Bydidam

You’ve clocked another decade and it's time for a birthday bash. You’ve been telling everyone about it, from cousin Clementine to aunt Gemima, even that bloke you met in the queue at the Post Office. Question is, where to find a suitably classy, yet affordable and logistic-friendly venue to host your rent-a-crowd.

How about a weekend close to the gorgeous Cederberg? At a place that offers nature setting, a platter of decent accommodation, a dam, a restaurant and coffee shop. Bydidam, a working citrus farm with wide open views over a large dam, Citrusdal village down the road, fynbos-clad mountains beyond... This could be the very place.
 
With 10 Cape Dutch-style cottages (five one-bedroom units and five two-bedroom units), spaciously spread out along the edge of the dam, plus a restaurant and bar with wooden deck hanging over the water, and a wellness spa to soften the ravages of age, you're unlikely to go wrong here. 
 
The cottages are equipped with DSTV, aircon, fully equipped kitchens, en-suite showers and bath, spacious bedrooms with Queen beds donned in percale linen, and simple decor and furnishings.

A patio with braai area leads off from the lounge, with views over rolling lawn and open water.
 
Bydidam's useful communal hub is within close range of the cottages and includes an essential pool and deck for those mother&8*%!! Cederberg days. The restaurant, coffee shop and bar are ideal for your big night, not to mention those pre-party sundowners on the deck.

To burn off that cranium-splitting babelas there are hikes, mountain bike trails, horse riding and even canoes for hire. Combine any of these with a stiff Bloody Mary and you'll be right as rain - that's according to Captain Getaway. Alternatively, go the soft route and stumble along to the beauty spa, for an hour or two on the massage table or some other TLC.
 
We've never been there but with reasonable rates, affordable dining, useful facilities and overall setting appeal, Bydidum certainly seems a good option for a large gathering looking for a group celebration. This said, it's also a great option for couples and a small group of friends wanting to spend quality time together at an intimate resort.

So send out the invites, pack the cake and candles and spread the word on Facebook: "Birthday bash at Bydidam".