The Lanzerac farm was established in Stellenbosch in 1692, making it one of the oldest and most historic wine farms in the country. It’s always been known for warm hospitality, excellent wine and beautiful scenery, but in 2017, a fire raged through the property, destroying much of the farm’s iconic hotel. Although tragic, the fire created an opportunity, and much like protea bushes need to burn in order to germinate their gorgeous blooms, the Lanzerac Hotel and Spa rose from the ashes to be more beautiful, luxurious and welcoming than ever. Here’s my experience, staying the the Lanzerac Hotel & Spa.
Staying at the Lanzerac Hotel & Spa
There are few places in the world as beautiful as Stellenbosch. No matter where I travel and what I experience, Stellenbosch always stays right at the top of the list of my favourite places. From the dramatic mountains to the rows of perfectly straight vines, it doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, Stellenbosch is always spectacular. And while there are lots of incredible luxurious hotels to choose from, I’m not sure any can quite compare to the newly-refurbished Lanzerac Hotel and Spa.
The first thing you notice when you walk into the hotel – after the warm smile and friendly welcome – is the scent. I believe that scent creates an atmosphere, and is one of the most powerful senses when it comes to memory. So from the start, it’s a luxurious experience that you’re going to remember. The bones of the hotel were saved, and the interiors have been designed to highlight to history of the space, with plush velvet couches and antique rugs taking you back to a more opulent time.
The hotel rooms are the most luxurious I’ve stayed in, anywhere in South Africa. Each room is completely different, with unique furniture, colour palettes and facilities. We toured three rooms, which ranged from Classic, to Luxury to Suite. The highlight for me in each of rooms was the bathroom. I live for a luxurious bathroom and these do not disappoint. They each come standard with underfloor heating and clawfoot baths, but one even had a private marble steam room! Every one is pure beauty.
Our room had views over the vineyards, a private pool, an enormous bed complete with velvet headboard and an upstairs living room with a fully-stocked mini bar, which is complimentary with every stay. Staying at Lanzerac includes a glass of wine or bubbles on arrival, full continental buffet and hot breakfast (champagne and oysters included), fully-stocked mini bar, a bottle of wine in your room, complimentary wine tasting and cellar tour, complimentary transfer service between the Hotel and Stellenbosch town and use of the amazing spa facilities.
And I really mean amazing spa facilities. The Lanzerac Spa is exactly where I imagine spending a luxurious day with my girl friends, or just unwinding by myself. I’ve been to many of South Africa’s top spas and Lanzerac, I have to say, is in my top two. Along with their selection of massages, skincare and beauty treatments, the spa facilities are something to write home about. The heated indoor pool overlooks the vineyards, and if that’s not enough, so does the Jacuzzi. There are also four manicure and pedicure stations, a private relaxation lounge, a sauna, steam room, experience shower, mist room, and a fully-equipped fitness room. And with the Vitality Corner serving healthy snacks, meals smoothies and juices (and of course Lanzerac wines) we never went hungry. Hotel guests can enjoy the facilities until 9pm, which is perfect for an after dinner dip.
There are a few different dining options on the property, including light meals and lunches at the Lanzerac Deli, more fine dining options at the Manor Kitchen and pub-style fare at the Taphuis. After dinner, guests can move to the Craven Lounge, which offers a huge selection of premium whiskeys, gins, tequilas and more. The space is all leather and dark wood, with a big fire burning late into the night. We had a delicious platter in the sunshine on the porch at the Deli, and dinner in the Manor Kitchen.
