In a life where we tread more gently. One where we live in equilibrium with nature. We believe in putting back more than we take. That we are merely custodians of this land – because it is impossible for any mortal to own something as magnificent as the mountain reserve we call home. We believe it is our obligation to help heal the planet. And ourselves.
Located on the iconic Route 62, between Montagu and Barrydale and a quick 2½hr drive from Cape Town, Starry Starry Night eco mountain reserve is located in the foothills of the rugged Langeberg Mountains. Conveniently close to surrounding towns yet far away for that middle-of-nowhere feeling so you can properly switch off. The reserve is perfectly positioned as a midway stop-over between Cape Town and the Garden Route.
Our reserve is blessed with two stunningly beautiful rivers, waterfalls, hiking routes, natural rock pools, views that seem to stretch into the future, an abundance of stunning fynbos, organic herb and veggie garden, tranquillity, fresh air, dazzling night skies and the chance to truly disconnect from the busy-ness of everyday life and properly recharge your batteries. Our accommodation is pet-friendly to sociable and well-behaved dogs (Up to 2 dogs at Nova StarDome while only 1 dog per cottage at Luna Mountain cottage or at Gaia StarDome).
We recommend a stay of 3-nights or longer to truly get to experience everything our beautiful eco mountain reserve and its surrounds have to offer.
As one of our recent guests observed: “Starry Starry Night is tonic for the soul. Plain and simple”. We cannot argue with that – why not book and come see for yourself?
Which cottage is the perfect fit for you?
* For solo traveller, we recommend Luna Mountain Cottage or Gaia StarDome.
* For complete isolation and being blissfully surrounded by fynbos with not another soul in sight we recommend Nova StarDome or Owners Cottage.
* For family with children: our 2-bedroom, 1 bathroom Nova StarDome is ideal.
* For 2 couples travelling together, we recommend to book both Luna Mountain Cottage and Gaia StarDome so each couple has its own bedroom and bathrooms while having an inter-leading door to create beautiful memories together.
Perched on a beautiful solitary koppie with no other buildings in sight, our dazzling new 2-bedroom 1-bathroom Nova StarDome has the best location at Starry Starry Night - no contest. Spectacular views stretch into every direction you look in true 360-degree fashion, with huge windows and swing doors framing the surrounding natural landscape, mountains and fynbos. The striking geodesic StarDome bedroom makes quite a statement, and makes for a wonderfully unique sleeping experience. With a large bay window and overhead skylight, it is flooded with natural light and boast the same unforgettable views as the rest of the cottage during the day. At night, enjoy being tucked into crisp linen on your antique brass bed while gazing up at the skylight to watch the Milky Way. Nova StarDome can host up to 4 adults.
Luna mountain cottage has a queen-size bed. Children are only accommodated by prior arrangement if both Gaia StarDome and Luna Mountain cottage are booked by the same group. The two cottages stand side-by-side and have been orientated in a way that all guests have unhindered views of the mountains valleys and surrounding fynbos while still offering privacy. That said, the cottages lend themselves particularly well to two couples or a small family who want to break away together for a few days to soak in the pristine nature of our reserve. An inter-leading doorway connects the two cottages on the front stoep, and can be unlocked for easy access between the cottages.
Luna Mountain cottage has its own equipped kitchen, bathroom with shower, fireplace, linen including blankets and hot water bottles as well as a private braai / bbq area.
LUNA Mountain Cottage can sleep a maximum of two adults. Children are only accommodated by prior arrangement and when both cottages are booked by the same group. Children under 2 stay free while children between 3 and 12 pay 50% of adult rate. Children over 13 are considered adults. For 2 adults and 2 children over 13 please take two units. Luna Mountain Cottage and Gaia StarDome are attached with an inter-leading door.
Hot tub: We added a Kolkol (wood-fired hot tub) at the communal pool / fire pit area (2 minutes walk from the cottages). Though this area is communal, we only have 4 cottages so we always make sure that when you decide to go to the Kolkol, that you can enjoy it privately for the entire evening. The first wood crate is on the house and then it’s R75/crate.
Our latest StarDome (Gaia StarDome) serves as the main bedroom for Gaia and enjoys gorgeous mountain views. After its upgrade, this cottage now also boasts a bigger living room and kitchen.
Gaia StarDome has a queen-size bed. Children are only accommodated by prior arrangement if both Gaia StarDome and Luna Mountain cottage are booked by the same group. The two cottages stand side-by-side and have been orientated in a way that all guests have unhindered views of the mountains valleys and surrounding fynbos while still offering privacy.
That said, the cottages lend themselves particularly well to two couples or a small family who want to break away together for a few days to soak in the pristine nature of our reserve. An inter-leading doorway connects the two cottages on the front stoep, and can be unlocked for easy access between the cottages.
With over 370ha of pristine mountain wilderness to explore and experience your stay at Starry Starry Night can be as action-packed or relaxed as you want it to be. During the day you can relax on your patio just soaking up the views stroll through the organic herb garden, cool off in the pool or go for a stunning hike to explore the hills valleys and natural rock pools of this beautiful piece of land.
You can also enjoy mountain biking in the area (not on the property) and there are some gorgeous cliffs that lend themselves to trad rock climbing . At night enjoy a tasty braai or head down to the boma (where you will also find the pool, fire pit and wood-fired KolKol hot-tub) and send your dreams and wishes off into the glittering night sky…
Cradled by the foothills of the towering Langeberg mountains, Starry Starry Night is located exactly half-way between Cape Town and the Garden Route on the scenic Route 62, just a short 2½hr drive from Cape Town and 3hrs from Wilderness. There is plenty to see and do on the reserve itself, and loads to explore in the surrounding towns of Montagu, Barrydale, Swellendam and Bonnievale if you fancy a day excursion. From wine tasting, scenic tractor rides, cheese farms and hot springs to weekend markets, antique shops, rock climbing and hiking there is something for all tastes.
Be sure to take a look at our amazing Stay 4 Nights Pay 3 offer for the best value.
We recommend a stay of 3-nights or longer to truly get to experience everything our beautiful eco mountain reserve and its surrounds have to offer.
Starry Starry Night is completely off-grid, and is sustainably powered through green energy. Our philosophy is to conserve, protect and grow the reserve we are privileged enough to call home. A strong environmental focus flows through everything we do, from the garden compost bins and eco detergents to our organic herb and veggie garden, water conservation, renewable energy and a general drive to tread ever more gently on this planet. It is after all the only one that we know of that can sustain our species.
During your stay at Starry Starry Night, you will be able to buy from us some local products that we've carefully selected so you can taste the best products from this region.
After meeting in London in 2015, François and JD travelled the world extensively, and stayed in some of the most unique and extraordinary lodges across the globe – ranging from quaint backpackers to sophisticated high-end resorts.
“With Starry Starry Night we wanted to take all the most special, out-of-the-ordinary and magical bits we’ve had the pleasure of enjoying at various lodges over the years, wrap it all together into one breath-taking experience, and price it at a level people can afford,” explains JD.
Create a stronger and deeper connection with yourself. Immerse yourself in nature. Benefit from daily meditation, yoga, breathwork and holistic workshop sessions. Nourish your body with soul-food. Sleep under the stars.
