Stellenbosch – If you’re seeking a bit of good old-fashioned luxury in Stellenbosch, look no further than the Lanzerac Hotel in the Jonkershoek Valley.
It’s situated just on the outskirts of the suburbs so you drive past private homes before suddenly turning into an oak-lined driveway, which leads up to the old manor house. The 48 rooms and suites are located on either side, and each is individually and plushly decorated, and they all have private patios – some both in front and at the back.
The location is a convenient one from which to explore all the delights Stellies has to offer, whether it’s visiting wine farms, or the shops and restaurants in the town. With restaurants and bars on the estate, you could happily just throw down roots and stay there for days on end and enjoy the peace and quiet.
There is also a lovely spa with an indoor pool, several treatment rooms, and even a tank with those little fish that eat the dead skin off your feet. It’s a strange experience, but you should try everything at least once.
Included in your stay is the use of the facilities at the spa, a cellar tour, a wine tasting, and that thing we have all come to know, love, and expect – free wifi. They’ll also valet park your car for you.
Accommodation begins with classic rooms, moving up to luxury rooms. Then there are five junior suites with lounge areas and a dressing room between the bedroom and bathroom. I’ve been lucky enough to stay in all of these over the years, and can honestly say they are all fabulous.
Even the classic rooms are spacious and the bathrooms, some with ball and claw tubs, are huge. Lanzerac understands the necessity of double basins and magnifying mirrors.
If you want to take it up a notch, there is the Royal Pool suite which has an enclosed courtyard with a table for private outside dining, and its own private swimming pool. This one, and the presidential suite in the manor house with two en-suite bedrooms, are still on my to-do list.
Whichever one you choose, you’ll enjoy all the usual facilities like mini bar, DStv (selected channels), air conditioning, electronic safes, and so on.
l The hotel is at 1 Lanzerac Road, Stellenbosch. For more information call 021 887 1132, e-mail [email protected] or go to www.lanzerac.co.za.