Last Updated on July 11, 2023 by Lauren Melnick
As I’m sure you all know, I love a unique getaway.
- A secluded architectural masterpiece that looks like it belongs in the Canadian Rockies? Sign me up.
- A wooden chalet standing tall above the Knysna forest? Yes, please.
- An A-frame cabin with a levitating hammock bed? Shut up and take my money.
So when I stumbled across the Eco Treehouse on a standard Thursday night Airbnb stalking session, I knew I had to go there.
Surrendipously, Eco Treehouse reached out to me on Instagram, and we set up a stay as part of a pitstop on my Western Cape road trip.
My excitement levels? Through the roof.
The only regret? I only had time to stay for one night.
Curious about what it’s like to stay at Eco Treehouse in Swellendam? Here’s my full review!
Psst…Want more South Africa travel tips and accommodation inspiration? Check out these other posts:
- An Epic One Week Garden Route Itinerary (Detailed)
- The Most Secluded & Romantic Airbnbs in South Africa
- Top Romantic Getaways in South Africa
- Mo & Rose Review: A Delightful Countryside Escape in Robertson
- Amanzi Lodge Review: A Luxurious Knysna Escape
- 12 Secluded Cabins Near Cape Town That Are Perfect for Escaping Reality
Table of Contents
How to Get to Eco Treehouse
Eco Treehouse is an easy 2h 36-minute drive along the N2 from Cape Town‘s CBD.
On your drive, stop at the Peregrine Farm Stall in Elgin. There are delicious treats to pick up for your self-catering stay and a restaurant if you want to sit down for a quick brunch.
If you’re travelling from elsewhere in South Africa, you can fly into Cape Town International Airport (CPT) or George Airport in the Garden Route.
It’s a shorter drive (only two hours) and gives you a reason to stretch your itinerary and add a few more stops on your next getaway.
For car hire, I recommend Avis. I find they have the lowest credit card hold, and I always get excellent service. Plus, you can sign up for the Avis Preferred program and book your car hire via their app.
Read More: Top 8 Things To Do in Elgin Valley
The Location
Nestled in Hermitage Valley, Eco Treehouse is a nature lover’s ultimate getaway.
Situated on a farm, you’ll wake up to uninterrupted views of the mountains, horses neighing in the distance, and not a car horn in earshot.
In other words? Heaven.
Whenever I’m in spaces like this, it blows my mind how many of us live in cities. We are so immune to the constant noise pollution, and it’s rare to find a place where you can sit in stillness and hear nothing but nature.
It’s why I love coming to places like this. I feel like I can hear my thoughts better, and my mind feels less cluttered. It’s also probably a sign I’m going to end up putting down roots somewhere remote.
The Treehouse
Driving onto the plot, you’ll find the cabin at the end of the road. Perched among large pine trees with a string of fairy lights and a private braai area, it’s a whimsical self-catering getaway.
Before you enter, there’s a private sauna and the star of the show, a wood-fried hot hub.
Start it up an hour or so before sunset, grab your sundowners, and watch the day go out in style across the valley. Bring along some lanterns and fairy lights to set the ambience and watch the stars if you’re coming here for a romantic getaway.
Inside the treehouse, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable stay. Comfortably sleeping two adults in a queen-size bed, there is an open-plan fully-equipped kitchen, a dining nook, and an outside deck.
Underneath the treehouse, there is a swinging bench. Curl up here with a good book when the heat of the day sets in.
It’s cosy, rustic, charming – all the adjectives you’d expect from a swoon-worthy treehouse in the countryside.
Amenities
- Reliable, fast WiFi
- Queen-sized bed
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Shower
- Private sauna
- Wood-fried hot tub
- Private deck area
- Braai area
Read More: The Most Secluded & Romantic Airbnbs in South Africa
What to Do in Swellendam
Eco Treehouse is on the foothills of Marloth Nature Reserve, setting the scene to explore the area’s dramatic scenery.
From the property, you can:
- Swim in the farm dam
- Go horse riding
- Kayak on the larger nearby dam
- Go mountain bike riding
- Guided walks
Further afield, you can:
- Go hiking in Marloth Nature Reserve
- Spend an afternoon at the 9-hole golf course
- Visit the Fairy Sanctuary
- Explore Swellendam’s wine route
- Shop at the Swellendam weekend market
- Visit the Drostdy Museum
- Go berry picking and buy fresh or frozen berries
Eco Treehouse: Final Thoughts
With its stable internet connection, Eco Treehouse is not only a spot for a romantic long weekend. It’s perfect for digital nomads who want to get out of the city and work remotely in a beautiful part of South Africa.
Bring your laptop, a bottle of wine, and explore Swellendam in between your Zoom calls and deadlines.
Plus, you can get a discount for longer stays. 😉
And don’t make my mistake. Book at least two nights here to give yourself enough time to explore the property and Swellendam.
Trust me. You won’t regret it!
Thank you so much to Eco Treehouse for inviting me to their property. As usual, all opinions are my own.
Melanie says
Aah Swellendam, left my heart there!