Tulips and Tulbagh
I recently spoiled myself with a retreat, emphasis being on TREAT! And boy, oh boy, was it a spoil. Nestled between mountains just a smidge over an hour's drive out of Cape Town, lies beautiful Tulbagh. With the recent fuel prices, this little getaway has the perfect setting, far enough from the noise and neighbours in the city, yet close enough for the peace of mind that you won't be refuelling on arrival and forced to live off the free biscuits at your hotel. No no no, this is a journey of self-love and carefree living and our oil, water and tyre pressure are fine, thank you.
When you book a midweek trip at Cape Dutch Quarters it comes with a few perks, like the entrance to the town's museums and a fantastic dinner for two at The Tulbagh Hotel, and that is with drinks included. On top of this, you get to stay in a beautiful renovated Dutch house with modern finishes. A wooden floor with carefully embroidered throw pillows, white linen on the beds and electric blankets to make sure you enjoy your winter getaway. The town carries so much heritage, history and warmth in it, this comes to life while visiting all the local museums and especially De Oudekerk, which is one of South Africa's oldest churches and home to the only symphonion (the first disk-playing musical box) in SA. I find with self-care, you need to focus on your mind, body and soul. You could already have enjoyed a hearty meal which checks "body" off the list, now onto mind. Learning or discovering new things can be a great way to expand your mind and be stimulated, by visiting these historical spots I felt proud of South Africa and a tiny bit smarter for knowing what a Symphonion is.
Next up, Soul. For this one, we have come to the right place, since nothing takes care of the soul quite like a glass of good wine. You are sipping a crisp Chardonnay, fruity Shiraz or one-of-a-kind, White Pinotage from Swanepoel at De Oude Compagnie. Blissful, beautiful and grand with tones of heart and community, that's the Tulbagh way. Not just offering wine, but a piece of the town with it. If you spend a day or two here you will start noticing certain brands, bread or spreads. That every restaurant serves Montpellier wine and how the wine farms use Fynbos branded soap in the restrooms. When you are supporting one business in Tulbagh, you are helping all of them, which wasn't planned, but in books goes under being good for the soul.
A trip to Tulbagh is also incomplete without a Horse-Riding Trail. This is a beautiful way to see more of the mountain range, nature and the vineyards up close. I would however recommend an experienced rider for this activity, even though the guides are very patient, this writer's skill level needs improvement before saddling up again.
In short, we all need to take care of ourselves and remember we are more than our jobs, our families or our responsibilities. We are humans, who get tired and more often than not, forget to breathe. Take a moment for yourself and fuel up. Next time someone wants to check your oil, water and tyre pressure, let them. And while they're at it take the opportunity to check your mind, body and soul. Oh, where do the tulips fit into all of this? Well, that's what you buy yourself when you get back home to soften the blow that a carefree getaway has come to an end.