Weekend escapes to the winelands are always a great idea. However, the relentless alcohol bans in South Africa have halted fun jaunts to the Western Cape’s wine regions one too many times.
Being in the winelands WITHOUT being allowed to quaff a glass or three makes no sense whatsoever. * Sure, you can stroll around the landscaped gardens, perhaps order a meal or takeaway if wineries and restaurants are permitted to operate. But it’s just not the same experience. Wine itself is an experience and it is something that the wine tourism industry does so well. Let’s face it wine lovers; we are ultimately there for the wine!
After exploring the Cape winelands for over 16 years, I am still discovering amazing places and spaces. Just this past weekend, the fam and I stayed at a charming guest lodge in the Stellenbosch wine valley. It was our first getaway since the recent ban was lifted, so I was very happy to be able to support our struggling wine industry once more.
I love the fact that Stellenbosch is only a short drive from Cape Town. You can literally go from the city centre to wine country in less than an hour. Cultivar Guest Lodge is ideally situated just 7km from the town of Stellenbosch in one of the area’s 7 distinct sub-wine regions.
* Editor’s Note: I am not trying to detract from the seriousness of the Covid pandemic, but rather expressing how devastating the alcohol bans have been on the wine industry as a whole.
SUITE DREAMS
Warmly welcomed by Ulandi Solomons, the General Manager, we instantly felt at home. This is the mark of true hospitality. Ulandi gave us a brief tour of the beautiful property and its facilities. The 16 individually decorated en suite rooms offer glorious garden or mountain views, some with a private patio and braai facilities. Choose between Standard, Deluxe or Superior rooms, depending on your budget and size requirements.
Each room is named after a grape varietal which makes sense as the boutique lodge is based in the heart of the winelands. Our recently renovated Deluxe room, Shiraz, was spacious, inviting and luxuriously appointed with an indoor fireplace to ward off the winter chill. This tranquil room is perfect for romantic couple getaways.
As our regular kid sitter aka Granny was out of town, our teen came along and had his own uber-comfortable bed in the corner of the room. While sharing with the parentals isn’t exactly what my teen had in mind, it is large enough for three people and great if you have little ones. Interleading rooms are available for larger families.
Warm neutral shades mingle harmoniously with complementary dark wood furnishings. The décor is stylish and modern with a large en suite bathroom featuring a double vanity, rain shower, bathroom toiletries and a beautifully adorned mother-of-pearl mirror.
The king-size bed and luxe linen ensure sweet dreams each night. After all the fresh air and sunshine, I nodded off almost immediately each night under the snug covers. Other room features include a hairdryer, safe, iPod docking station, stereo, Nespresso coffee machine, mini bar fridge and free high-speed WiFi. You won’t find TVs in the rooms or main house, so bring your laptop or another device along if you want to Netflix and chill.
We made use of the garden-facing private patio each night, lighting a fire on Friday evening for a braai (barbeque). The lush lawns, water fountains and well-tended gardens are a bird enthusiast and nature lover’s paradise, providing a little slice of serenity and beauty that you can’t help but marvel at.
CULTIVAR GUEST LODGE FACILITIES
Together with the stunning views, the calm and welcoming space makes it easy to unwind. Two swimming pools with umbrellas and sun loungers are ideal for chilling, reading, meditating, or sipping on a glass of wine while taking in the mesmerising views. If you’re very brave and don’t mind the cold, take a dip as our crazy teen did!
Want to feel like a kid again? Spend some time on the tree swing at the bottom end of the garden, with the sound of sweet bird song for company. If you are feeling super energetic, hire a mountain bike available from reception and hit one of the many trails nearby.
The main building houses the reception and lobby areas with a breakfast room, comfortable couches, a cosy fireplace, and an honesty bar. A delicious buffet breakfast with fruit, yoghurt, breads, pastries, cheese, and charcuterie is available each morning between 8am and 10am. If you fancy a hot breakfast, don’t miss out on Muriel’s moreish omelette. The covered outdoor dining area is perfect for sipping coffee in the sun while tucking into your hearty breakfast.
A rooftop terrace with lounge furniture offers lovely valley views and is the ideal spot to capture the magic of an African sunset with a glass of your favourite tipple in hand. Cultivar Guest Lodge also arrange weddings, conferences, and private functions, many of which take place in the spacious Napoleon Room leading out onto the rooftop terrace.
MULDERBOSCH VINEYARDS
With an endless array of things to see, eat, sip, and do in the Stellenbosch wine route and surrounds, it can be challenging to decide what to do first. World-renowned wineries, restaurants, adventure activities galore and more will keep you enthralled, and trust me when I say that you simply won’t have time to see and do it all.
We decided to take it slow, and with our teen in tow, headed to nearby Mulderbosch Vineyards for the first time. This turned out to be a very good idea, as the relaxed ambience, exquisite views, wine, and friendly service ticked all the right boxes for a leisurely lunch in the sunshine.
Cheers!
The menu is super simple but delicious and reasonably priced. With a selection of crisp, thin-based wood-fired pizza, American-style food truck burgers, gourmet hotdogs and loaded fries, your taste buds are in for a treat. And yes, there is an actual food truck close to the kid’s jungle gym area, quite an unusual sight in the middle of the winelands. Italian style bowling (bocce) is a great way to burn off your lunch and have some fun.
With loads of lawn space, Daniel enjoyed kicking a football around, as did some of the adults. Thoughtfully considered socially distanced seating areas make for a relaxed dining experience. Will we return? Absolutely yes!
All too soon, Sunday arrived and after another divine breakfast, we said our farewells and headed home. If you are looking for a relaxed, luxurious stay with warm South African hospitality in the Stellenbosch wine region, or a romantic venue to celebrate a special occasion, consider making Cultivar Guest Lodge your home-away-from-home for a few nights.
WOMEN’S MONTH SELF-CARE SPECIAL OFFER
August is #WomensMonth and there is no better time to spoil yourself with this special offer.
This indulgent deal includes a relaxing self-care stay for you and that special woman in your life in a Deluxe double room, a scrumptious breakfast and a 30-minute massage each. Book your blissful stay here.
DISCLOSURE: We were hosted for a 2-night B&B stay at Cultivar Guest Lodge for review purposes. Transport to and from the lodge and any additional expenses were paid for by us. Thank you Ulandi for extending the invitation, and to your friendly staff for ensuring a memorable stay.
All views and images are my own unless stated otherwise. All Covid-19 safety and hygiene protocols were adhered to.
Yours in Travel,
xoxo
Until the next adventure!
