SITE NEWS

A new product in the face of adversity

Every now and then a new product is launched that just takes your breath away. Here is one that did just that and here is the personal account from my recent experience.

By Tes Proos, president of SITE Africa.

Ilove how some people and businesses had the courage to develop new products during the worst of the recent Covid-19 setbacks. Canvas Collective Africa is a superb example of true grit and I had the honour of exploring their brand new luxury tended camp near Botrivier, about an hour's drive from Cape Town.

With hot running water, electrical plugs and a hot blanket on the bed, one would hardly think you are ‘roughing it’. This is ‘glamping’ on steroids, with superb wining and dining experiences. Nothing is too much to ask of hosts Samara and Dez Lundy, both being highly skilled hospitality professionals. Their offering includes ten identical luxury tents as well as a luxury dining room with a full open-plan field kitchen, so you can watch the kitchen team in action — and chef loves interacting with guests as the meals are prepared.

Each meal is crafted with care, whether it’s their version of eggs benedict on corn fritters, four course fine-dining dinner or the lovely handmade wrap for the road trip home. Not to mention… breakfast in bed. Yes, you heard me… breakfast in bed in the bush. Special dietary requirements are gladly catered for.

A bonfire runs all day, so ideal for an early coffee on a crisp winter’s morning or sundowners at the end of a leisurely day, spent either hiking or just reading a book in the comfort of your tent.

The starry nights away from the city is more than words can describe and if you are lucky, you may even spot a few shooting stars. Be warned — there is no cellphone signal, being in a very remote area in the Overberg. It took me an hour or two to realise, and the best thing I could do is forget about the world for a few hours, breathe in the fresh mountain air and get myself grounded again. The camp is ideal for a high-end corporate retreat or special family celebration. Tents may be booked individually, for couples, and they are flexible enough to accommodate an extra child in a luxury tent (no children under 12).

The camp will move every quarter and I am super excited to explore their next stop, in the heart of Cederberg, as the wildflower season gets into full swing.

https://canvascollectiveafrica.com/