Hi, I’m Atma from Little Samadhi Karoo Retreat in Barrydale.
Barrydale IS BEST KNOWN FOR its pure beauty; arguably one of the prettiest villages in South Africa. Barrydale is a historic fruit farming town and a true gateway to the Overberg and Klein Karoo.
GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT one of the lay-by points in the majestic Tradauw Pass. One of the country’s most splendid, pristine passes, originally built by Sir Thomas Bain in the late 1800’s and rebuilt in the 1970’s.
OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT Ronnie’s Sex Shop; a favourite bikers watering hole on the R62.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S GOOD, I LIKE TO swim in the numerous rock pools in the area.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S BAD, I LIKE TO hang out in front of the fire at The Blue Cow with a large slice of cheesecake and coffee.
I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS pretty much any time, winters are great BECAUSE you can escape Cape Town’s grey skies and enjoy the Little Karoo’s clear blue sky and sparkling fresh air.
MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS Dora’s. The Wheatless Wonders are a great mother and daughter team who undoubtedly make the best wheat-less bread in the country. Right next door is Ant’s Internet Cafe and DVD shop, another good place to hang out if you fancy a game of chess on the biggest board you’ve ever seen.
FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST Clarke of the Karoo, reputedly one of the best restaurants on the R62.
MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS Mez, TRY THE lamb shank.
MY FAVOURITE wine tasting SPOT IS Joubert Tradauw Wine Estate, an award winning family run farm also famous for their ‘Boere Tapas’ lunches.
FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY The Barrydale Hotel. They have regular performing artists and special weekend deals.
IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO just about anywhere in the village. The locals are the friendliest you could ever wist to meet.
Barrydale’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS Magpie Gallery. Great chandeliers made from recycled materials. Their work hangs in The White House!
MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS some of the above.
TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO be part of our yoga and meditation classes at Little Samadhi.
IF YOU’RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY any of the number of 4 x 4 routes on various farms both sides of Barrydale.
MY FAVOURITE HIKE IS the waterfall hike. Within minutes, weaving up rocky paths you lost sight of all signs of civilization and head off into the mountains where the flora is abundant. The Western Cape flora is one of the richest in the world.
MY FAVOURITE jewellery SHOP IS Inkaro at the Watercourt Lodge.
MY FAVOURITE bird WATCHING SPOT IS Grootvadersbos Nature Reserve.
MY FAVOURITE GALLERY IS Mud. CHECK OUT THE superb collection of South African contemporary art.
MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS The L House Art Studio, FOR ITS arty vibe. Drawing, painting and sculpting classes happen here during the week, but Nigel Hewett is happy to show you around any time.
TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS Warnwaterberg Hot Springs, a mere 15 minute drive away.
WHEN MONEY’S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO book in to Sanbona, a beautiful privately owned game reserve where you can see the famous white lions.
THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE IS the Karoo night sky; bright and unclouded.
MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS an immersion of good vegetarian food, loads of yoga and a blissful nights sleep at Little Samadhi.
WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I teach yoga to the Youth Leadership League of Net vir Pret.
I Love Barrydale BECAUSE this small vibrant community is full of interesting, friendly and creative people.
Useful Barrydale Links:
- Barrydale Attractions
- Things to Do in Barrydale
- Barrydale Self Catering
- Barrydale Accommodation
- Cape Overberg Hotels
Desirable Digits
Dora’s – +27 (0)28 572-1277
Clarke of the Karoo – +27 (0)28 572-1017
Mez – +27 (0)28 572-1259
Tradauw Wines – +27 (0)28 572-1619
The Barrydale Hotel – +27 (0)28 572-1226
Magpie Art Gallery – +27 (0)28 572-1997
