The Retreat at Groenfontein

The rates include dinner, bed and breakfast.

Retreat is an old Victorian farmhouse in the lovely Groenfontein Valley conservancy, bordering on the 129.000ha Swartberg World Heritage Site and situated 20kms northeast of Calitzdorp on a scenic, winding gravel road, 59kms northwest of Oudtshoorn, and 48kms southwest of the Cango Caves, on scenic winding gravel roads, just off the magical Route 62.

Graded 3 and 4 stars by the TGCSA.

This lovely home has four garden rooms in two annexes with magnificent views of the mountains, all with fireplaces, King-size beds, which can be made up as twins, the three larger with a Victorian bath and shower, the smaller with shower, all with magnificent views of the mountains, two with separate bedrooms with two single beds; while in the main house, we have four comfortable en-suite bedrooms leading onto a patio, and the lounge and dining room - each with a fireplace - lead onto the verandah overlooking the sweeping gardens and majestic Swartberg.

Your hosts, Grant and Marie, enjoy treating guests to true Klein Karoo hospitality. The smell of fresh coffee welcomes you back from a morning walk to a hearty breakfast on the terrace, where dinner cooked with Maries continental flair - is also served on most summer evenings. Vegetarian and problem diets are well catered for. The Retreat has a full liquor licence and carries a selection of the fine wines of the region.

Take a lazy afternoon stroll in the peaceful lanes of the Groenfontein Valley, stop for a swim on the new rock-pool trail, enjoy energetic walks into the foothills of the Swartberg in the sparkling mountain air, or simply relax at the pool and let the peace and silence soak into your soul. You can also go swimming in the river or dam.

Children and pets welcome.

Proud holders of AA Accommodation Award 2003, 2004 and 2005 and Hall of Fame 2006 - 2010

booking enquiry no obligation! OR book now!

Reviews

"Beautiful surrounds, comfortable room, friendly hosts"

22 July 2021

"Nothing - the name says it all"
"The wonderful relaxing atmosphere"

23 December 2017

"Room lovely; food delicious; staff very friendly; surroundings stunning; lovely walks; peacefullness ay its best."
"Wonderful stay"

22 March 2015

"Grant,Marie and Casey were all so welcoming and provided for my wife's gluten free requirements . A first stay away for our dog Jo Jo just added to the wonderful experience . We had the sweet which made it that much more special . The walks are splendid the dam is swimable so much so that we made no use of the pool .The evening dinners with all the guests were delightful we had Germans, Belgians and Brits and all just exchanged stories . Waking up at dawn with a deluge of birds in the trees made you so appreciate this unique spot .Thank you all for the wonderful 4 days . Also took in the Red Hills near by which are a must!<br />"
"Retreat at Groenfontein"

16 June 2014

"Beautiful area bordering the Swartberg. Mt trails, rock pools and wonderful hosts. A big plus in that everyone eats together (like a large family). Good food and great fun."
"Wonderful experience"

22 September 2013

"Quiet guest house in beautiful surroundings with numerous hiking trails. Grant and Marie are wonderful and attentive hosts and could not have made us feel more welcome and special. The superbly cooked dinner was a lovely experience as was the breakfast on the verandah the following morning. We will definitely be back!"
"An outstanding destination"

04 January 2011

"The Retreat exceeded our expectations. The valley is outstanding and well worth the trip along the scenic road. Our room was very comfortable and we slept like babies. The food and hospitality was second to none. The walks are clearly marked. Our two nights stay there was the highlight of our trip to Cape. Do not miss the drive over the Swartberg pass - truly spectacular!"
"Thoroughly enjoyed our stay"

22 April 2010

"Although the 1.5kl to the retreat was narrow and windy the road was in good repair. We thoroughly enjoyed the lovely clean home style guest lodge. Well run and most hospitable together with excellent meals. Despite the recent fires, we enjoyed our ambles round and admire the way they have cleaned up all the fire damaged areas."
"Thoroughly enjoyed our stay"

22 April 2010

"Although the 1.5kl to the retreat was narrow and windy the road was in good repair.We thoroughly enjoyed the lovely clean home style guest lodge. Well run and most hospitable together with excellent meals.Despite the recent fires, we enjoyed our ambles round and admire the way they have cleaned up all the fire damaged areas."
"Definitely a place to return!"

