highly acclaimed in culinary circles and has received the following accolades:
2007 and 2008 AA Travellers Fabulous Food Award
2009 American Express Fine Dining Restaurant Platinum Award
2008 American Express Fine Dining Restaurant Platinum Award
2008 Eat Out People’s Choice Fab 15 Award
Blaison from Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs
Beverages
Mimosa Boutique Wines.
These exceptional wines are handcrafted by award winning Swiss chef, Bernard Hess & boutique winemaker, Lourens van der Westhuizen. On the foothills of the majestic Langeberg Mountains at the gateway to the arid Karoo, they create a fitting tribute to this collection comprising a Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and a heady Shiraz. Complexity meets balance to create an elegance in a bottle. Seduction for the tongue. Sunshine for the soul.
Features & Facilities
About Montagu Montagu, a scenic 2 hour drive from Cape Town is a quaint and well-kept town reminiscent of a bygone era at the heart of the Route 62. Nestled in a fertile valley, this pretty little town is steeped in history and is famous for its awe inspiring rock formations, orchards, vineyards, local herbs and healing hot mineral springs.
Visitors can enjoy a trip to the neighbouring Robertson Wine Valley for an intimate wine route experience, discovering Montagu’s Wildflower Nature garden, Bird sanctuaries, Nature Reserve, museums, art galleries, Historic Homes Route, lovely hiking trails, 4X4 and Mountain Bike trails and ideal rock climbing opportunities.
6 Day Montagu Tour.
Route 62 is an important historical route that links small farming communities with the two major harbour towns of Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Like the Route 66 in the USA, Route 62 lost its glory when the N2 highway was completed in 1958. From Cape Town to Oudtshoorn, Route 62 offers a 70 km shorter option than the N2, while also passing through no less than 14 beautiful and historical villages lined by mountain ranges. The diversity of vegetation and scenery makes the route a destination in itself and one should spend as much time as possible enjoying the drive.
Day 1 (Monday): Leave Cape Town for Montagu. You take the N1 to Paarl.
Day 2 (Tuesday): Montagu - Swellendam - Zuurbraak - Barrydale - Montagu
Day 3 (Wednesday): Tractor Trip
Day 4 (Thursday): Robertson Wine Route (52 km round trip)
Day 5 (FRIDAY): Bonnivale - Bredasdorp - Elim - L’Agulhas - Hermanus - Montagu
Day 6 (Saturday): Depart for Cape Town or Garden Route.
Activities in Montagu
Arts & Crafts
Each town has a great variety of artists, galleries, and many studios. Paintings, sculptures, wire-work, clothing, linen, pottery – it’s all here. Please consult the local tourism bureaus for the complete list of artists in the area.
Tractor Trips
Montagu Tractor Trips - a legendary outdoor activity since 1985 and certainly one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. It takes you to the summit of the Langeberg with stunning views of the Koo and Robertson Valleys. Fresh fruit, grown on this working farm, is served on your way up, with local muscadel being served at the summit. Afterwards enjoy traditional South African “Potjiekos”, served under magnificent pine trees. Booking at the Montagu Tourism Bureau. Weltevrede Wine Estate offers informative Terroir Tractor Trips, outlining the Jonker’s passion for Chardonnay and the area. Both these trips are great for families.
Bird Park
Bird’s Paradise in Robertson is ideal for families with over 260 exotic birds, monkeys, lamas, crocodiles and ponies, kids will be well entertained while you relax and enjoy something from the coffee shop. Open 7 days a week.
Cheese Shops
Langewater, La Montanara, Parmalat, Mooivallei and Stillerus are just some of the cheese making establishments we have in the area. Before you leave, be sure to visit some of their shops – find out more at the local tourism bureaus.
Dusty Sprocket Mountain Bike Trails
Offers a choice of ten mountain bike trails, with a variety of riding experiences, the longer rides take you into relatively wild and unexplored territory, whilst other routes may take you along the original wagon trails used by the early pioneers. To get to even more off the beaten tracks, enquire at Mimosa about our facilitated rides.
Fishing
A great outdoor activity for the family. Bass is plentiful – try your luck at the following wineries, all bordering the river: BurCon Wines, Viljoensdrift Wines, Wolvendrift Winery or Weltevrede Estate. If you don’t have a fishing rod, visit Outdoor Arena in Bonnievale, where a large variety of fish such as largemouth bass, carp, barbel, blue Tilapia, blue gill and grass carp are kept in their well stocked ponds. Fishing rods can be hired.
Private Events and Conference Facilities
Mimosa is the perfect venue for corporate conferencing, a platform from where team building exercises can be arranged in close proximity and private events such as birthday celebrations and weddings.
Mimosa can comfortably arrange a lavish garden wedding for up to 100 people. Catered to perfection by Mimosa’s kitchen, guests are welcome to spill out into a wedding marquis in the spacious and beautifully manicured gardens. The Bride and Groom are then welcome to retire to the Lodge’s sumptuous Honeymoon suite, complete with private plunge pool.
Companies looking for an intimate conferencing and off-site meeting venue will feel right at home around the boardroom table – accommodating up to 35 delegates.
Have a Picnic - Enjoy a picnic at one of our wine estates. Try Viljoensdrift, Janeza, Goedverwacht or Rietvallei, each of which offers (pre-booked) picnic baskets. Otherwise bring your own picnic and visit Buitehof, Rooiberg, Zandvliet, Wolvendrift or Weltevrede. Be sure to phone ahead and let them know of your visit. Hiking - Robertson Wine Valley is a must for hikers, with plenty trails to choose from: Arangieskop (Robertson-20.9km), Bloupunt (Montagu-15.6km), Cogmans (Montagu-12.1km), Dassieshoek (Robertson-34km), Boesmanskloof (McGregor-Greyton-14km), Rooikat Vrolijkheid (McGregor-19km) and Fish Eagle Trail (Van Loveren-8km) to name but a few. Contact the local tourism bureaus regarding bookings and/or permits. Horse Riding - If you love horses and the outdoors, this is a must. No experience is needed, safety-helmets are provided and, with groups no bigger than 6 (minimum 2), each rider will receive personal attention. Trails vary from 1 hour, half day, full day (which includes wine tasting and lunch at a nearby organic wine farm) to 3 day trails. We love Rene Burger of Nerina Guest Farm for her patience and “never-give-up” attitude. Golfing - Bonnievale and Montagu both have 9 hole courses. (Robertson course is currently being expanded to 18 holes). Also try Outdoor Arena’s Kaps 'n Raps course - played on a 9 hole par 3 course on lovely green lawns between the fish ponds. Wine Farms - Robertson Wine Route, just a stones throw away from Montagu, offers a variety of award winning wines to be enjoyed, these farms include Bon Courage, De Wetshof, Graham Beck, Major's Hill, Springfield, Van Loveren, and Zandvliet. A local wine maker in the area produces Mimosa's own delicious blend and a personal wine tasting can be arranged by Mimosa.
