Portfolio’s Angelo recently visited the gorgeous Cape Winelands town of Stellenbosch for a weekend of relaxation, food and fresh air. He was lucky enough to stay at not one, but two Portfolio properties: Lanzerac Hotel & Spa, as well as Life & Leisure. Read all about his visit here as he shows you that Stellies, the Town of Oaks, is so much more than just a university town located less than an hour from Cape Town…
Hello Stellenbosch!
From the moment you arrive, you notice the clean streets, cosy restaurants, delis and cafes, boutiques, local clothing shops and art galleries, all framed by the picturesque Drakenstein, Jonkershoek and Simonsberg mountains. While the majority of people in the small, charming town are students, it’s really so much more than just a university destination. Of course it’s geared towards those studying, but it still draws others, both young and old, to its tree-lined streets. Particularly on the weekends, people of all ages can be seen browsing around, simply enjoying the greenery and relaxed vibe. The quaint little stores sell things like marmalade and special wines, and it’s so enjoyable to pop from one to the next, sometimes even sampling the delicious wares for sale.
Our list of to-dos
Since we were going to be spending almost three days in Stellenbosch, we went ready and armed with a wish list. Stellies is a vibrant and buzzing place, filled with many things to do and see. Here are a few of our picks:
For the art lovers: D-Street Gallery – There are a number of art museums here, but if you’re wanting a fix for your South African contemporary art craving, then you should definitely pop by this gallery. Housed in one of the town’s historic buildings, you’ll find a diverse range of pieces by both established and emerging artists. It has a distinct avant-garde feel to it and the works are fascinating.
For the outdoor junkies: Jonkershoek Nature Reserve - Complete with rolling mountains and more fynbos that you can imagine, this reserve is an adventurer’s playground. There are many mountain biking as well as hiking trails to choose from, with the odd waterfall being spotted along the way. There are also various picnic spots, perfect for a bite while taking in the beautiful scenery.
For the market fans: The Slow Market – Stellenbosch boasts a host of vibey markets, but it’s this one we love the most. Why? Because it’s a foodie’s dream! Running between 9am and 2pm every Saturday, it offers an array of delicious bites (many of which are organic), all produced locally. If that isn’t enough, there’s also craft beer available as well as an opportunity to do some retail therapy. There are over 100 participants so variety is the order of the day.
Other markets worth mentioning: Blaauwklippen Family Market (great for the kids) and Root44 Market (live music).
For the wanderers: University of Stellenbosch and its botanical gardens – For those of you just wanting to saunter around the town and get a feel for it, the university is the best place to start. You can marvel at the amazing architecture of the campus before moving on to the gorgeous gardens. Check out the pond with its huge Victorian water-lillies or examine the bonsais in the extensive collection before moving onto the four greenhouses. The BioBou shop sells medicinal products as well as unique African cosmetics and local plant products.
For the retail therapists: Oom Samie Se Winkel - Step back in time with a visit to this Stellenbosch institution. It is the town’s oldest business (dating back to 1904) and can only be described as a general store. You’ll be able to find almost anything here, but we love the homemade jams and old books. It’s filled with exciting finds so be sure to go with some time on your hands – you’ll want to take a good look.
For the foodies: Schoon De Companje – The Cape Winelands in no stranger to quality dining with its multitude of superb restaurant options. We’ve chosen to focus on arguably the best bakery in the area – Schoon De Companje. Known for its out-of-this-world wood-fired loaves, triple-cooked potato wedges and ridiculous milkshakes (think Lemon Meringue and Double Dark Chocolate…) you simply have to make a point of popping by.
Other notable grazing spots:
- Terroir
- 96 Winery Road
- Delaire Graff Restaurant
- Basic Bistro
- Postcard Café
- Tokara Delicatessen
Now onto where to stay - first stop: Life & Leisure
Life & Leisure is conveniently located an easy 10 minute walk from the town centre. The funky interiors offer vibrant bursts of colour perfectly contrasted by different textures, modern fixtures and a mix of glass, wood, marble and stone. Owner Margie Potgieter is passionate about interior design and art, something that comes through in every space with its handpicked pieces and carefully chosen colours and details – it’s a real treat for the eyes.
