Last weekend we went to visit and spend two nights at the beautiful Cellars-Hohenhort. I’d heard so much about this beautiful hotel and estate, and it lived up to every expectation we had. The Cellars-Hohenort was originally established as a refreshment point for ships traversing the oceans to gather spice imports from Asia.
The Cellars buildings is located on nine acres of beautifully maintained land in the Constantia Valley of Cape Town. Their gardens are award winning, and won the Relais & Châteaux Garden Award in 2010. The boys had such fun running around the gardens, chasing squirrels, feeding the geese and ducks and playing a few games of casual tennis. <sidebar> there will be no tennis champions in this family, but they had a lot of fun.
Originally known as Klaasenbosch Farm, this property first belonged to the chief surgeon of the Dutch East India Company, Hendrik ten Damme, in 1693. In 1991, Liz McGrath purchased the Cellars building to restore its historical beauty, transforming it from a simple country guesthouse. In 1993, McGrath began an extensive renovation that saw the hotel reopen its doors. How beautiful? Liz McGrath passed away earlier this year, and her heritage and vision lives on here. We felt so honored to spend time here.
We stayed in inter-leading rooms in the main building, with the boys occupying a Double Room and we had a Suite. There’s a door to close off and lock the passage, so you have your own mini house with a kitchenette, 2 bathrooms, 2 bedrooms and living room all to yourselves. Both rooms opened up to a patio / verandah with little tables and chairs and direct access to the lawns and pool area. It was incredibly private, so we didn’t have to worry about the kids being noisy or anything like that. We felt so relaxed and the kids were occupied and entertained the whole time. Amazing.
Double Rooms at The Cellars-Hohenort each offer either a view over the garden or open onto a terrace overlooking the lawns.
The room fee(R3850) includes:
- A welcome bottle of wine
- A fruit platter
- Slippers and bathroom amenities
- Romantic turndowns, with sparkling wine, for honeymooners
- Tea and coffee making facilities in the room
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- A bottle of water at turndown
- Hot water bottles placed in beds at turndown in winter
- A complimentary newspaper
They have three resident cats who will stop by and pay you a little visit. The boys called this one “socks” and there was a ginger one that they played with in the lounge while we were finishing off our dinner. The kids were highly amused that neighboring geese popped by for swims in the pool, much to the caretaker’s distress, I’m sure. We felt right at home.
We need to talk about the food, because you’ll be excited to see what Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef Peter Tempelhoff gets up to in the kitchen. We had dinner on the first night and every dish was absolutely incredible. They’re running a great Winter Special in the Conservatory at the moment: 3 courses for R210 pp. If you want to treat your husband / girlfriend / mother / wife / father to a delicious meal in an exquisite setting: Go here! They’re situated on 93 Brommersvlei Rd, Constantia and you’ll love the Fern Bar, Martini Bar and Conservatory. NOTE: The Greenhouse is currently undergoing renovations.
And then we really need to talk about breakfast. If you’re looking to seriously impress someone or treat a loved one, then you absolutely need to to bring them to The Cellars-Hohenort for breakfast. I have never in my life seen such a gorgeous room and setting. I love how the outdoors carry through to the indoors with loads of botanicals and inspiration from nature in all the decor. You really feel like you’re dining in a greenhouse.
The Cellars-Hohenort also has a gorgeous Wellness Center and Spa on the grounds, including a hairdresser and even a few boutique and jewellery shops. I had a 90 minute Dermatologica facial and felt a bit ‘hollywood’ when I walked out of there. The spa is gorgeous and the treatment rooms have stunning, private views of the gardens too.
We had a really great time as a family, and there were loads of local couples and international holiday makers there too. For locals, I’d say this is the perfect spot for a romantic anniversary celebration. There’s a Martini Bar with luxurious lounges and a huge wall to wall fireplace. Go for a picnic on the lawns, play tennis, go for massages and ask for the ‘romantic turn down’ at night, with bubbly and rose petals. You’ll enjoy the quiet and tranquility, as well as the luxurious finishes at The Cellars. Find more information here > The Cellars-Hohenort.
Please note that all pictures and views are my own, and not those of The Cellars-Hohenort or The Liz McGrath group.