11 August 2009

"Retreat describes it perfectly: from the escape along the winding dirt road, to the fabulous room with the surrounding view and only the sound of birdsong and wind on the air, and the lure of paths disappearing into the hills.We were well spoiled and felt as though we made friends over the dining table."
"Definitely a place to return!"

11 August 2009

"Retreat describes it perfectly: from the escape along the winding dirt road, to the fabulous room with the surrounding view and only the sound of birdsong and wind on the air, and the lure of paths disappearing into the hills.We were well spoiled and felt as though we made friends over the dining table."
"This truly is the perfect Retreat:"

21 June 2009

"A magnificent home in wonderful surroundings, well off the beaten track. It ranks as the best guest house we have ever stayed in. The hiking trails/walks accommodate every level of fitness. Guests are treated like one of the family, with everyone eating together, and the food is 10-star. Grant and Marie and their staff are attentive to every possible need, and nothing is too much trouble. We took advice from another comment and stayed two nights in order to enjoy an entire day of walking and relaxing. It would not be advisable to drive 20 km from the R62 just for dinner and breakfast. The friendly local birds are also part of the experience, adding colour and sound. This was a truly delightful break."
"This truly is the perfect Retreat:"

21 June 2009

" A magnificent home in wonderful surroundings, well off the beaten track.It ranks as the best guest house we have ever stayed in. The hiking trails/walks accommodate every level of fitness.Guests are treated like one of the family, with everyone eating together, and the food is 10-star.Grant and Marie and their staff are attentive to every possible need, and nothing is too much trouble.We took advice from another comment and stayed two nights in order to enjoy an entire day of walking and relaxing.It would not be advisable to drive 20 km from the R62 just for dinner and breakfast.The friendly local birds are also part of the experience, adding colour and sound.This was a truly delightful break."
"Fantastic stay,"

15 March 2009

"The 19km drive on the gravel road was well worth it when we arrived at our destination. The house is wonderful and the views spectacular. The food was outstanding, the breakfast and dinner wonderful. Great base for driving around the Karoo and the Swartsberg pass. You must stay 2 nights, 1 simply isn't long enough to relax and enjoy the view and the walks in the mountains!"
"Fantastic stay,"

15 March 2009

"The 19km drive on the gravel road was well worth it when we arrived at our destination. The house is wonderful and the views spectacular. The food was outstanding, the breakfast and dinner wonderful. Great base for driving around the Karoo and the Swartsberg pass. You must stay 2 nights, 1 simply isn't long enough to relax and enjoy the view and the walks in the mountains!"
"Guesthouse like Agatha Christie would have written it"

15 February 2009

"Beautiful location. So remote and peaceful. Many excellent day walks start right from the door. Nice dinner and breakfast. You feel like you are in the different century. Very nice room where you have a nice sleep and can enjoy voices of the nature. Recommended."
"Wonderful location"

18 December 2008

"A real get-away from it all place. Comfortable accommodation and enjoyable communal meals. Great walks from the door. Would like to have spent longer than our overnight stay."
"Wonderful location"

18 December 2008

"A real get-away from it all place. Comfortable accommodation and enjoyable communal meals. Great walks from the door. Would like to have spent longer than our overnight stay."
"Superb."

19 May 2008

"Wonderful hosts, great location. We will return"
"Superb."

19 May 2008

" Wonderful hosts, great location. We will return "
"Very enjoyable"

13 August 2007

"Although we didn't spend much time there - it was an overnight stay only, we really enjoyed the beautiful setting and the warm hospitality. All amenities were clean and well-kept.Can recommend strongly"
"Very enjoyable"

13 August 2007

"Although we didn't spend much time there - it was an overnight stay only, we really enjoyed the beautiful setting and the warm hospitality. All amenities were clean and well-kept.Can recommend strongly"