The 17 best hotels in the Cape Winelands

With its dramatic location atop the Helshoogte Pass, Delaire Graff is renowned for offering one of the most luxurious destination hotels in the Cape Winelands. It’s certainly not cheap, but the moment you step into the recently refurbished Lodges (as the suites are called) you’ll see why they command a high price. Curated décor extends to impressive artworks on display in each suite, where expansive living areas give onto private gardens and plunge pools. The Garden and Luxury Lodges are superb, but if you’re looking for extra space, there are two lavish Presidential Lodges that up the luxury ante. A pair of on-site restaurants, and an elegant Wine Lounge, make Delaire Graff a perfect choice for well-heeled travellers.

Helshoogte Road, Stellenbosch

Looking for the best views of the Franschhoek Winelands? Head straight for the lawns of La Petite Ferme, set high on the mountain slopes above the village below. 

‘The little farm’ first opened its doors in 1984 as a charming country inn, but over the last 40 years evolved into one of the most charming boutique hotels in the Franschhoek valley. The restaurant has earned a reputation for fine country cooking, while the 15 individually decorated rooms and suites offer a range of options for travellers

The five Manor House suites step out onto a shared pool in a quiet corner of the property, while the five Vineyard suites are a more upscale option with private plunge pools. Just above those, you’ll find the five new Winery suites, decorated in a bright contemporary style and overlooking a shared pool and garden area.  

Pass Road, Franschhoek

Steenberg Hotel & Spa is a luxurious five-star hotel on a historic wine farm, conveniently located for exploring all that Cape Town’s southern peninsula has to offer. But there's barely a reason to leave with a championship golf course, two award-winning restaurants – Tryn and Bistro Sixteen82 – and a lavish spa on site. The hotel is also located among the spectacular grounds of Steenberg Farm and offers views of working vineyards and nearby mountains to complete a perfect picture.

Steenberg Rd, Tokai

Few wine farms in the Cape have garnered the attention and worthy praise as Babylonstoren. Each year, thousands visit the estate to walk through its tranquil fruit and vegetable gardens, shop at the deli and have long lunches or dinners at its popular restaurants. But only a select few get to stay overnight in the immaculate hotel or the assorted cottages and houses. Beyond the considered luxury and contemporary farm décor, an overnight stay at Babylonstoren offers superb access to the property and garden. Enjoy guided tours, cycling on the farm, rowing on the dam, and even a morning harvest with the gardeners.

Simondium Road, Simondium

Camping, but not as you know it. Pitched amid the fynbos on the mountain slopes of Boschendal Farm, Camp Canoe is a delightfully quirky getaway in the Cape Winelands. Tapping into the global glamping trend, the seven design-led under-canvas suites offer an unforgettable mountain escape. With a decidedly Wes Anderson-inspired aesthetic, the décor taps into local designers and craftsmen to create a playful take on Boy Scout adventure. From the quilted walls to pegboard kitchens and mosaic showers there’s a delightful charm to these Winelands boltholes.

Each tent has a king-size bed and small couch (suitable for kids to sleep on), and a small kitchen area and outside kettle-braai make the tents suitable for self-catering. But that’s never a chore, with the Boschendal Farm Shop filled with farm fare, pre-made meals and braai packs. You can order in, or wander down to the choice of eateries at Boschendal’s historic ‘Werf’ precinct.

But you’ll want to spend most of your time at Camp Canoe, whether it’s for a walk in the fynbos, a paddle on the dam, or just relaxing on the wide hammocks of your suite. Plus each suite boasts a private wood-fired hot-tub!

Boschendal Farm, Franschhoek

The five-star Cellars-Hohenort Hotel in the Constantia Valley may only be a 15-minute drive from the Cape Town city centre, but it feels like a world away. Much of this is thanks to its beautiful, manicured gardens and location in a leafy suburb of Constantia. But its beautiful historic buildings also add to the charm and ceremony of the property, with tennis courts and a secluded swimming pool completing the picture.

Still, the Cellars-Hohenort is anything but staid: The Conservatory restaurant is a modern, eatery popular with local diners, and the bright bar and lounge area is the perfect spot to spend a few hours reading and relaxing. With rooms scattered in the original buildings and around the landscaped gardens, the ‘Cellars’ offers a quiet country stay in the city, just minutes from the historic cellars of Constantia.

93 Brommersvlei Rd, Constantia

While many Wineland hotels honour their heritage status and lean toward classical styling, Hazendal does much the opposite. This is a contemporary luxury hotel conveniently located at the gateway to the Stellenbosch Winelands. And it’s about more than food and wine, with a variety of activities to keep guests busy. Golf, padel, a spa, and a heated pool are the focus, and it’s a hotel that places a strong emphasis on keeping the younger guests happy, too. The Hazendal Hotel offers options from cosy Superior rooms to an expansive Presidential suite.

Bottelary Road, Stellenbosch

Blending elevated design and a distinctive sense of style, the 23 rooms of boutique hotel Majeka House offer a fresh take on Winelands style. The contemporary rooms and suites cover four different categories, with Premier rooms ideal for small groups and the Mountain View rooms offering superb privacy with eye-catching vistas of the surrounding Helderberg Mountains. The on-site Majeka Spa offers a wide range of facial and body therapies in three elegant treatment rooms, with access to hydrotherapy facilities too. The Majeka Kitchen dishes up seasonal plates for breakfast and lunch, while the colourfully eclectic MLounge is the space to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail before you head out.

