A Culinary Escape in the Heart of Montagu
An intimate, women-only retreat with award-winning chef Elmarie Berry — where beautiful food, warm connection, and refined countryside living come together.
Overview
A Culinary Escape in the Heart of Montagu
Step into a beautifully curated culinary escape in the charming town of Montagu, where slow living, refined hospitality, and exceptional food come together in an intimate setting.
Hosted by renowned chef and award-winning cookbook author Elmarie Berry, and set within the elegant boutique surroundings of In Abundance Guesthouse, this women-only experience invites you to explore the art of cooking, table styling, and entertaining in a warm, welcoming environment.
With small groups and a thoughtfully designed programme, each moment is created to inspire connection, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for food and shared experiences.
2 Nights Experience
From R8 800 per person sharing
3 Nights Experience
From R13 200 per person sharing
4–7 June 2026
Winter Mediterranean Feast (3 nights)
27-29 July 2026
Christmas Feast with Table Décor Demo (2 nights)
11-14 August 2026
Winter Mediterranean Feast (3 nights)
29-31 October 2026
Christmas Feast with Table Décor Demo (2 nights)
Limited to just 10 guests | 5 rooms only
Enquire Now
The Experience
More than a cooking experience — this is a beautifully curated escape designed to awaken the senses and bring people together around the table.
✨ Learn from award-winning chef Elmarie Berry in an intimate, hands-on setting
🍷 Enjoy beautifully prepared meals paired with local wines
🍽 Discover the art of effortless entertaining and elegant table styling
👩🍳 Experience live cooking demonstrations and practical kitchen inspiration
🌿 Relax into a slower pace of living in the Montagu countryside
🤍 Connect with like-minded women in a warm, welcoming environment
🌸 Be inspired to recreate meaningful food moments at home
An Intimate Culinary Escape
Limited to just 10 guests, this experience is designed to feel personal, relaxed, and beautifully curated from start to finish.
Whether you’re joining on your own or with a friend, you’ll be welcomed into a space of connection, creativity, and shared moments.
I Want to Know More
The Programme
A Culinary Escape in the Heart of Montagu
🍷 WINTER MEDITERRANEAN FEAST (3 NIGHTS)
(June & August dates)
Focus:
Bold flavours, seasonal ingredients, and generous Mediterranean-style cooking
What to Expect:
✔ Hands-on cooking demonstrations with Elmarie
✔ Focus on Mediterranean dishes and techniques
✔ Shared dining experiences paired with wine
✔ Practical kitchen skills and recipe inspiration
✔ Relaxed time to unwind and enjoy the guesthouse
🎄 CHRISTMAS FEAST WITH TABLE DÉCOR (2 NIGHTS)
(July & October dates)
Focus:
Festive cooking, table styling, and hosting with confidence
What to Expect:
✔ Festive menu preparation and cooking inspiration
✔ Table décor demonstration and styling guidance
✔ Tips for effortless entertaining at home
✔ Shared meals in a beautifully styled setting
✔ Inspiration to recreate your own festive gatherings
Detailed programme information will be shared upon enquiry.
Good to Know Before You Travel
Who This Experience is For
✔ Women seeking a refined, small-group culinary escape
✔ Food lovers who enjoy cooking, hosting, and entertaining
✔ Solo travellers or friends wanting a relaxed, welcoming environment
✔ Those who appreciate slower travel, beautiful settings, and meaningful experiences
Travel Style
This is a curated, women-only experience hosted by Elmarie Berry in collaboration with the boutique guesthouse.
Guests travel independently to Montagu (self-drive or private arrangements), with all on-site experiences thoughtfully hosted and guided
Accommodation
The experience takes place at a luxurious 4-star guesthouse in Montagu, offering just 5 rooms.
✔ Maximum 10 guests (sharing)
✔ Intimate, boutique setting
✔ Comfortable, elegant rooms
Getting There
Montagu is approximately a 2–2.5 hour drive from Cape Town, making it an easy and scenic self-drive destination.
Payment & Booking
A deposit is required to secure your place.
Due to the limited number of rooms, early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Pace & Accessibility
✔ Relaxed and unhurried pace
✔ No strenuous physical activity required
✔ Suitable for most fitness levels
What’s Included
Included in Your Experience
✔ Luxury accommodation at a 4-star boutique guesthouse in Montagu
✔ Daily breakfast, lunches, and curated dinners
✔ Exclusive cooking demonstrations and culinary sessions with Elmarie Berry
✔ Table décor and styling demonstration (selected experiences)
✔ Wine pairings with meals
✔ Recipes and practical take-home inspiration
✔ Intimate group setting (maximum 10 guests)
✔ Hosted, on-site experience with personalised attention
What’s Not Included
- Travel to and from Montagu (self-drive)
- Personal purchases or additional beverages outside of meals
Ready to Indulge in a Culinary Escape?
Join us in Montagu for a beautifully curated experience of food, connection, and inspiration — hosted by Elmarie Berry in an intimate, women-only setting.
With just 5 rooms and a maximum of 10 guests, this is a truly limited experience designed to be personal, relaxed, and unforgettable.
A Taste of What Awaits
A glimpse into the moments, flavours, and atmosphere that make this culinary escape so special.
About Elmarie Berry
Elmarie Berry is a renowned South African chef and award-winning cookbook author, known for her warm, intuitive approach to cooking and her passion for bringing people together through food.
Her cookbook, The Table, has received international recognition — winning both the Best Mediterranean Cookbook in the World and the prestigious Best of the Best 1995–2025 Mediterranean Food Culture Award at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards.
With years of experience in hosting intimate culinary retreats, Elmarie’s style blends flavour, simplicity, and elegance — making every experience feel both inspiring and effortlessly enjoyable.
Her philosophy is rooted in connection: sharing food, creating meaningful moments around the table, and inspiring others to cook and entertain with confidence.
About In Abundance
This experience takes place at In Abundance Guesthouse — a luxurious boutique guesthouse nestled in the heart of Montagu.
With just five beautifully appointed rooms, the space offers an intimate and peaceful setting, perfectly suited for a relaxed and immersive culinary escape.
Warm hospitality, elegant interiors, and a tranquil countryside atmosphere create the ideal backdrop for connection, creativity, and rest.
Your Seat at the Table Awaits
An intimate culinary escape in Montagu, hosted by Elmarie Berry
Start Your Culinary Escape
Share your details below and we’ll guide you through available dates, accommodation options, and travel planning — including flights if required.
