On my latest visit to South Africa, we stayed at the beautiful Cellars-Hohenort in the Constantia region on the outskirts of Cape Town. This is the oldest wine growing region in the southern hemisphere, dating back to 1685, and a great location for anyone visiting Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, widely regarded as one of the finest in the world.
The welcome
We were welcomed with drinks and canaps (including biltong) and a spa treatment – a great start to the day after a long flight! In my room was a lovely welcome note, a complimentary bottle of Klein Constantia Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, a bowl of fruit and one or two other treats.
The room
My room was a beautiful suite, away from the main hotel building, with its own secluded garden.
Inside, there was a modern look, ample space, a super-comfy bed and a separate lounge area accompanied by a good choice of magazines, plus an area where I could work and make use of the free WiFi which was perfectly reliable.
The bathroom
The bathroom was clean and modern, with gowns/slippers provided and super-fluffy towels. A large walk-in shower (out of shot to the left) was also available.
The facilities
Breakfast was in the main building and could be enjoyed inside or out – a buffet affair, plus the opportunity to choose from a menu of cooked items.
As well as the spa already mentioned, there are two outdoor pools, a tennis court and Gary Player golf green.
The grounds are well tended and fairly extensive (almost 10 acres), making for a leisurely morning or afternoon stroll.
One of the highlights at The Cellars-Hohenort has to be the Greenhouse Restaurant – make sure you try the signature dessert of Camembert cheesecake – not a cheesecake made of Camembert, I hasten to add, but one that resembles one and is served complete with cheese knife!
A nearby park (turn right out of the hotel entrance and it is a few hundred metres down the road on the left) is ideal for jogging off any over-indulgence.
Other nice touches
The hotel put on a wine tasting evening for us where there were three wineries from Constantia represented. Very informative and enjoyable, too.
Cost
Standard double rooms start from 3,200 South African rands out of season or from 5,600 for a suite.
The best bit
Dinner in The Greenhouse Restaurant, led by Cape Town’s first Relais & Chateaux Grand Chef, Peter Tempelhoff.
The final verdict
A lovely, relaxed hotel and a great base away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Worth a visit, even if it’s just for dinner, but I’d recommend staying there, too.
