Phil and his daughter Chelsea are the perfect hosts and long after dinner that night we're still chatting and laughing by the massive yet intimate fire in the gorgeously rustic lounge.

We make our way to Swellendam the following morning, our last stop. The weather has cleared up completely but gun-metal gray mists envelop the dark purple velvety mountains where they meet the endless bright blue sky. The scenery makes me feel like a location scout for a movie in which the name Heathclif might appear once or twice.

We have a divine lunch at a little restaurant under towering trees by a stream in the town before making our way to the five-star De Kloof Guest House. Our wonderful host Marjolein tells us that she and her husband follow a philosophy of hospitality that is truly different in all aspects at this boutique establishment - the unique location, the homestead, the well-designed rooms and the way guests are spoiled with passion.

This Cape Dutch homestead (circa 1801) and national monument is truly a hidden treasure and a member of Best Boutique Hotels of the World. It's situated in a secluded valley on large grounds with fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The stylish interior merges a modern classic European style and the rooms and house are adorned with Marjolein's chic collection of African and Asian art, fabrics and artifacts. After dinner Marjolein joins us back at the hotel. She is one of the most fascinating people I have come across in a while, having lived and worked at the top of her industry in Europe, China and Nigeria in Africa.

She regaled us with a tale about China where she worked for Nokia many moons ago.

We reluctantly say our farewells early the next morning as we head off to Wildebraam Estate private cellar for a last hurrah, if you will. The cellar produces a range of delicious liqueurs including Youngberry, Honey, Aniseed, Rooibos, Peppermint, Lemon and Hazelnut. In addition, the farm kitchen produces a tempting array of liqueured fruits, jams, dessert syrups, chutneys, relishes, pickles and gifts which can all be sampled and purchased in the infamous "tasting room."

Back on the road to Cape Town we prepare ourselves for the biting onset of reality.

But my memories of the Overberg are dotted with images of hazy splendor, fuzzy at the edges despite the bold contrasts of primary colors; of people and practices as gentle as the chocolate box landscapes they inhabit; and of long-forgotten soul regeneration. Just a warning, if you plan to go to the Overberg - leaving is not easy….

Contact and getting there:

Flights:

South African Airways introduced direct flights between Beijing and Johannesburg in 2012. Go to http://www.flysaa.com/za/en/flyingSAA/News/Saa-introduces-non-stop-flights-to-beijing-china.html. Once in Johannesburg, low-cost airlines fly to Cape Town every hour.

Overberg:

Email OVERBERG TOURISM at mailto:info@capeoverberg.orgor go to www.tourismcapeoverberg.co.za

Go to https://www.africanpridehotels.com/hotels/Pages/arabella-hotel-spa.aspxfor information and reservations at the Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa

Go to http://www.dekloof.co.za/location_activities.php for an extensive list of activities in and around Swellendam.