Impressive hospitality
We received a warm welcome by Moyo who was only too happy to help with our luggage as well as tips for what to do. The roaring fire in the lounge was toasty and inviting, and we were only too happy to take a seat and enjoy the complimentary sweet treats such as brownies and koeksisters on offer. An honesty bar with a selection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages is also available, as well as a wide variety of teas and coffee. It became clear straight away that Life & Leisure is all about top-notch service.
Stylish and comfortable rooms
I couldn’t help but smile when I entered my room with its chic red and black theme, complete with plush carpets and my ultimate: a large, comfy bed. The stylishness extended to the bathroom with its black and white checkered floors. A fully equipped kitchenette means you have all the essentials so if you want, you never have to leave!
Pool-side brekkie
The breakfast area is alongside the pool and in the morning we enjoyed a delicious spread consisting of a selection of cold meats, croissants, fruit salad, muesli and yoghurt. If you prefer, there is also a warm breakfast option whipped up by the dedicated kitchen staff.
Moving on - next stop: The Lanzerac Hotel & Spa
Only six minutes from Life & Leisure and 15 minutes from central Stellenbosch, lies the sprawling and beautiful Lanzerac Wine Estate, home to the Lanzerac Hotel & Spa. As you drive the tree-lined drive towards the estate, you cannot help but feel like you’re headed somewhere special.
From the moment you walk in you are enveloped by the stately elegance and old-world charm of this gorgeous place, yet it still manages to be warm and inviting. A professional staff made sure our every need was taken care of throughout the duration of our stay – we felt like royalty every step of the way.
Interiors and grounds that will take your breath away
The Cape Dutch manor house is like something out of a movie, with sumptuous interiors consisting of rich fabrics, exquisite antique furniture, old-world art and golden lighting. The lobby has black and white marbelled flooring and you honestly feel like you’re visiting a palace. The outside is just as beautiful as the inside, with seemingly endless green lawns, sprigs of lavender and extensive vineyards. Being at the foot of the Jonkershoek Valley, the mountain views are truly something.
Rooms fit for royalty
The rooms and suites are a mix of old-world glamour and modern romance, with neutral colours pairing with textured fabrics and antique pieces to create serene and comfortable spaces. My room was very spacious, as was the bathroom, and it was kitted out with everything I needed to have a home away from home. The natural lighting from an overhead skylight above the shower, was my favourite.
Chocolate and vino – because why not!
We were treated to a complimentary wine and chocolate tasting, during which we sampled five premium wines, one of which was the famous Lanzerac Pinotage (Lanzerac is in fact the home of the first bottled Pinotage). The flavours of the wine were brought out even more by the flavours of the accompanying chocolates. Of course the pairing is enhanced by a knowledgeable Lanzerac team member who will happily answer all your wine-related questions, while at the same time sharing interesting information about the estate. A guided tour of the cellar gives you greater insight into the process of wine-making and rounds out the tasting experience.
Al fresco dining & supreme relaxation
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are enjoyed at Governors Hall Restaurant, with al fresco terrace dining being an option. The gourmet meals are prepared using only the freshest, seasonal ingredients, with each dish coming to life under the watchful eye of Executive Chef, Stephen Fraser.
During warmer weather, the pool is the ideal place to cool off and catch some sun, but if it’s real pampering you’re after, then you’ll definitely want to treat yourself to a massage or treatment at the onsite spa*.
Stellenbosch is the ideal weekend getaway destination and I for one can’t wait to return.
Discover this gem of the Cape Winelands from one of Portfolio’s wonderful Stellenbosch properties. Take a look at our full range (including the two mentioned here) here.
*The Lanzerac Spa is currently under refurbishment until December 2016, but certain treatments will still be available in a dedicated area in the manor house.
You may also be interested in reading all about another of Angelo’s visits here.
Why not also take a look at Best of Cape Town in 3 days OR The most special wine estate lunching spots
Main image: adventureshop.co.za