Martiens Van Der Merwe, Author at Villa Chanté

Mosselbaai gaan Dans in Afrikaans!

October 8, 2019 By Martiens Van Der Merwe

Die opbou tot die Somergees!

Met die Desember vakansie om die draai, bou die opwinding op soos ons begin gereed maak vir die jaarlikse “mal-maand” waar ons duisende besoekers terug verwelkom na ons prag dorp met sy beeldskoon strande en vriendelike Afrikaanse kultuur. Ons vriendelike dorpsmense staan gereed om vakansiegangers te betower met ons gasvryheids-gesindheid waar ons graag ons stukkie paradys met besoekers deel.

Hierdie jaar gaan beslis een vir die boeke wees met ‘n opwindende seleksie konserte deur ons land se top Afrikaanse Kunstenaars wat beloof om besoekers op hul voete te hou soos ons die somer afskop!

Ons skop die Feesgety af met die gewilde Mossjazz fees wat weer op De Bakke en Santos strande sal plaasvind vanaf 28 November tot 2 Desember 2019. Besoekers van reg oor die land stroom na Mosselbaai om hierdie bekende fees van goeie musiek by te woon, so speel vinnig en bespreek sommer jou kaartjie ook nou!

Na die afsluiting van die MossJazz Fees, beweeg ons dadelik na die Studentejol wat plaasvind vanaf 02 – 05 Desember, te Hartenbos ATKV Oorde vir al die Matrikulante massas wat ons dorp besoek om uit te rus na die lang eksamen periode. Vind meer uit oor hierdie “Ruk Op, Rus Uit en Rock On” geleentheid!

Die gewilde Afrikaans is Groot produksie sluit hierdie jaar by die ander aan met die tema “somerfees” wat plaasvind op 28 Desember 2019, te Van Riebeeck Stadion in Mosselbaai! Kom deel in die Afrikaanse pret deur jou kaartjies vroegtydig te bespreek!

Hartenbos In Afrikaans keer terug met nog ‘n opwindende produksie op 27 & 28 Desember 2019 te ATKV Amfiteater in Hartenbos, waar Dans in Afrikaans ook aansluit as deel van die vermaak kalender op 21 Desember 2019 te ATKV Amifiteater in Hartenbos.

Bespreek jou kaartjies NOU:

Hartenbos in Afrikaans

Dans in Afrikaans

Soos Emo Adams sal se, “Waar is die lekker”? In Mosselbaai is dit lekker!! Ons sien uit daarna om jul te verwelkom by Villa Chante vir ‘n welverdiende somer vakansie!

Volg gerus ons Facebookblad vir meer besonderhede oor doen-dinge, akkommodasie aanbiedinge en sommer lekker Mosselbaai leesstof.

BESPREKINGS:

Tel: +27(0) 44 698 2160 / Sel: +27(0) 60 672 6136

info@villachante.com

www.villachante.com

Having a whale of a time in Mossel Bay

June 28, 2019 By Martiens Van Der Merwe

Whale Season : July – November

Yearly, Southern Right whales migrate from their icy feeding grounds off Antarctica to warmer climates, reaching South Africa in June. The country’s coastal waters teem with the giant animals, mating, calving and rearing their young – and giving whale-watchers breathtaking displays of elegant water acrobatics. At least 37 species of whales and dolphins can be found in the waters off South Africa, and is most famous for rare encounters with Southern Right Whales and Humpback Whales.

Romonza Boat-based trips
a Breaching Humpback whale
Boat-based whale watching trips

The whale-watching season in Mossel Bay starts from June to November, when four species can be seen in our waters. The Southern Right is the most commonly sighted, coming into the bay to calve, but look for Humpback, Bryde’s and Orcas as well.
Informative whale interpretation boards can be seen at various beaches and view points, or take a boat based whale-watching trip onboard the Romonza, or hike the St Blaize trail. Schools of up to 500 dolphins add to the spectacle. The most common dolphins found all year are heaviside’s, common, dusky and bottlenose dolphins, playing in the surf – some even between the local surfers and kayakers.

Bryde’s whales or orcas are occasionally seen, and bottlenose and humpback dolphins are in residence all year. A breeding colony of up to 3000 Cape fur seals on Seal Island completes Mossel Bays’ impressive array of marine mammals.

The Garden Route generally, from Stilbaai through Mossel Bay and on to George, Wilderness, Knysna and Tsitsikamma, is a magnificent stretch of coastline hosting Southern rights in their season, Humpbacks between May and December, Bryde’s whales all year round – and, occasionally, killer whales.
Occasionally, beached whales or dolphins end up on our beaches, due to illness or injury and visitors are urged not to intervene but to call our local S.M.A.R.T volunteers, who are experts in the field of marine animal handling.

