I love sleeping in a tent – I always feel that much closer to nature between canvas walls. But sometimes just the thought of struggling with a tent and poles is enough to put me off camping completely. This is what makes Canvas Collective Africa’s offering great. You get to sleep in a tent, but without the schlep. And with all the luxuries you would expect of a boutique hotel.
The concept behind this luxury glamping was born during lockdown when Samara Stern and Dez Lundy met at the non-profit Ladles of Love feeding scheme. Dez had become a volunteer at the charity of which Sam’s family were supporters. The concept for their luxury tent experience took just one year, and then Canvas Collective Africa was born. One could say philanthropy and innovation brought these two together and the result is a luxury glamping experience like no other.
Getting to the camp
The camp is located on a 300-hectare working family farm in the picturesque Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, between Hermanus and Caledon.
Luxury Tents
Stepping into our canvas home for the evening took our breath away. It is difficult to believe that so much luxury can be crammed into a pop-up tent. Each tent is stylishly furnished with everything from a king-sized bed and Nespresso machine to a flushable, portable toilet and shower with hot water. The afternoon was spent curled up on the armchairs outside our tent taking in the tranquil surrounds.
As the sun dipped behind the surrounding mountains, we dragged ourselves from our tent and made our way to the communal campfire. Small lanterns illuminate the pathways between the tents giving the whole camp a romantic glow. After enjoying sundowners around the campfire we were ushered to the Field Kitchen for dinner.
The Field Kitchen
The Field Kitchen is an impressive mobile glass, steel, and canvas restaurant that affords diners a breath-taking view of the valley below. In this full-on restaurant with its professional kitchen chef Trudy creates the type of fine dining meals you would expect to eat at some of the best restaurants in our country, and not in a mobile field kitchen. Each dish is painstakingly prepared using locally sourced ingredients.
While we sat sipping local red wine, chef Trudie bustled about weaving her magic in the open plan kitchen. The starter of Steak Teriyaki served with a plum salsa had us wanting more, but the highlight of the meal had to be the main of seared line fish with a velouté served on a bright carrot puree. And, just as we thought it couldn’t get any better chef Trudie treated us to Banana Rum Baba for dessert! We ended the meal with a night cap at the campfire. Soon the the soft rustle of the wind through the pine trees beckoned us back to the tent and plush bed. Because of the remoteness of the camp, electricity is generator powered. Around 22:00 the generator is switched off blanketing the camp in a stillness that ensures a great night’s sleep.
Things to do
The next morning started with breakfast-in-bed, after which we set out to explore the area. In addition to enjoying the beautiful scenery around your tent, there are also hiking trails on the farm. On hot days the farm dam offers guests a tranquil spot to cool off. And when the short walk to the farm dam is just too far you can cool off in the camp’s splash pool. The team also offers delicious picnic lunches next to the farm dam.
Whether you are an art lover, a wine enthusiast, or an adventurous spirit, you are sure to find something to do in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Onrus Beach is a short drive away for those seeking a bush/beach experience.
Canvas Collective Africa’s offering is 5-star glamping and then some. To book your little piece of pop-up paradise contact the team at: stars@canvascollectiveafrica.com or follow them on Instragram at @canvascollectiveafrica
Images: Fay van Eeden and Supplied by Canvas Collective Africa