26 Houtkapper Street, Paradyskloof, Stellenbosch

Brookdale Estate in Paarl was for some time a private property, but recent renovations have seen a new manor house built in a contemporary style that welcomes overnight guests. Think high ceilings, sweeping staircases, and voluptuous sofas in sun-drenched reading rooms. There are just five suites in the main manor house and one vineyard suite nearby, both of which benefit from luxurious amenities like walk-in showers, retractable televisions, and stunning mountain, garden, or vineyard views. Meals are prepared in-house by a private chef, but the new Bistro at Brookdale and attached tasting room are just a short, scenic walk away. 

Hawequa Bos Pad, Klein Drakenstein Road

One of the oldest estates in the Cape Winelands has enjoyed a dramatic reinvention over the past decade, with Vergenoegd Löw offering a contemporary experience of the Cape’s food and wine.

The heart of the estate is the original manor house ­– 1773 reads the date on the gable –  where wine tastings are hosted by charming wine stewards. Wander across the lawns and you’ll find Geuwels, one of two restaurants curated by chef Bertus Basson.

Accommodation is scattered across the estate and ranges from Deluxe Lodge Rooms (an entry-level option suited to groups travelling together) to the Vineyard Suites set within the gardens of the Owner’s Villa, which is also available for rent. The Presidential Suite is seriously impressive, with a private 12-metre pool and jacuzzi, but if that’s too spendy the six two-bedroom Luxury Cottages, set in landscaped indigenous gardens, are your best bet.

1 Faure Village Rd, Somerset West

With a history dating back to 1771, Grande Roche Hotel is a remarkable boutique hotel set at the foot of the famous Paarl Rock. With a pair of sparkling swimming pools, on-site spa and suites set amid newly-planted vineyards Grande Roche is the perfect base from which to explore this often-overlooked winelands town. Come evening, enjoy a menu of seasonally-inspired plates served on the terrace or in the elegant dining room.

1 Plantasie Street, Paarl

Set on the hills above the village of Franschhoek, Mont Rochelle is a vast estate famous not just for its wine and cuisine but also for its access to a network of trails to hike or bike on. And for those who want to make the most of everything it offers, it’s worth staying overnight in the hotel. Mont Rochelle Hotel has 26 rooms, with two flagship ‘Cap Classique’ suites. There’s also The Manor House  – a private villa – for extra privacy and exclusivity. As you may expect from a product under the Virgin Limited Edition banner, there is no luxury spared in this modern vineyard escape, from locally made Africology products in the bathrooms to Bose sound systems and large flatscreen televisions.

Dassenberg Road, Franschhoek

In the heart of the Constantia Valley, close to some of the valley’s most famous estates, Last Word Constantia describes itself as ‘a garden oasis’, and we’re inclined to agree! Verdant creepers line the walls, while stately trees rise above to set a picture-perfect scene beneath the Constantiaberg Mountains. This luxury boutique hotel offers nine guest rooms and suites – Superior Rooms, and three suite categories – all en-suite and beautifully furnished in a contemporary country style. The large gardens, swimming pool and dedicated Family Suite make this an ideal option for family travellers.

34 Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia

The restaurant, wine-tasting and picnic options make historic Grande Provence –  on the road into Franschhoek – popular with day-trippers. But if your pockets allow you’ll want to book a few nights at The Owners Cottage, where a selection of suites offer contemporary luxury and personalised service. Travelling with friends? Book the two-bedroom Vineyard Villa.

Main Road, Franschhoek

In the heart of the ‘Eikestad’, Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel offers a perfect combination of classic charm in a modern setting. The building is a South African National Monument that dates back to 1713 when it was one of the town’s original residences. Extensive renovations in 2010 saw it become one of the small wine town’s top hotels with a cabinet full of awards. Rooms are lush and centre on comfort, ranging from Petite to Deluxe depending on the depth of your pockets. With king-size beds, thick pile carpets, and sash windows it’s a cosy central choice for exploring the best of this popular Winelands town.

33 Church St, Stellenbosch

If it’s a tranquil yet luxurious farm setting you’re looking for in your Winelands escape, then Sterrekopje Farm will tick all your boxes. It’s located at the foot of the Franschhoek mountains and places a strong emphasis on rest and regeneration. Unlike other properties, a stay at Sterrekopje Farm is more of a journey that follows the rhythm of the farm. The experience includes bathhouse rituals, a studio where you can explore your creative side, and the option to hike, ride, swim, or paddle out on a canoe. 

Excelsior Road, Franschhoek

Dating back to 1692, Lanzerac is a Stellenbosch wine estate steeped in history; famous for its long oak-lined driveway and splendid manor house. But that’s not to say it’s a property stuck in the past. Despite the heritage buildings and long history, the Lanzerac Hotel is a luxurious and contemporary choice when you’re looking for a hotel in the Stellenbosch Winelands. There’s a wide choice of rooms and suites, each individually styled and classical in flavour, but with plenty of mod-cons. Guests enjoy complimentary wine tastings and cellar tours, in-room mini-bar replenished daily, and there are regular shuttles to explore the nearby town of Stellenbosch.

Lanzerac Road, Stellenbosch