It’s probably a little early for jokes about the old ball-and-chain (note: it’s always too early), but if you’re going to be stuck in prison together, you want it to be The Old Jail in the town of Willowmore.

Built in the 1880’s, this prison-turned-boutique-guest-house north-east of Knysna oozes old-school charm. The Old Gaol, as it was then called, comprised a hospital cell, hard labour cells, awaiting trial cells, a female cell and kitchen cell.

After closing down as a prison in 1960, the property passed through many hands, and was uninhabited for almost 12 years, until the current owners took over and slowly turned the rustic grounds into a guest house, while still keeping many of the gorgeous Victorian features of the building. The cells and exercise areas have been converted into elegant rooms, each with its own private courtyard.

The Old Jail has three rooms in total, each air conditioned with modern amenities, high quality period finishes and private courtyards.

All three rooms are en-suite with original features, quality bedlinen and private entrance. They are easily accessible from the large safe parking area.

Farmers Suite 1  and Farmers Suite 2 have fully equipped kitchens and are two-roomed suites. Farmers Suite 1 has a sleeper couch for two sharing children 10 years and younger. Farmers Suite 2 has one extra bed for a child. This room has inter-leading doors with The Donkey Room for larger families.

The Donkey Room has an open plan bathroom with two single beds and is a sleep and go unit with an under counter fridge.

Full of history, the Karoo town of Willowmore has functioned as a farming and trading town since its discovery in 1819. There is an abundance of greenery and stunning hiking trails to explore, as well as many farmlands around. Take a trip to the Willowmore Town Hall, or visit one of the many museums around to explore and uncover the past.

If you choose to leave your room (after all, you aren’t actually in prison), Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area nearby offers several hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails.

Picture/s: The Old Jail

We know that a honeymoon is not about where you are, but who you are with. That being said, spending it in a beautiful location wouldn’t hurt.

There are hundreds of incredible locations around the world to ring in your first few days of wedded bliss in style. Here are a few of our favourites:

Amangiri in Utah, USA

 

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Amangiri is a remote hideaway tucked within the luminous canyons of the American Southwest. This 600-acre sanctuary of wilderness and isolation in Canyon Point, Southern Utah features the Aman Spa with a water pavilion, sauna, steam room, cold plunge and outdoor private pavilions. Visitors also get privileged access to nearby National Parks and Lake Powell.

Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya

 

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This exclusive boutique hotel, owned by The Safari Collection, is often referred to as one of the most Instagrammed properties in the world. Giraffe Manor is set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi and is one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Its most famous residents are the herd of Rothschild’s giraffes who often join couples for their meals.

Babylonstoren in Franschhoek, South Africa

 

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Babylonstoren is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, set at the foot of Simonberg in the Franschhoek wine valley. It has a fruit and vegetable garden of beauty and diversity, unique accommodation, fine food and wine, and evokes a sense of wellbeing. Couples can spend hours walking through Babyonstoren’s manicured garden before taking a dip in the pool and relaxing in your suite.

The St. Regis in Bora Bora

 

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There is a reason Bora Bora is the top on everyone’s list of dream honeymoon destinations: it is simply stunning. Stay in the largest overwater villas in the South Pacific and revel in the turquoise blue waters visible from the glass panels at the St. Regis. Couples can spend the day exploring the island, snorkeling, or simply relaxing in your stunning suite.

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, Iceland

 

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This Icelandic retreat features suites built right into centuries-old lava, with floor-to-ceiling windows that boast the mesmerising scenery of the country’s famous Blue Lagoon. A stay at The Retreat includes access to an underground spa, upscale dining, daily yoga and Northern Lights viewing tours.

Who knew the destination of your honeymoon was so crucial to the success of your marriage? According to a recent study, where you go to spend your first days of wedded bliss can make or break your union.

Compare.bet conducted a study into which honeymoon destinations were the most common among divorced couples. First, they created a list of the most popular honeymoon destinations across the globe. They then surveyed 3100 divorced or separated couples worldwide to uncover which spot they settled on.

Their findings reveal that at 20%, the Maldives was the most popular honeymoon destination among couples who have since gone their separate ways. The Maldives has been a popular honeymoon and general vacation destination for decades, with its crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches a top calling-card.

Next up on the list was Marrakesh in Morrocco, with 17% of divorcees having spent their honeymoon there. Bora Bora in French Polynesia takes the third spot with 13% of the vote.

Other destinations that made it on the list include Bali (10%), Mauritius (8%), Lapland (7%), Santorini (5%), Venice (5%), Dubrovnik (4%), Buenos Aires (4%) and Cancun (3%).

Bangkok, Napa Valley, Maui, and Nairobi seems to be the safest places to honeymoon for a successful marriage, as they all only reported 1% of the vote each.

Picture: Pexels