Clouds Estate: Majestic Views + Quirky Luxury on the Helshoogte Pass

On the crest of the Helshoogte Pass, surrounded by the majestic Drakenstein mountains perches a five-star boutique hotel (and working farm)aptly named Clouds Estate. From here, the views across the Banhoek Valley are sublime – a perk the Dutch owners of this luxury property took full advantage of when they bought it in 2009. They overhauled and redesigned the existing hotel, installing floor-to-ceiling glass windows and sliding doors to allow the exquisite views inside.

Inside, Dutch design company Moooi has created chic and contemporary spaces, punctuated by playful details – such as a life-size black horse lamp by Front in the lounge and rhino sculptures by Phumani Paper in the dining area.

Speaking of art, the hotel has a supreme collection of South African art displayed throughout, including works by Strijdom van der Merwe, Kobus le Grange and Kurt Pio. Oh, and look out for the sculpture of a roaming pig in the garden!

The lodgings

The seven rooms all have views across the beautiful valley, while the six designer villas are set in landscaped gardens and surrounded by vineyards. The balconies are perfect for an alfresco lunch or dinner. 

• 7 bedrooms in the main hotel (2 luxury, 1 standard, 1 superior and 3 deluxe) and 6 villas (5 deluxe and 1 Cloud 9 with two en suite bedrooms)
• Mulberry silk king-size pillows and duvets
• Charlotte Rhys toiletries
• heated towel rails  
• flip-flops
• private patio or balcony
• Nespresso machine
• smart TV, satellite TV and Blu-Ray DVD
• complimentary minibar stocked with Clouds’ wine, beer, soft drinks and fruit juice 
• air conditioning
• underfloor heating

While you’re there…

Breakfast is served daily in the mountain-facing dining area. And if you don’t fancy venturing too far away from this blissful haven, order a light lunch and relax by the pool with a chilled glass of Clouds sauvignon blanc and let the surrounding mountains and vineyards do their thing.

Clouds’ convenient perch on the Helshoogte Pass (the oldest pass in the country) means you can take a short 10-minute drive into Stellenbosch for a dose of small -own culture and to explore some restaurants, bars, galleries and shops. Or, go the other way down the pass to Franschhoek (a 20-minute drive) for more shopping and eating options in this charming village. 

Nature lovers will be in their element with the plethora of hiking and mountain-biking trails in the area.

Distance from CT 1 hour
Child friendly? No children under 16 (rooms)
No children under 12 (villas)
Pet friendly? No
Cost From R3 995 per room per night including breakfast
Where to find it Helshoogte Road, Stellenbosch
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