5 Star Stories

28/07/2025

🐓🐴 New on the Garden Route: Jukani's Farmyard Experience! 🥕🐐

Who knew feeding turkeys, alpacas, and dodging a sassy emu could be the highlight of our holiday? Just outside Plettenberg Bay, Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary has added a guided farmyard that’s pure joy for little ones. Think muddy boots, giggles, and hands-on animal encounters — with a cappuccino in hand for you.

Read more here - https://www.5starstories.co/our-stories/animals-of-all-kinds-on-the-garden-route/

14/07/2025

Such an honour to have another story featured in Premier Magazine – the official guest magazine for Bidvest Premier Lounge,

30/06/2025

We recently checked into the President Hotel, Cape Town and immediately knew the effort of packing had been worth it. From the ocean-view pool and jungle gym to spacious family rooms, it made travelling with kids feel like a real holiday.

Of course, getting there is half the challenge – packing for a family trip is basically Tetris meets chaos. But we’ve learned a few essentials: sneakers for everyone, layers for Cape Town’s four-seasons-in-a-day weather, a swimsuit (yes, even in winter!), and snacks. Always snacks.

Here are some more of our top tips for packing for a family adventure to Cape Town: https://www.5starstories.co/our-stories/what-to-pack-for-a-family-holiday-in-cape-town/

25/06/2025

We recently checked in for a staycation at President Hotel, Cape Town and honestly, we didn’t want to leave. Correction: our child is still asking if we can live there.

Here’s why we’re officially fans:
👣 Location = stroller heaven. Sea Point Promenade, ice cream shops, and playgrounds galore – all walkable.
🏊‍♀️ The pool? HUGE hit (literally hours spent splashing).
🛏️ The rooms just work for families – separate bedrooms, a lounge for post-bedtime chilling, even a pillow menu!
🍕 Room service = parental sanity.
🎉 There’s a jungle gym, a kids' club in school holidays, and themed activities on special weekends (our little loved the mini golf and VIP buffet treats!).
☕ And the breakfast spread? Worth waking up early for. Pancakes with whipped cream, anyone?

It’s relaxed, beachy, and full of little thoughtful touches that make travelling with kids feel… dare I say… enjoyable?

Full scoop on why it totally ticked our family boxes 👇
https://www.5starstories.co/our-stories/10-reasons-to-stay-at-the-president-hotel-in-cape-town-when-youve-got-kids-in-tow/

23/06/2025

10 reasons we ❤️ POD in Camps Bay by The Oyster Collection (aka the ultimate staycation spot)
Celebrated our 10-year anniversary here and let’s just say... we’re still not over it. Here’s why:

🌊 1. Location, location, location – Steps from the beach. Literally. Book Room 201 if you can – the views.
🏡 2. Design dream – Raw wood, concrete, glass and a bath in the bedroom? Yes please.
🧼 3. Super slick service – Friendly, fast, thoughtful. Bubbly on arrival, luggage handled, everything spotless.
🍫 4. Free mini bar – Wines, waters, beers, snacks… and a bonus bottle of bubbly for our anniversary.
🏖️ 5. Poolside bliss – Private plunge pools + a main pool with loungers and views. What more could you want?
🥐 6. Breakfast heaven – Think bloody Marys, smoked salmon, banana bread + killer quesadillas.
👩‍❤️‍👨 7. Perfect for couples – No kids under 12, peaceful vibes, and ideal for a romantic escape.
🏋️ 8. Bonus spa & gym – Small, but nice to have (even if we didn’t use them…).
🛎️ 9. All the little touches – Rose petals, perfect check-in, staff who really care.
🥰 10. Made us fall for our city all over again – Camps Bay at sunset? Still unbeatable.
If you’re after something chic, quiet and romantic — this one’s for you.

Read more here - https://www.5starstories.co/our-stories/10-years-1-epic-stay-why-pod-in-camps-bay-stole-our-hearts/

18/06/2025

We had the most wonderful stay at the President Hotel with our two little ones and can honestly say it’s one of the most family-friendly places we’ve been in Cape Town.

The kids were treated like VIPs – complete with a special gift bag at check-in!

The jungle gym and pool was a great place to meet new friends, and during school holidays they also offer a Kids Club. For their special event buffets, like Father’s Day or Easter, they also offer additional activities for kids like face painting, pizza making or mini golf.

We loved the other thoughtful touches like the Mini VIP section at the buffet – perfect for little appetites.

A perfect mix of relaxation for parents and excitement for the kids. We’ll definitely be back! 🙌👨‍👩‍👧‍👦💦

15/06/2025

Here’s to you this Father’s Day...
The one who dives in, no matter how cold,
Who packs up the car for a journey untold,
Who shares the laughter and tales on the way,
Turning each moment into adventure and play.

When the path isn’t simple, and joy’s hard to find,
Still, you show up, so steady, so kind.
We may not always say it, or show it in part,
But we love you deeply, with all of our heart. 🥰

So today we pause, with love and with pride,
For the dad who’s our compass, our anchor, our guide.
Through every cold swim, every step of the way,
Thank you for being our light each day.

06/06/2025

Today we celebrate us... 🥂

10 years of I dos and choosing each other first. 20 years of love. 2 beautiful girls brought into this world. And countless wild adventures... 🥰

❤️

22/05/2025

Discover the charm of Montagu Country Hotel - a Cape Country Routes member - through our family's eyes!

From tranquil gardens to delicious cuisine, here are 9 things we adore about this gem in Montagu.

https://www.5starstories.co/our-stories/9-things-we-love-about-montagu-country-hotel-from-our-family-to-yours/

Discover 9 reasons we fell head over heels for Montagu Country Hotel, a Cape Country Routes member. More than a place to sleep, it is a bit of time travel, a lot of comfort, and a getaway the entire family could enjoy.

05/05/2025

What a way to tour the Winelands!!

American Dream Cars at Montagu Country Hotel allows the chance to enjoy wine hopping in one of two gorgeous vintage cars chauffeured by the hotel owner himself. Certainly an experience to remember!

Thanks and for arranging a spin in this beauty!!

02/05/2025

What a fabulous meal at Charleston's Restaurant at - a member of

We were surprised (and delighted) to discover that the proposed 'tasting menu' included all of the above courses (menu on last slide). And we fully expected to be served a 'taster' of each dish rather than a complete meal for each but WOW, what a feast! We simply couldn't get through it all (although we tried our best). And our verdict? No matter what you order here you won't be disappointed. The fish dishes for us were a firm favourite - offering a pleasant surprise in the middle of the country!

Already longing to return...

24/02/2025

Nestled along a stretch of pristine coastline in the Western Cape, not three hours from Cape Town, the Arniston Spa Hotel (a member of Cape Country Routes) is the kind of destination that makes you want to linger a little longer.

With its breathtaking sea views, family-friendly atmosphere, and easy access to one of South Africa’s most picturesque fishing villages, it recently provided a dream weekend getaway for us and our young children.

Based on our personal experience, here’s why a stay at Arniston Spa Hotel with your family is an absolute must: https://www.5starstories.co/our-stories/8-reasons-to-stay-at-arniston-spa-hotel-with-young-children/