If change is as good as a holiday, imagine how a little added quirkiness can transport you far away from the real world. Weโve put together a collection of accommodation hotspots that have combined gorgeous lodgings with something quirky that makes them uniquely irresistible.
Here are our favourite Quirky Quarters, each with a little something special:
Gypsy Wagons
Glamping is given a whole new face at Gypsy Wagons, where guests get to spend the night in a custom wagon. Each wagon has a vibe and style of its own as well as a kitchenette, wood-burning oven (or indoor fireplace), and a bathroom.
This magical getaway is in Clarens in the Free State, just over three hours from Johannesburg.
Excalibur Boutique Hotel
Live out a childhood fairytale when you book a few nights in a fantastical suite in a castle. Grand design and opulent extras are what this boutique hotel in Rustenburg is all about.
Although the suites are majestic and elegant with a distinctive old-world charm, they also have the comforts of air-con and coffee machines.
Farr Out
Just minutes from the spectacular beaches, this 4-star B & B in Paternoster is a stunning retreat. But, for the dreamers among us that love something a little off-centre, book your accommodation in the wigwam. It is spacious and elegant, with an inviting stone-walled shower and plenty of light.
This is a fantastically special way to experience the West Coast.
Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve
Escape to the comfort and beauty of a cave suite in the Breede River Valley for a completely novel way to rejuvenate body and mind. Although they have been integrated into the raw sandstone of the mountains, these suites are stylish and well-equipped.
There is also an open-air suite perched on an isolated outcrop for guests that want to sleep under the stars.
Naries Namakwa Retreat
Experience the raw drama of the Namakwa region from the domed mountain suites, which are situated far away from the manor house for the ultimate in serenity. The luxurious bath is perfect for two, and there are really incredible views of this very special area.
The use of natural materials like thatch and wood creates an even more memorable spot.
Maggie May House Boat
Sundayโs River and its valley are just gorgeous parts of the Addo area of the Eastern Cape. And there arenโt many ways to get the most out of them that will beat staying on the houseboat, Maggie May.
The boat has all of the amenities you need for a stunning getaway, and the crew can arrange river cruises, fishing excursions, and sandboarding adventures too.
Sycamore Avenue Treehouses
Jacuzzis, fireplaces and private patios make these elegant tree houses in Mooi River in the Natal Midlands extra special.
These quirky retreats are situated amongst the trees of the forest and the fynbos that is endemic to South Africa. There are views of the Drakensberg Mountains and, in winter, guests may even have a sprinkling of snow over their magical forest setting.
Airstream Trailer Park @ Grand Daddy
Forget everything you think you know about trailer parks and book some pretty awesome lodgings at Grand Daddyโs Airstream Trailer Park in the middle of Cape Town.
Perched on the roof of one of the cityโs tall buildings, these trailers are compact, but comfy. They offer lovely linen, satellite TV, and a mini bar; and the vibe from the City Bowl far below is tangible.
The Shoe Guest House
As its name implies, this guest house is literally nestled inside a giant shoe, making it the ultimate โquirky accommodationโ. Stone walls and unique decorative features make it even more one-of-a-kind for visitors hankering after a change.
The Shoe is on the Panorama Route of Mpumalanga, which is simply spectacular.
Platbos Forest Cabins
Stay right in the heart of the indigenous forests of the Cape Overberg in this exclusive wooden forest camp. Theyโre off the grid and offer a spectacular setting.
The outdoor fireplace is a particularly special place from which to reflect on the privilege of being in a forest that is over 1 000 years old. Massive windows and roll-up sides mean that these cabins have been built to bring the outside in.
Sea Shack
These quirky little shacks are perched right on the sandy shores of Paternoster, where the sea spray and bracing breeze make the perfect travel companions. Each of the 10 shacks has its own theme and honours a local artist.
The shacks are committed to being eco-friendly, and there are communal facilities.
Riverstone’s Fam Tin
Stay in this stylish eco-built container and take in the spectacular, uninterrupted views of the Breede River Valley. Mountain views, a wood-burning stove, an outdoor patio, and a farm dam (perfect for summer swims) all add to the allure.
This fabulous Wolseley accommodation is pet-friendly.
Osfontein Guest Farm
Choose between staying in the original corbelled house, a tree house, or the old stone shed at the beautiful Osfontein in the Northern Cape. The corbelled house has the original fireplace, and there is no electricity (candlelight is all you need at this quirky getaway).
Sit outside and see the sheer scale of the Karoo skies, littered with stars, or head out into the countryside for a memorable walk.
The Santos Express
Relive the charm of yesteryear, when staying overnight in a train compartment was part of the excitement of a long-haul trip across country. The Santos Express is on the beach in Mossel Bay and all of the compartments have gorgeous views of the waves rushing to shore.
Just metres from the water, the suites are elegant and spacious enough, with plenty of modern amenities.
The Water Tower
Nieu-Bethesda is, in itself, a rather quirky destination. The Water Tower is a double-storey house in this little town, with rounded white-washed walls and narrow ladder-stairs up to the bedroom.
The clever use of space and light makes it a particularly enticing part of your Eastern Cape experience.
Simonsberg Silo’s
These authentic silos are contemporary and uber-cool spots for those that love elegance with a twist. Situated on the beautiful Natte Valleij wine farm just outside Stellenbosch, these well-equipped silos have all of the modern amenities and are close to some of the countryโs most popular wine estates.
The round-walled space lends itself to a charm and character that canโt easily be recreated in any other way, making it really fun and memorable.
The Shire Eco Lodge
The unique curves and contours of these log cabins are as enchanting as they are different. The forest can be savoured from the curved glass windows, and outdoor showers immerse you in the magic of the African bush.
This Stutterheim accommodation is nestled in the Amatola Mountains, right in the heart of some spectacular fauna and flora โ just perfect for nature-lovers.