There’s a new method of travel that I’ve coined ‘The Mommy Road Trip’. It involves BFFs loading their kids in the car and heading off.
The benefits are remarkable: you can fit two adults, a three-, four- and eight-year-old with luggage in a Polo on a two-night break; there is no braaing or cooking vast amounts of food involved; and both of us work to a common goal – have the kids entertained and then in bed so we can get down to the business of eating olives and drinking wine while the sun sets.
And so it was when a friend visited from overseas recently: we needed a place close to Cape Town and as I’d never been to Old Mac Daddy in Elgin, it was time to visit this spot just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town. We didn’t stay in the funky Airstream trailer caravans but opted for Daddy’s Villa, a six-sleeper self-catering house (essential with little ones) instead.
After arriving and having the kind staff members haul our luggage up the steep hill (hmm, there’s a downside to not having the hubbies, then), we settled into the house with its clean lines and minimalist Scandi-vibe. An open plan, compact living area had everything we needed, including a Smeg fridge, two-plate gas stove, oven and microwave. The villa has a twin room, a room with a queen-sized bed, separate bathroom with shower and the main bedroom with its king-sized bed has an en suite to die for: walk-in shower and freestanding bath outside in a private little rock garden. Needless to say the kids loved having outdoor baths with lizards in view!
All rooms have air con as well as block-out curtains as the sun can get quite harsh, which brings me to the glass walls and balcony with its endless view over rolling green hills covered in orchards and vineyards.
And while us moms would have been very happy just chilling out on the balcony drinking in the view (and some local tipple), the kids had other ideas.
Old Mac Daddy really knows how to cater for little ones: two jungle gyms, a great pool with a large shallow area and bean bags next to it, chickens to chase and gardens to explore (with parents in tow). For the really active and adventurous you can even rent mountain bikes (for adults and kids) and helmets and traverse the various tracks in the area.
On the last night we enjoyed great food at The Barn, with the kids digging in to spag bol and wood-fired pizza before heading down to the play room to watch DVDs.
After two days spent swimming and walking, lazing and talking, we realised we had to return again soon – not only is Old Mac Daddy a great spot to relax in, but it’s perfectly positioned to explore the area’s wine farms and attractions.
We may even have to bring the husbands along.
OF NOTE
Where Old Mac Daddy Luxury Trailer Park, Valley Road, Elgin
Cost Daddy’s Villa is R1 950 a night Sunday to Thursday and R2 475 a night for Friday and Saturday (minimum two-night stay)
Contact +27 861 32339, www.oldmacdaddy.co.za
Photography Courtesy