Country hospitality among indigenous gardens and a dazzling mountain backdrop.
A beautifully peaceful escape in this tucked-away corner of “the Helderberg”, Erinvale Estate shares its history with that of neighbouring Vergelegen, Lourensford and Morgenster wine estates. Originally all part of a farm established by William Adriaan van der Stel in 1666, they share the same magnificent views of the Helderberg and Hottentots Holland Mountains, and a timeless, away-from-it-all atmosphere.
Thatched Cape Dutch-style buildings around a central courtyard planted with indigenous gardens set the scene for a relaxed country stay. The warm, attentive service from staff throughout the property puts guests at ease instantly. There’s a sense of sophisticated country-house elegance in the recently refurbished Manor House, which blends contemporary comfort and historic detail.
The luxurious 56-room hotel and spa adjoins the Gary Player-designed Erinvale Golf Course and is within walking distance of the three neighbouring wine estates, offering a wide choice of outdoor activities and taste sensations.
Fine dining for a special occasion
Chef Stefan Bekker pulls out all the stops with a choice of seven or 10 courses in the beautifully elegant, eponymous formal dining room. Expect gastronomic highlights such as sea bass with tiger’s milk, fennel and nori tuile; beef fillet with truffle, mushrooms and bone marrow; and an excellent butternut risotto with chevin, celery oil and capers.
Open Wednesday – Saturday, 6pm – 10pm
Book through DinePlan
Lunch and cocktails under the trees
The Magnolia Social Dining Lounge is a relaxed and chic meeting place and features chef Stefan’s small-plates menu and an extensive cocktail selection. It’s also the scene of the hotel’s lavish daily breakfast.
Or enjoy a laidback lunch under the oaks at Oak Terrace Bistro – from fish and chips and pork belly to tapas. In summer, it’s the ideal spot for dinner under the stars.
Open Magnolia Social Dining Lounge: Monday – Sunday, 11am – 11pm
Oak Terrace Bistro: Monday – Sunday, 11am – 11pm
Contact Magnolia Social Dining Lounge: 021 847 1160
Oak Terrace Bistro: 021 847 1160
Book through DinePlan
Taste the Helderberg
Taste your way around this appealing corner of the Helderberg, with a voucher that takes you on a palate-delighting odyssey of wine, olive oil, beer and coffee tastings at neighbouring Vergelegen, Morgenster, and Lourensford, starting with an artisanal gin-tasting in the Magnolia Social Dining Lounge.
Cost R480 (six tastings)
R240 (three tastings)
Tranquil pampering
Take your relaxation to a deeper level at the serene Lurra Spa, where four treatment rooms, a steam room and heated indoor pool, as well as the outdoor pool with majestic mountain views, are the setting for skilful massages, facials and therapeutic treatments.
Open Monday – Saturday, 9am – 6pm
Sunday, 8am – 5pm
Contact 021 847 1682, spa@erinvale.co.za
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Stay the night
Whether you decide to stay in a high-beamed loft room in the thatched historic buildings, or would prefer a courtyard or garden terrace room with your own patio, you’ll be utterly comfortable, with guaranteed tranquillity and majestic views.
Cost From R3 500 per double room per night (includes breakfast)
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Outside interests
The indigenous gardens have been redesigned around the courtyard and hotel to create meandering walks and a sense of sanctuary, with a herb garden, water features and fragrant fynbos gardens creating interest.
The combination of ancient oaks and indigenous coral and fever trees, with pincushions and restios, creates a real sense of time and place.
Contact 021 847 1160
Address 1 Erinvale Avenue, Somerset West
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