Why you should visit Mossel Bay in 2019

May 24, 2019 By Martiens Van Der Merwe

In the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains, perfectly nestled on the edge of the Indian Ocean, lies Mossel Bay – the town for all reasons. With 60 kilometres of beaches, year-round beach-going weather, with more than 300 days of sunshine in every 365, Mossel Bay is the ideal destination for a getaway weekend or well-deserved holiday, catering for the entire family. Mossel Bay is situated exactly halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth (400 km in each direction) – so it’s the ideal place to stay, and the ideal place from which to explore the Garden Route and the Klein Karoo and it’s conveniently close to the George Airport, which offers direct links to all of South Africa’s major transport hubs.

Sandboarding action on the dunes
a Splendid scene of the Point
Seal Island
The Cape St Blaize Lighthouse
a Surfers paradise

A splendid world of beaches, which of them are 4 Blue Flag beaches. Beach and water sports there are aplenty, so make good use of some of those sunny days. 80% of Mossel Bay’s rainfall happens during the night which makes it great for visitors to explore the area during the day.Adrenalin-junkies and outdoorsy people are catered for in Mossel Bay, with abseiling, scuba diving, shark-cage diving, sandboarding, sailing, the Oyster Catcher Trail, whale and dolphin watching, quad biking and mountain biking available. Seafood is a high point in Mossel Bay, with oysters reigning supreme. So prepare to enjoy a seafood extravaganza. Whale season starts in June/July until November anually.

Romonza Boat Trips
Whale Watching
Whale Watching
Seal Island is home to over 3000 Cape Furr Seals

Wildlife and wilderness experiences are also there for the taking, with several safari lodges offering Big 5 experiences. The Mossel Bay area is a good place for Cape fynbos, which beautifies large expanses of the landscape, especially in the Outeniqua Mountains and around Albertinia and Boggomsbaai.

Much of the holiday action happens around the Point, a promontory with an old-school seaside vibe. There are ice-cream kiosks, a caravan park and mini-golf, and it’s also a prime spot to surf. Visitors who are keen to dive with smaller sharks, can do so at the Shark Lab. Beachfront Restaurants are in abundance at the point, catering to each member of the families’ taste with 280 degree sea views.

Walking with lions
Delfino’s Beachfront Restaurants
Game Drives at Botlierskop
The “Poort”
Ponto Grille Restaurant
The Protea – Our National Flower, forming part of the Cape Fynbos Species

Go Back in time and enjoy a walk through the “Old Mossel Bay” which is also the town centre, boasting with century-old buildings. The Diaz Museum is a must visit where visitors can climb aboard a exact replica of Bartholomew Diaz’s ship and can explore the different sections of the museum and visit the old Muslim graves, historic cottages, learn more about the Khoisan and their history and view some of the exquisite fish species that is found in our waters, displayed in the Shell and Aquatic section.

Historic Buildings in Mossel Bay and a sculpture of Bartholomew Dias at the Museum

Visitors are spoilt for choice with leisure shopping facilities consisting of two shopping centres, and even our very own new foodcourt – CHOW! Our town is well known for our warm Hospitality and friendly folk, that contributed to Mossel Bay being voted as Town of the Year in 2017 and the Friendliest Holiday Town in the World.

Langeberg Mall Entrance
Langeberg Mall
Mossel Bay Mall
Leisure Shopping in Mossel Bay

Whilst visiting Mossel Bay, the ideal accommodation establishment can be found in Dana Bay – Mossel Bay Accommodation – Villa Chante. With the most affordable rates in town, Villa Chante caters for small to bigger families, couples, corporate guests and backpackers alike. a Quiet and relaxing spot to break away from the busy seaside town and enjoy the natural scenery and abundance of birdlife, so pack your bags and head to Mossel Bay in 2019 for a memorable holiday!

Being a Tourist in the Garden Route

April 12, 2019 By Martiens Van Der Merwe

Guesthouse owners need a break too, and what better way than spending the time being a Tourist in our own beautiful region – The Garden Route. Our first two days, we spent exploring our own town – Mossel Bay and enjoyed the beautiful scenery and Tourism offerings. Villa Chante is the perfect place to stay at while visiting the area. The Garden Route is a place of magic, mystery and hidden treasures. The region where the ocean and forests meet and where visitors are left with a sense of calm and relaxation.

