Vineyard Hotel, Cape Town & The Western Cape

rooms

When it comes to accommodation, the hardest decision will be which view to choose, whether it is the courtyard gardens, parkland or mountain vistas.

The Courtyard Rooms are found spread across three floors in the beautiful courtyard garden with its tinkling fountains. Choose from Standard or Deluxe Rooms with their bijoux private balconies. The Mountain View Rooms overlooking the lawns and gardens also enjoy stunning views of Table Mountain from their windows, sundecks and balconies.

Or choose one of the spacious Deluxe or Junior Suites, which offer separate dining and living areas, en-suite bathrooms and sun decks or balconies with sweeping views. Step it up a little in the François Suite, which honours the hotel’s original owner with spacious and luxurious accommodation overlooking his beloved gardens. Or choose the huge Kitty Suite with its jaw-dropping panoramic views of the mountain and a large rooftop balcony.

For a little more privacy there is also the option of the lovely Cottages. These are found nestled on the banks of the river and offer self-catering apartment options. They are large and have two bedrooms and two bathrooms with a fully-equipped kitchen, lounge area and private sun decks.

facilities & activities

Set against a backdrop of Table Mountain and Newlands forest, the six acres of landscaped gardens house a huge, sparkling, outdoor swimming pool and a state of the art fitness centre with heated indoor pool. Or relax at the destination spa also found within the grounds.

If you prefer the great outdoors, then there are stunning running tracks throughout the beautiful grounds, or guided walking tours with a local environmentalist to learn all about the unique species of flora and fauna found here. Spend a leisurely afternoon admiring the works of art by local artists that adorn the walls here, including the sketches by Lady Anne herself.

When it’s time to explore, then the Guest Relations Desk will be happy to help you organise an itinerary. The Constantia Winelands lie just over the hill, perfect for a relaxed day wine-tasting on the historic estates, enjoying the unique Dutch Cape architecture. If it's shopping you are after then the hotel is just 5 minutes from the trendy precinct hub of Cavendish Square, with its boutiques selling everything from designer wear to lovely home pieces. Of course, there's eclectic Cape Town with all its delights, just a 20 minute drive away.

The stunning Peninsula coastline is also on the doorstep with its jaw-dropping, picture-postcard vistas. Take the circular route directly from the hotel itself past False Bay and the lovely seaside hamlets and on down to Capepoint. On your return, you'll pass the vast Atlantic beaches and pass over Chapman's Peak into the fishing village of Hout Bay. Stop for a little sundowner by the sea before meandering back to the hotel through the rolling hills of Constantia's Winelands.

dining

Following in the hostess’ footsteps, the Vineyard is renowned for its great food and wine, from fine dining to fresh home-cooked mouth-watering dishes. The main restaurant, The Square, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving up classic, local fare and seasonal themed menus from the resident chef, complimented by delicious wines.

Or head to casually sophisticated Myyoga, run independently in the grounds. With indoor or outdoor seating it offers fresh light lunches and indulgent puddings. The A La Carte dinner offers fresh, seasonal and local dishes and for the serious food connoisseur, there’s a seven course tasting menu, paired with fragrant wines.

The Garden Lounge enjoys lovely mountain views and serves up lighter bites throughout the day and into the evening. Head there for fish and chips, gourmet burgers, sandwiches and salads or enjoy the Georgian favourite, The Lady Anne afternoon tea - a delicious selection of cakes, pastries and delicate finger sandwiches. Stay until sundown and enjoy an aperitif in the shape of a fresh cocktail or select from the menu of award-winning wines.

family

The Vineyard is a great choice for families. There are lovely warm pools and acres of space to explore, along with resident tortoises to find amongst the flowers. Supervised outdoor activities run throughout the summer season and during the winter months there is a games room with arts, crafts and movies.

The children's menu caters for all, with easy options such as fish and chips, macaroni cheese and burgers along with smaller portions of adult choices. Then there are the delicious banana splits and hot waffles, or fruit salad and ice cream to finish it all off.

There is plenty of choice when it comes to accommodation too. All the Courtyard Rooms offer interconnecting options, or the more spacious Suites offer additional room for a family. If it’s a home-from-home you'd prefer, then the lovely Cottages set on the river banks offer two bedrooms and fully-equipped kitchens so you can come and go as you please.

location

The Vineyard Hotel is found in the plush leafy suburb of Newlands, just off the famous peninsula Grand Tour Route and is in prime position for exploring the city, the coast and the Winelands. The city centre and lovely Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is just 20 minutes by car or the up-market Cavendish shopping centre is within walking distance. The International airport is just 30 minutes away.