Planning a weekend escape along the scenic Garden Route requires finding the perfect base for your adventures. The Western Cape offers countless attractions, but few pair as perfectly as a relaxing stay in the coastal town of Wilderness and a vibrant Saturday morning spent in nearby George.
Finding accommodation that caters to the whole family while keeping you close to the region’s top cultural hotspots can greatly enhance your holiday. ANEW Resort Wilderness, commonly known as The Wilderness Hotel, sits quietly between pristine beaches and lush forests. This provides a tranquil retreat after a busy week of work or travel.
Just a short drive away lies the Outeniqua Family Market, a bustling hub of local produce, artisanal crafts, and live entertainment. Combining a restful stay at this iconic hotel with a lively morning at the market creates a balanced, memorable itinerary for visitors of all ages.
Discover ANEW Resort Wilderness
Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Western Cape, ANEW Resort Wilderness serves as a peaceful gateway for leisure and business travellers alike. The resort captures the relaxing essence of the Garden Route while offering modern conveniences to ensure a comfortable stay.
Relaxing amenities for every guest
The hotel boasts an impressive array of facilities designed to keep guests entertained and relaxed. You can cool off in one of the two sparkling swimming pools, challenge your family to a game on the mini-golf course, or enjoy an afternoon on the tennis or Padel courts. Those seeking a slower pace might prefer the bowling green or a quiet walk through the serene garden areas.
When hunger strikes, the on-site Loerie Restaurant serves delicious meals, and the hotel bar offers a welcoming spot for an evening drink. If you truly want to unwind, the Wilderness Hydro Spa provides a selection of rejuvenating treatments. You can book hot stone massages, advanced Environ facials, manicures, and pedicures. The spa also features a relaxing sauna and sunbeds to help you completely recharge your mind and body.
Comfortable rooms for families and couples
Accommodation at the hotel is designed to suit various group sizes and preferences. Every room features complimentary uncapped Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, a flat-screen television, and a tea and coffee station.
Couples might opt for the Standard or Deluxe Rooms, which offer a simple, comfortable layout with walk-in showers and modern finishes. Families travelling together have excellent options, such as the Standard Interleading Family Room. This setup features a king-sized bed and two double bunk beds in an adjoining space, allowing parents and children to stay close while maintaining privacy. For extended stays, the Deluxe Two Bedroom Apartment provides an expansive 88 square metres of space, complete with a private enclosed courtyard, a lounge area, and a kitchenette.
Explore the Outeniqua Family Market
Open every Saturday from 8 AM until 2 PM, the Outeniqua Family Market is a cornerstone of the George community. The market recently joined an elite list of 12 businesses in the 2021 Most Loved Local Report powered by Santam, and it consistently ranks as one of the top things to do in the area.
Endless food and craft stalls
With more than 150 stalls spread across a 1,260-square-metre trading area, visitors are spoilt for choice. Food lovers can explore a massive variety of culinary delights. Stalls offer farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, local honey, artisanal cheeses, and homemade biltong. If you want a freshly prepared meal, you can choose from traditional South African favourites like boerewors rolls, melktert, and koeksisters, alongside international cuisine spanning Greek, Indian, French, and Italian dishes.
The market is also a treasure trove for shoppers looking for unique gifts and decor. Craft stalls sell custom-made jewellery, pet portraits, photography, and wooden toys. You can spend hours browsing the high-quality items created by talented local artisans.
Activities for children and families
Keeping young ones entertained is easy at the Outeniqua Family Market. Children have access to a massive play park designed to burn off excess energy safely. They can take a ride on the popular Boere train, hire pedal cars, or enjoy ponycycle rides. Face painting, sand-art stations, and bunny enclosures add extra layers of fun to their morning.
Furthermore, the market is completely pet-friendly, meaning your four-legged family members are welcome to join the outing. Undercover seating and live entertainment on the main stage ensure that adults can sit back and relax while the kids play.
Getting to the Market from the Hotel
One of the main advantages of staying at ANEW Resort Wilderness is its proximity to the Outeniqua Family Market. The journey is a highly convenient 15-minute drive covering just 8.9 kilometres.
Departing from the hotel at 6 George Road in Wilderness, you simply follow George Road for about 500 metres before merging onto the N2 highway. You will stay on the N2 for approximately 6.7 kilometres, enjoying a straightforward and scenic drive. The market is located right on the N2, directly opposite the Garden Route Mall in George. With secure parking available for over 1,200 vehicles upon arrival, you will rarely struggle to find a spot.
Why You Should Book This Garden Route Getaway
Choosing ANEW Resort Wilderness as your accommodation provides a strategic advantage for holidaymakers. You get to wake up to the sound of nature and enjoy a hearty breakfast at the Loerie Restaurant before making the quick trip to George.
After a busy morning of walking, shopping, and eating at the market, you can return to the resort for a quiet afternoon. The kids can splash in the swimming pools while parents enjoy a relaxing session at the Hydro Spa. This combination of energetic local culture and resort-style relaxation creates a balanced holiday rhythm that appeals to everyone.
Top Tips for Maximising Your Market Visit
To get the most out of your Saturday excursion, a little planning goes a long way.
First, aim to arrive early. The market opens at 8 AM, and getting there before 9 AM helps you beat the largest crowds and gives you first pick of the fresh produce and popular baked goods.
Second, arrive hungry. With such a massive variety of local and international foods available, you will want to sample different items for breakfast and lunch. Grab a coffee and a pancake early on, and save room for a gourmet burger or authentic Indian curry later in the day.
Third, take advantage of the family-friendly amenities. Set up a base at one of the undercover seating areas near the live music stage. This allows older members of your group to rest and listen to local bands while the younger children safely explore the nearby sand-art tables or board games.
A Memorable Weekend Awaits on the Garden Route
Planning a weekend that caters to the diverse interests of your family or travel group is easily achieved by pairing a stay in Wilderness with a Saturday morning in George. ANEW Resort Wilderness provides the comfortable lodging, excellent dining, and soothing spa facilities necessary for a restorative break.
Meanwhile, the Outeniqua Family Market delivers the vibrant local culture, delicious food, and lively entertainment that make holidays truly special. Book your room, mark your calendar for a Saturday morning outing, and get ready to experience some of the very best attractions the Garden Route has to offer.
