LOCATION
In acres of award-winning gardens, the hotel is hidden in the Constantia valley below Table Mountain - a world apart from Cape Town city but a mere 15km away. The immaculate landscaping would have delighted the first owner, the chief surgeon of the Dutch East India Company, back in 1693.
STYLE
Cape Dutch gables, centuries-old beams and elegance are central to the architecture of the hotel, with room for 51 guests in its historic farmhouse, suites and exclusive villas. We had an airy suite with a king-size bed, living room and kitchenette, with fresh fruit and wine awaiting us.
SERVICE
Staff go out of their way to make you comfortable without intruding.
FACILITIES
Whatever your whim, this hotel is sure to deliver. Solar-heated swimming pools, tennis courts, a gym, spa and hair salon are among the amenities, but the gardens are its outstanding feature. A camphor grove 250 years old, 2500 roses, vines, citrus trees and herbs are among the reasons to get lost (my speciality) in its 3,6ha.
HOW'S THE GRUB?
The seven-course tasting menu we had at the Greenhouse restaurant was the most memorable dinner I have ever had.
The exquisite combinations, presentations and tastes of the dishes, which come with an African twist, made them exceptional. For the second course, "Butcher's Bird Pantry", for instance, the starters are speared on a branch like the bird does with its food.
We paired our courses with organic wines, selected by sommelier Michelle Michaels and finished off with wonderful chocolate tapas.
Executive chef Peter Tempelhoff has won numerous accolades and the Greenhouse has been ranked as one of the Top 10 restaurants in South Africa seven times in the past nine years, in the Eat Out Mercedes-Benz restaurant awards.
The breakfast was also superior. Home-made pastries, breads and fresh seasonal fruit brightened the continental buffet and the hot dishes included Cape specialities such as smoked snoek fish cakes.
ACTIVITIES
Bikes are free to use for guests and it's a short hop onto the greenbelt trail from Constantia to Tokai, or the mountain trail to Kirstenbosch, which winds across streams and past fynbos. Wine tasting abounds in Constantia and art fans can browse exhibitions here, or visit the new Norval Foundation art gallery in Tokai.
The City Sightseeing Bus goes through the Constantia Valley and all the top tourist attractions, including the aerial cableway and the V&A Waterfront, are less than half an hour away.
BEST TIME TO GO
Spring in Cape Town is wonderful, warm but not baking hot or windy.
RATES
From R3,600 for a double room.
CONTACT
thecellars-hohenorthotel.com/
• Keeton was a guest of The Cellars-Hohenort..