There’s a moment that happens to almost every guest who visits us. It comes somewhere between the crunch of gravel under their tyres as they pass through the last security gate, and the first glimpse of our valley stretching endlessly below the cabin. Time slows down. Shoulders drop. Something releases. We’ve watched it happen again and again — and after nearly two years of welcoming guests to our farm, it still gives us chills every single time.
As we approach our second anniversary, we find ourselves pausing to reflect on what this journey has meant — not just to us as a family, but to every person who has chosen to spend their precious time, energy, and money with us.
what two years really feels like
We won’t pretend we had it all figured out from day one. Building something from the ground up — especially a hospitality experience rooted in nature, detail, and genuine human connection — takes everything you have. There were early mornings on the farm long before the first guests arrived, late nights problem-solving, and more than a few moments of wondering whether people would feel what we were trying to create.
They did.
Almost two years later, the reviews speak for themselves. One guest summed it up perfectly in his February 2026 review:
“The host went the extra mile by providing a delicious bottle of wine to surprise us. The view was extraordinary and the cabin itself was delightful and comfortable. We have decided to visit as often as we can – anniversaries and other special occasions. I highly recommend this to couples wanting to disconnect from the rest of the world and to reconnect with one another.”
That word — reconnect — comes up over and over. And it’s no accident. It’s exactly what we set out to create.
The Moments That Made It Worthwhile
If we’re being honest, the highlight reel is long. But a few things have stood out.
The Milestones We’ve Witnessed
Engagements, honeymoons, anniversaries and babymoons… A guest, who celebrated her engagement with us in May 2025:
“Cabin Collective Retreats isn’t just a getaway — it’s a place where memories are made, and hearts are touched. We can’t recommend it highly enough and will absolutely be back.”
And then there are the returning faces — guests who visited once and simply can’t stay away.
“This was our second time at The Cabin Collective and it was even more amazing than our first. The hosts make you feel so welcome, and we were spoiled with a fantastic bubbly and the most delicious pizzas. They went out of their way to let us land the helicopter on site — it honestly made the stay even more memorable. Easily one of our favourite getaways ever. It’s a full 10/10 experience for us.”
The Talent We’ve Had the Privilege to Work With
One of the most humbling and exciting parts of this journey has been the opportunity to collaborate with South Africa’s incredibly talented content creators and influencers.
We say this without any hesitation: South Africans are not fully aware of just how talented, resilient, and resourceful they are. The creatives we’ve worked with — storytellers, photographers, videographers, lifestyle curators — are world-class. They deserve every opportunity to thrive, and we genuinely hope that our government continues to build stronger support structures for entrepreneurs and creative professionals to flourish and share their gifts with the world.
Proudly South African
Just a short drive from our farm, LIV Golf South Africa took over The Club at Steyn City in March 2026 — bringing world-class golf, electric crowds, and a global spotlight to our backyard. It was the kind of moment that reminds us why South Africa is truly one of the most remarkable places on earth. The atmosphere, the energy, the sheer spectacle of it — felt like a statement.
And then there are the stories happening on two wheels: South African mountain bikers have been putting in extraordinary performances on the global stage, including at the 2026 Absa Cape Epic — seeing the first all South African winners in the men’s category.
We’re proud of every South African who shows the world what we’re made of. And we think there’s a direct line between that resilience and spirit, and the guests who choose to spend their weekends here — people who work hard, dream big, and know the value of stepping away to recharge.
We live in a culture that rewards being busy. That values the grind. And we’re not here to tell you to stop working hard — because the South Africans we see building businesses, raising families, and chasing dreams every single day are extraordinary people.
The clarity people find after two nights without phone signal, sitting in a hot tub watching the stars over the valley — that clarity is real. The conversations couples have when there’s nothing to distract them — those conversations matter. The perspective you gain when you step off the treadmill and step onto a farm trail — that perspective changes things.
