Discover the art of joy at the Karoo Art Hotel
Category Area Focus
Just three hours from Cape Town, the town of Barrydale offers some of the best culinary, artistic, and adventure experiences. As you travel its dusty roads, you'll even find an impressive four-star hotel. The Karoo Art Hotel is local accommodation that does things differently. According to the owners, Rick and Sue Melvill, they prioritise the "art of joy" during your stay. Expect a celebration of art, beautiful interiors that tell a story, divine dishes, and an itinerary that captures what Barrydale has to offer. However, you will still be treated to that old-fashioned Karoo hospitality - come as a guest and leave as a friend.
The art of renewal
Rick joined a Klein Karoo Tankwa motorbike tour in 2021. They stopped in Barrydale and stayed over at the Karoo Art Hotel. Although not in great shape, Rick fell in love with the unusual hotel and saw its potential. With the Karoo Art Hotel being up for sale and an auction yielding little results, Rick and Sue were able to secure ownership of the establishment. The couple began renovations, opening it up with a bang in 2022. The hotel hosted a retrospective exhibition of the life's work of Nigel Hewitt, introduced a Map Room, and launched The Art of the Memoir, a creative programme for artists, writers, artisans, and alternative thinkers.
The art of unconventional
This Karoo country hotel showcases and celebrates art in a big way. On one level, it is a rolling exhibition for local and regional artists. From the lobby to the hotel rooms, you eat, sleep, and breathe art as you are surrounded by stunning pieces. However, the hotel also makes art an immersive experience. From writing programmes, and performances in their Belanti Ballroom, to art retrospectives, the Karoo Art Hotel is a space that inspires and entertains. Over the years, it has hosted Dave Ferguson, Wendy Oldfield, Valiant Swart, Piet Botha & Akkedis, and Nick Turner, to mention but a few. With the revamp, more artists will have a platform to showcase their talents.
The art of living
Part of the appeal of staying at the Karoo Art Hotel is the rooms. Each of the 16 options has its own themes and authentic backstories that add to the experience. The nine Groot Karoo Rooms are spacious and ideal for couples or families in need of more space. A highlight is The Dog Box, a dog-friendly suite that has its own private patio that is separated from the hotel back gardens by a low lattice fence. The Klein Karoo rooms are cosier. You can stay in a suite recognising Hendrik Claudius aka Heinrich Claudius, the esteemed German painter, or choose rooms with evocative fynbos and aloe artwork.
The art of food
The Karoo Art Hotel offers a feast, not just for the eyes and imagination. The hotel's Karoo Country Restaurant evokes the cuisine of Karoo, spearheaded by Chef Derek Lowe. He is a "Barry" from the original Barry family of Barrydale and an award-winning chef, having won Eat Out magazine's Best Country Restaurant Western Cape Award. You can expect locally sourced ingredients making up dishes like Karoo lamb cutlets, country oxtail spring rolls, Gansbaai hake fillets, and springbok carpaccio. Besides the fantastic food menu, you'll also discover one of the best wine lists in the Klein Karoo.
The art of excitement
Pleasure is at the heart of your stay. The hotel has handpicked a range of events and activities you can pre-book and enjoy during your time there. Here are some of them:
- Visit the map room to plan a walk, run, hike, ride, or drive.
- Go for a guided mindful walk beneath the Langeberg Mountain ranges.
- Take a stress-relieving and creativity-boosting labyrinth walk.
- Sign up for an analogue photography workshop.
- Head out for the Doris Day history walk.
- Savour a range of flavours on a tasting tour.
- Enhance your cooking skills with Derek Lowe.
- Play bowls and jukskei with your friends and family.
- Attend a classic movie screening at the Bialanti Bioscope.
- Visit the Magpie Art Collective across from the hotel.
You can simply let the hotel know what you're interested in or other possibilities you'd like them to look into for you.
Get art smart in Barrydale
The Karoo Art Hotel is part of the rich historical, artistic, and cultural tapestry of the Barrydale area. By being a part of the community, you can enjoy everything this popular venue has to offer. Whether you're looking for a fantastic meal, art courses and workshops, or a place to sip wine and enjoy the game, you have the perfect spot. To find your dream home in Barrydale, have a look at Seeff's properties for sale or properties to let.
Author: Seeff
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