Mossel Bay

The Point is one of the most loved areas of Mossel Bay offering visitors an array of Beachfront Restaurants, Street food stalls, Ice-Cream huts, a fabulous view of the Cape St Blaize Caves and lighthouse and of course the promenade – a paved pathway around the Point area. We decided to have lunch at Delfino’s Restaurant. Being a Saturday, the Restaurant is obviously packed of patrons enjoying the sun and views. Over the years this spot became a much loved meeting place for friends and colleagues to enjoy a cuppa.

Knysna

On Monday we departed to the Jewel of the Garden Route – Knysna. We stayed at the Elephant Hide of Knysna Guest Lodge – a charming Lodge with a African theme and view over the Knysna Estuary. The Lodge offers cabins equipped with Air Conditioning, DSTV, Free Wi-Fi, a well-stocked in-room honesty bar, spa baths and private decks for guests to enjoy. Meals are available on-site and a swimming pool is also a main feature. The drive up to the Lodge is beautiful and scenic – through the trees and semi-forest.

After the devastating Knysna Fires of June 2017 the town has risen like a Phoenix through the ashes and the surrounding greenery has started growing again and most homes and establishments that have sadly burnt down has been re-built. Here and there is still a abandoned building that was never completed but plans are set in place for re-building.

The Town has so much to offer visitors and we started at the Famous Knysna Waterfront that offers various restaurants and Cafes, African Curious, leisure shopping facilities and the complimentary views. The Waterfront has that almost Italian Feel with the canal and slipways around the waterfront with sailboats passing through under the bridge. We had lunch at 34 Degrees South Restaurant and when visiting this eatery, you cannot leave without having a fresh oyster or two. Oysters are one of Knysna’s Trademarks, and yearly Knysna is host to the Annual Oyster festival, a Cultural mix of Sport, Leisure and lots of Oyster Eating!

Next we headed to Brenton-On-Sea, a Nature Conservancy on the outskirts of Knysna about a 10km drive out. Brenton is home to the much protected Brenton Blue Butterfly, a species that was once thought to be extinct but was later discovered in the Conservancy and is now the only place where they can be found these days, but rarely seen unless a Tour is booked with a guide that takes you through the protected sanctuary area. Picnic Spots are available with breathtaking views of the Brenton Beach, a Blue Flag Status Beach and the Castle Rock, Rock formation. the picnic tables are delightfully decorated with mosaic that adds to the special touch.

We had lunch at Nautical South Restaurant and was treated with a delicious Mussel “Potjie” – One of Vlooi’s (The Owner and Chef) top sellers on the menu. The Restaurant has a casual Beach feel and the service is Top-notch!

The next day we made our way to the Famous Knysna Elephant Park, a 15 minute drive, between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. The Elephant Park was founded in 1994 and is the first facility in South Africa to house orphaned African Elephants. Here you get the chance to have close encounters with the gentle giants and feed them out of your hands. They offer daily 1-hour tours every hour on the hour. You can even spend a night with them in their overnight facility. a On-site restaurant and curious shop is also available for visitors to purchase memorabilia. Knysna was once the home to many free-roaming African Elephants that walked the Forests and was hunted down one by one until they became non existent. Sadly
Today, there is only one Elephant left in the forest, a Female referred to as the Matriarch that was caught on surveillance footage.

Knysna Elephant Park (Bottom Right – The Last living wild Elephant in the Knysna Forest)

Wilderness & Kaaimans

Upon our departure we made our way to the Wilderness – a magical and scenic coastal village. We took a drive to the well-known King Fisher Hiking Trail starting point. Although we did not do the hike, the drive down is beautiful. We stopped at the Kaaimans River Estuary for a hike. This beautiful hidden gem is situated just off the N2 on the Kaaimans Pass. You park your vehicle and can walk around the estuary. a Restaurant is available for a quick bite or drink with views over the river and you can also hire a kayak to explore the entire estuary. The smell of the forest is inviting and gives you an immediate desire to camp right there! This is a perfect spot for a picnic as the sound of the chirping birds and smell of ferns carries you away to another planet.

Victoria Bay

Our next stop was Victoria Bay, halfway between Wilderness and George. Victoria Bay or rather “Vic Bay” as it is known by the locals is the surfing hub of the Garden Route. a Rather small beach but very popular among the George Locals for a lazy afternoon, and very popular in the summer months. You can take a stroll along the pathway with colorful little dwellings en-route and homes dating back to 1919. Here you can also relax and have a bite to eat at “Vicky’s” Eatery or you can buy a Ice-cream from the kiosk and enjoy the scenery.

