Modern comforts and a noble past make magic at Steenberg Hotel & Spa

Behind every landmark hotel is always a good origin story, and the Steenberg Hotel & Spa in Constantia, Cape Town, is no exception. Scratch a little deeper into the intriguing history of the estate, today a provincial heritage site, and you will discover a lot of firsts, the most extraordinary of which is the story of the original owner, Catharina Ras.

Described as one of the most daring and controversial settlers in the early Cape, the feisty German immigrant arrived as a 22-year-old widow in the Cape Colony to find a fierce and wild place at a time in history when the rights of women were not even a consideration.

An indomitable spirit, Ras would become the first person — and woman — to own a registered farm in the Dutch Cape Colony in 1682 through a lease granted by the then governor Simon van der Stel. She named it Swaaneweide, meaning the feeding place of the swans. Ras was married and widowed five times in her lifetime and, if the legend is to be believed, she was also Van der Stel’s lover.

She was known as Tryn by her nearest and dearest —  which is today the name of the popular restaurant at the hotel. 

Looking at what appears to be the only remaining portrait of the woman, it's difficult to assimilate the story of her legacy to the delicate, fine-boned and fair-skinned lady with  beguilingly blue eyes and a gorgeous mane of curly, auburn hair.

Yet, it's Ras’s story that shapes the modern-day five-star establishment, where guests enjoy an overriding feeling of understated but exceptional luxuriousness. The hotel, positioned in the middle of the vineyard, makes for an appealing yet tranquil stay.  The suites are large and comfortable with everything one could need, and French doors spill out onto a private patio and garden. Here, with a glass of perfectly chilled Steenberg wine (a complimentary bottle comes with the room), one can sense  a hint of the fine aura that Ras has left behind.

The hotel still retains some of the history: the original manor house is still there, now a one-bedroom suite.

The buildings are a blend of old and new without being jarringly different. What you can’t fail to miss are the artworks, an excellent and eclectic collection. I enjoyed the intriguing larger-than-life steel installations by the late Italian-born artist Edoardo Villa, who settled in SA, that are placed about the hotel and grounds. In a variety of primary colours, they at first may seem incongruous  in the historic setting yet they add good cheer and will certainly put a smile on your face.

There are so many nods to the original owner  in the hotel. The biggest, of which I’m sure she would approve, is that women today have a leading role in the operation. Catherine Schulze, who oversaw the hotel upgrade in 2019, is the general manager.

The signature restaurant Tryn, named after Ras, is where you’ll enjoy the contemporary menu of executive chef Kerry Kilpin, who also oversees a second popular eatery on the property, Bistro Sixteen82, at the Steenberg Tasting Room. The food is excellent.

The Steenberg range of wines produced on the estate has another female at the helm, cellarmaster Elunda Basson.  The wines all carry the swan logo in honour of the original name Ras gave the farm — and I'm  sure  the art of winemaking, whose origins in SA can be traced back to the 17th century, would make this remarkable lady very pleased.

GETAWAY AT A GLANCE

Where it is: Constantia Valley, 30 minutes from the Cape Town city centre.

Accommodation: There is a wide range available,  including three- and two-bedroom villas, family rooms and one-bedroom suites.

Things to do: Walking, cycling and running trails are available. There's also a championship golf course. You can enjoy the fruit of the vine surrounding the hotel with cellar tours and wine tasting at the picturesque Steenberg Tasting Room. The Steenberg Spa is a special treat — don't miss the massage offered in the Scented Garden.

Art lovers who fancy a bit of shopping can visit the The Norval Art Foundation and boutique shopping centre, within walking distance of the hotel.

The food: A highlight of the hotel stay is the meals, which can be enjoyed at one of two restaurants on the property: the award-winning Tryn  or a more casual affair at Bistro Sixteen82 at the Steenberg Tasting Room. 

SPECIAL OFFERS:

Urban Escape: A one-night package for two from R5,050 per couple includes a one-night stay in a classic room; a three-course dinner at Tryn; breakfast at either Tryn, BistroSixteen82 or in-room; a picnic lunch; a bottle of Steenberg wine; a classic wine tasting; and use of mountain bikes to explore the property. This offer is valid for stays from Tuesdays to Saturdays until April 30.

Celebration Package: Celebrating a birthday, anniversary, engagement or babymoon? Then this is for you. A one-night package from R5,479 per couple includes a one-night stay; breakfast at Bistro Sixteen82, Tryn  or in-room; a bottle of chilled wine in your room; a summer special dinner for two; classic wine tasting; and use of mountain bikes. Valid until March 31.

Contact: See steenbergfarm.com, email reservations@steenberghotel.com or call 021 713 2222.

• Biller was a guest of Steenberg Hotel and Spa.