Luxury Africa Travel’s Blog

In the heart of the winelands lies a new gem, recently opened and yet to be discovered by the international travellers. Opened in August 2011, deHuguenot Estate is located between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek offering unspoilt mountain, valley and farmland views.
The original property dates back to 1893 and also hosts the oldest building in Pniel, previously built in 1820. The owners, Tom and Marianne Gray, renovated and refurbished the estate for the past six years and whilst keeping its historic charm, they turned it into a modern, elegant estate which offers an exclusive venue for weddings and functions for up to 120 guests as well as boutique style accommodation of four stylish suites which can be booked exclusively.

Upon arrival, the generously spaced foyer leads us straight to the restaurant where a nicely decorated table with breath-taking views onto the Groot Drakenstein mountains awaits us. The atmosphere of the restaurant is casually elegant, the fireplaces add a cosy atmosphere. We are being welcomed by Kristy and Philipp who are responsible for the restaurant operation.
We had read about Chef Tanja Kruger on the estate’s website and knew that she was not only a talented chef but also the winner of the Chaine de Rotisseurs Young Chef of the Year 2008. Being a member of the South African Culinary Olympic Team, she moved from Hunter’s Country House in Plettenberg Bay, having worked at Lanzerac, the Radisson Hotel and Five Flies before.
The service is friendly and professional, the choice on the menu is eclectic and creative. With our expectations rising by reading the description of the menu, we order our mains whilst absorbing the beauty of the natural surroundings through the glass windows in front of us and the elegant décor around us.
And we were not disappointed. Appealingly decorated, our food arrives and we realise that we are in for a treat – not only visually but also tastefully. Silently we enjoy our food, absorbing this culinary experience with all our senses. As if this would not have been enough, the Valrhona dark chocolate fondant as dessert adds a new highlight to the entire meal.
The trendy Harry Q pub, named after the last owner of the property, is located in the foundation of the original building and offers tapas and light dishes in a casual atmosphere.

After lunch, Marianne shows us the accommodation side of deHuguenot Estate. Four elegantly appointed suites have been spaciously designed with open bathrooms and decorated with restored, antique furniture. Marianne reveals that this is one of her hobbies and there is no doubt that she is very talented in creating beautiful spaces. There are no rigid check-in or check-out times and from small details such as electric blankets to the obligatory well-stocked minibar, everything had been thought of to make the guest’s stay as convenient as possible. “We do not do time”, Marianne explained, “just looking after”.
Tom and Marianne told us about the history of the estate, they even shared some images of how it looked like before they started changing it. Our respect grows from picture to picture, realising how much work, time and passion went into the project.
The estate lends itself as perfect wedding venue, the gardens are well manicured and the property offers great photographic backgrounds.

Busy finalising a few projects on the estate, deHuguenot Estate is already taking bookings for the upcoming high season as well as for weddings. We are convinced that it will quickly establish itself as a well-known insider tip in the winelands.
For bookings and more information, please contact us.

Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa in South Africa’s winelands region of Stellenbosch was the recent recipient of two prestigious international accolades.

One of a select few to be featured by Condé Nast Traveler (US) for their 2011 “Hot List”, Delaire was included amongst 124 of the world’s best new hotels spanning 43 countries and 6 continents. This year’s Hot Hotels share a common standard in their artful blend of high style, a strong sense of place and showcase the best new exclusive and exotic properties around the globe. Click here to read the online review.

Delaire Graff Lodges and Spa was also unveiled as one of the world’s best new Hotels by Travel + Leisure in their sixth annual “IT List” hotels around the globe to highlight what the magazine’s editors consider the world’s best new hotels. Delaire was one of only two hotels to be featured in South Africa. Click here for the online review.

Located on the highest crest along the magnificent Helshoogte Mountain Pass linking the Cape’s two leading wine districts, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, Delaire Graff Lodges and Spa offers exceptional accommodation, views, art, architecture, interior design, food and wine in one of South Africa’s most extraordinary natural settings.
Says General Manager Jonathan Lithgow, “Having opened only a year ago we are delighted to have been acknowledged by such prestigious publications, especially in the US market. We are very fortunate to be situated in a piece of paradise that literally leaves our guests feeling like they were ‘floating in the sky’!”

The 2011 rates have been maintained from last year. Make the most of Delaire’s low season rates valid until 31 August 2011 as well as the 3 Night Offer in a Luxury Lodge including a 3 course Indochine dinner and bottle of Delaire wine; aromatherapy massage each; a hosted Delaire Wine Tasting and a half day Stellenbosch wine tour to 4 vineyards in the area.

For further information click here or contact vip@luxuryafricatravel.com.