Plan your winter escape to one of these luxury hotels in South African wine country and discover unforgettable experiences like dining next to Table Mountain or whale watching in Walker Bay...
All the luxury South Africa hotel recommendations have been taken from existing Decanter.com travel guides, written by the experts.
Stellenbosch
Nearest airport Cape Town International
Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel & Spa
A boutique hotel steeped in South African history… Image Credit: expedia.co.uk
Coopmanhuijs is listed as a South African National Monument, with a history dating back to 1713. Today it’s been beautifully restored a five-star boutique hotel and spa. he ambience takes you back in time – even the lift travels at a genteel pace– while the rooms with their modern comforts have a Victorian feel. Although situated in the middle of town, surrounded by shops and cafes, a central courtyard with swimming pool provides a quiet retreat. Book now
Recommended by South African wine expert and award-winning writer Angela Lloyd.
Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa
Stunning views across the Cape Winelands at this hilltop winery and hotel… Image Credit: relaischateaux.com
No expense is spared at this hilltop winery with its 10 Relais & Chateaux lodges, each including its own plunge pool and sweeping views across Stellenbosch to Table Mountain. You’ll find contemporary art and sculpture, as well as a private cinema and spa. For dining, there’s a choice of two onsite gourmet restaurants, both serving seasonal and locally sourced dishes, alongside wines from the Delaire Graff Estate. Be sure to take in the sparkles at the Graff Diamonds boutique. Book now
Recommended by South African wine expert and award-winning writer Angela Lloyd.
L’Avenir Country Lodge
What could make for a better trip than staying in a winery with an infinity pool? Image Credit: lavenirestate.co.za
Surrounded by vineyards beneath the Simonsberg mountains, this well-appointed 11-room lodge is a fully working winery just 5km from Stellenbosch. Guests can explore among the vines, or take advantage of a complimentary wine tasting and cellar tour. The L’Avenir winery offers up French varietals like Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, along with classic South African Pinotage wines. There are local mountain biking and running trails, or you can simply laze by the pool during the day and have a glass of red by the fireside after dark. Book now
Recommended by South African wine expert and award-winning writer Angela Lloyd.
Franschhoek
Nearest airport Cape Town International
La Providence
The drive up to the main house at La Providence. Image Credit: www.laprovidence.co.za
Surrounded by it’s own vineyards, La Providence is a stunning, small boutique hotel five minutes walk from Franschhoek’s main strip which is packed with some of the best restaurants in South Africa; including Le Coin Francais, Foliage and La Petite Colombe. Gary and Ellen keep the farm in top shape and their breakfasts served by the infinity pool are worth the stay alone. After a hard days wine tasting, their open bar is a lovely place to watch the sun go down over the Middagkrans mountains. Book directly or here
Recommended by Decanter Digital Publisher Harry Fawkes.
Avondrood Guesthouse
Avondrood translates to ‘red evening’, named after the gorgeous mountain sunsets… Image Credit: avondrood.com
Just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, this traditional French Huguenot guesthouse dates back to 1870 and is a local heritage site. The name Avondrood translates to ‘evening red’, supposedly in reference to the stunning reddish sunsets reflected off the Franschhoek mountains, visible beyond the landscaped garden. There’s also a large salt water swimming pool and a jacuzzi, to relax and unwind after a hard day’s wine tasting, which can be arranged for you in Franschhoek as well as neighbouring regions Stellenbosch, Paarl and Constantia. Book now
Recommended by South African wine expert and award-winning writer Angela Lloyd.
Hemel-en-Aarde
Nearest airport Cape Town International
Birkenhead House
Breakfast by the ocean at Birkenhead House. Image Credit: theroyalportfolio.com
This hilltop hideaway in Hermanus is a small and luxurious five-star hotel overlooking Walker Bay. There are a host of activities on offer here, from wine tasting to whale watching — and even shark cage diving. If you prefer to stick to the sandy bay then there’s beach horse riding, surfing, fishing and mussel-picking. It’s a 90-minute drive from Cape Town, and well-positioned for the Hemel-en-Aarde wine route, as well as the Fernkloof and Walker Bay Nature Reserves. Book now
Recommended by South African wine expert and award-winning writer Angela Lloyd.
The Marine Hotel
Early 1900s seaside architecture at five-star The Marine Hotel. Image Credit: themarinehotel.co.za
Originally built in 1902, The Marine seaside hotel claims it has views so spectacular you can even whale watch from your bedroom window. It’s been renovated by Liz McGrath and now forms one of the three five-star hotels that make up The Collection. Start your day with breakfast in the 1920s outdoor pavilion, before heading off to explore the nearby wineries of Walker Bay, Hemel-en-Aarde and the Elgin Valley. Book now
Recommended by South African wine expert and award-winning writer Angela Lloyd.
M in Onrus
Stay in a fisherman’s cottage with sea and mountain views at M in Onrus… Image Credit: mhotelonrus.co.za
Just a 10-minute walk to Onrus beach on the Hemel-en-Aarde coast — the perfect spot for surfing and bodyboarding — M in Onrus is a small local hotel, offering deluxe rooms with South African art on the walls. Or if you’d rather have a home away from home, you can rent a fisherman’s cottage with sea and mountain views. Stop by the local Fisherman’s Village Market where they offer gourmet food and free wine tasting. Book now
Recommended by South African wine expert and award-winning writer Angela Lloyd.
Wellington
Nearest airport Cape Town International
Grand Dédale
The impressive facade at the five-star Grand Dédale hotel, located in the Doolhof Wine Estate. Image Credit: granddedale.com
Grand Dédale is a five-star hotel located within the Doolhof Wine Estate, between Bain’s Kloof and the Groenberg Mountain Range in Wellington (50 minutes drive from Cape Town). The hotel is part of the Cape Dutch Manor House, formerly the estate owners’ lavish residence, and is made up of six luxury suites. For more privacy, you can rent a private two-story cottage dating back to 1707. There’s a pool for sun lounging, or you can indulge in one of the estate’s wine activities — including the Wellington wine walk and horse-riding routes. Book now
Recommended as part of Fiona Beckett’s guide to Cape Town Tourism winners.
Updated 09/03/2018
