WINTER'S SOLACE

Winter is generally seen as low peak season for boutique hotels and guesthouses, so locals should take advantage of these gorgeous spaces.

- BY KEITH BAIN

GET SPOILT IN SEDGEFIELD

A bit outside Knysna and therefore removed from the madness that ensues during the midwinter festivities there, Sedgefield Island Conservancy is all about its nature. Road signs command you to slow down to avoid rare tortoises and some people on the local WhatsApp group have proposed a ban on cats because they go around murdering birds. Here, amid the nature lovers, hippies and hipsters, the loveliest place to stay is In Toto Retreat, a down-to-earth six-bedroom guesthouse directly across the road from Swartvlei lagoon, the darkly handsome body of water that bestows this part of Sedgefield with much of its personality. Roland and Richard, In Toto's owners, love helping guests connect with the environment and the community. Apart from bringing their love of life, birds and nature to the space, they have a knack for good advice - about what to see, where to eat and how to have a most relaxing and enjoyable time while you're nesting, cocooning or adventuring here. The spacious, spoiling guestrooms include one that's kitted out for self-catering and each day starts with an incredible breakfast. There are various nooks inside and outdoors to curl up in, and all those nitty-gritty practical details have been thoroughly considered, for instance they use solar power, gas geysers and gas cookers (for sustainability and practical reasons) - there is even a braai and a pizza oven and a choice of dining areas, inside or out. And for cold nights, there's a fireplace in the lounge. The pool is heated, too, and if you want to get out on the lagoon, there are kayaks and SUP boards, and bikes to borrow so you can explore widely.

While you're here: