
The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Bake Imtiyaaz Hart’s chocolate chip cookies with a simple ingredients list and step-by-step method, plus serving and storage tips.
Winter in the Cape Winelands has a personality all its own. The vineyards quieten, fires become gathering places and the usual weekend crowds thin out. It is precisely the season for doing less—and feeling rather pleased about it.
Set among olive groves beneath the Simonsberg mountains, Olijvenkraal Winelands Lodge is offering a winter staycation for travellers who need a countryside reset without undertaking an epic expedition.
Opened in December 2025, the lodge has just six suites. That limited room count gives the property an intimate character, suited to couples, small groups and anyone whose idea of a restful weekend does not involve competing for a pool lounger.
The suites combine contemporary design with natural textures, spacious living areas and views across the farm. Fireplaces warm the interiors, while private patios and generous windows keep the surrounding landscape firmly in view.
At the centre of the lodge is The Clubhouse, a communal space designed to carry guests through the day. Mornings begin with coffee, a continental spread and a choice of hot breakfast dishes. Later, the deck invites lingering lunches, while cooler evenings belong beside the fire with a drink in hand.
There is also a heated pool overlooking the olive trees, because Cape winters frequently deliver the sort of bright afternoon that makes swimming seem perfectly sensible—at least until the robe is out of reach.
Available until the end of August 2026, the seasonal offer starts at R3,500 per night for two guests. Breakfast and a complimentary bottle of Olijvenkraal Shiraz on arrival are included.
The lodge’s position in the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley also places guests close to wine estates, restaurants and outdoor attractions. Those who would rather remain on the farm can slow the itinerary considerably, with open-fire dining available at FYRE Restaurant nearby.
Olijvenkraal can also accommodate exclusive-use stays, intimate weddings, family gatherings and private retreats, offering a useful option for celebrations that call for both privacy and a strong Winelands setting.
Book this one when the calendar has become noisy and the group chat needs a weekend away rather than another planning session. Arrive hungry, open the Shiraz and give winter permission to set the pace.
The offer is available for direct bookings only, subject to terms and availability. Contact reservations@olijvenkraal.co.za.

Bake Imtiyaaz Hart’s chocolate chip cookies with a simple ingredients list and step-by-step method, plus serving and storage tips.

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