Greatbrak River Conservancy

Next, we made our way to Greatbrak River, part of the Greater Mossel Bay Area. The Estuary is inviting and we could not help but to put our feet in the luke warm water of the river. The Beach stretches for miles. We took a drive to the well-known local Shoe Factory and had a coffee at the Peperboom Restaurant (“Peppertree”), before we made our way back home to Villa Chante.

Why travel thousands of kilometers when we have so much to do and see on our doorstep? The Garden Route is truly one of the most magical places in South Africa and no wonder International Travelers prefer the Garden Route as their halfway stop between Cape Town and Addo.

Should you decide to make the Garden Route your destination of Choice for your next holiday, contact us for your accommodation needs! You are invited!

Reservations:

Tel: 044 698 2160 Cell: 060 672 6136

info@villachante.com

www.villachante.com

On Point!

February 24, 2019 By Martiens Van Der Merwe

Explore endless horizons

The Point is certainly one of the most iconic Tourist Attractions in Mossel Bay. Foodies, history lovers and photographers flock to this part of town to take in the natural beauty that the Point has to offer. Not only is the Point a well known surfing spot, but is also has some of the best positioned beachfront Restaurants in town! The Cape St Blaize Caves is a must visit heritage spot with 180 degree unspoiled sea views with a magnificent hiking trail that leads you all the way to Dana Bay.

What can be more perfect than taking a Sunday drive like in the good old days. Park your vehicle and enjoy a ice cream, good ol’ street food, read the news paper or just enjoy the splendid views.

Ponto Grille & Carvery

a Particular Restaurant that ticks all the boxes is Ponto Grille & Carvery, once known as the old Dros Restaurant. Ponto offers a distinctive A-la-cart menu and serves up a mean all-you-can-eat buffet that is simply out of this world. Sunday lunch buffets is the most popular with a packed Restaurant. For the lighter eater you can order from the A-la-cart menu and boy, oh boy… If you are a Ribs lover, you are at the right place! They dish up the best sticky pork ribs in town and when you get it on a special, even better! R98 for a 1kg rack – yup, then you order a to-go aswell!! Did I mention that a FREE shuttle service is available to and from this Restaurant? – BONUS!

This Restaurant offers 5 sections – a street-view patio, a ocean view side patio, the main dining room, a bar section and then the creme-de-la-creme..a Deck with 180 degree unspoiled sea views, magnificent view of the popular “poort”, the Cape St. Blaize caves and lighthouse. Tick! Tick! Tick! We score this restaurant a 10 out of 10!

Once done with your meal, take a scroll around the prominade that is about 2 – 3km paved stretch along the beach from the point to beacon point. Dolphins are often seen playing in the waves en-route, surfers can be observed with their impressive skills and children can enjoy the Inner pool, a safe and clean tidal pool. In season, Whales are also often spotted tail lobbing in the shallow waters while passing around the point.

Celebrating love

February 13, 2019 By Martiens Van Der Merwe

Cupid is pointing his arrow straight towards Mossel Bay

February – The month of love. Everything looks much more beautiful than usual, that tingling feeling of being in love is felt everywhere, romantic plans are being made, surprises are being planned and arranged, for many, Miss. will soon become Mrs. without her even knowing.

“Love does not make the world go around – it simply makes the ride worthwhile”.

At Villa Chante, the feeling of love has become so contagious that we have planned a surprise of our own this passed week. Our Annual Facebook Valentine’s Competition was taken to the next level this year. With over 20,000+ reaches and hundreds of entries, we thought that we will spread the love and give one of the biggest Valentine’s give-aways in the history of Villa Chante worth R11,500.00

Our Facebook Competition entitled a lucky winning couple to a 2 night stay at Villa Chante with dinner vouchers included, but our team have put heads together and arranged a massive surprise!

On Friday, 08 February 2019, we had a Facebook Live draw which included a informative session on why Guests must visit Mossel Bay and spend their holiday at Villa Chante. We were joined by a icon of Mossel Bay, Aunty Ethel along with Max from Mossel Bay Tourism, who gave viewers some insight on why Mossel Bay is the town for all seasons.

We have announced that this year, we will not only choose one winning couple, but three and wait for it…They will also receive 2 days worth of Mossel Bay’s best activities, meals and the chance to experience first-hand why Mossel Bay is the World’s friendliest holiday town.

First Draw Winner: Lenique Langeveld

2 Night Stay at Villa Chante for 2 people
Daily Dinner vouchers with Free Dinner shuttle
3 Hour Game drive at the Botlierskop Luxury Game Reserve
Double food and wine pairing at the award winning Jakkalsvlei Private Wine Estate