Your luxury tent overlooks the distillery dam – Photo: Supplied.
Your luxury tent overlooks the distillery dam – Photo: Supplied.
This one’s for all the people who have been laughed at for suggesting their dream holiday would be “anywhere surrounded by booze”. The detractors tell you to name a location, refusing to accept your fantasy. Well, you lot can now fly close to the sun without getting your wings burnt, thanks to the James Sedgwick Whisky Distillery in Wellington, Cape Town.
Charlie may have had the chocolate factory: But for those of us who enjoy that smooth, malty goodness of a neat scotch, this is better than anything Roald Dahl could have imagined. Three Ships Whisky has partnered with the facility to provide one of the most unique holiday experiences in the world.
Spending the night in a whisky distillery
You can now stay for two nights in the distillery, sleeping just a few feet away from where the magic happens. You’ll be treated to a luxury tent as your accommodation, overlooking the serene waters of the on-site dam.
If camping isn’t your thing, don’t stress – you’ll actually be glamping, here. You’ve got all the mod-cons in a sprawling tent that could rival even the most plush hotel room. As well as the stunning views, you get:
- Air-conditioning.
- Fully-working showers with shampoo and soap provided.
- A queen-size bed.
- Private seating areas.
- And complimentary robes to make you feel truly pampered!
Stay one with the bourbon in Wellington, Cape Town
While you indulge yourself in the bold flavours of James Sedgwick’s creations, you’ll be treated to an amazing hands-on tour. You’ll get to experience everything the place can offer, including a tour of the cellars, whisky & food pairings and a high-class afternoon tea that “gets a little Irish”, if you catch our drift.
In fact, meal times seem like an absolute hoot: Here’s what else is included during your stay – make sure you eat plenty, because your stomach will definitely need lining with this menu:
- Gourmet braai served on your first day.
- Private guided tours of the distillery. Yes, you can taste what’s brewing…
- Sample the inventive creations on offer, including whisky-infused dinner menus and specialist cocktails.
The Three Ships Whisky experience is a first for Africa, and we can see it staying the distance. It’s a calm, tranquil retreat that re-invents the notion of a proper vacation. You’ve got privacy, a peaceful location and you’re in a place where no-one can find you. If you’re looking to give a hectic work-life balance the middle-finger, this is up your street.
Booking information and costs
The whole package comes to a total of R10 000 for each couple. Now, considering you get your accommodation, your food and copious amount of drinks for free, it’s a fair price for the goods on offer. Plus, whatever money you put towards your stay, it all goes towards a good cause.
Profits from bookings are donated to the Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) who combat devastating wildfires. Their 200-strong volunteer members are located at four stations – Newlands, Jonkershoek, South Peninsula and Grabouw. They’ve assisted a number of national parks across the Western Cape, saving lives and natural habitats.
We’ll drink to that!
- All photos were supplied to us by Three Ships Whisky and the James Sedgwick Whisky Distillery in Wellington, Cape Town.
