Constantia is a sophisticated suburb – home to lavish lifestyles, award-winning fine dining restaurants and top wine farms pouring Sauvignon Blancs into shiny glasses.
The historic suburb 15 minutes south of Cape Town is also synonymous with lush greenery – from manicured gardens and vineyard views to ancient trees casting their shadows on the narrow pathways that bend and bow through impressive estates. It’s also a few blocks away from one of the most iconic attractions in South Africa, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.
To fully immerse yourself in the splendour of the Constantia Wine Route, spoil yourself and your loved ones with a stay at one of these ten luxurious hotels – all of them graded with four or five stars:
1. The Cellars-Hohenort
There’s a good reason why this iconic Cape Dutch hotel has been winning awards for the last three decades. With the elegant old-world charm of The Cellars-Hohenort you’ll be treated to professional service, a luxurious cottage-style interior and a variety of culinary experiences.
Grading: *****
Amenities: The Conservatory restaurant, two bars, golf green, tennis court, two swimming pools, gardens, gym, a boutique with local designer items, meeting rooms, spa and salon.
Rooms: 51 guest rooms and suites – with a variety of different features.
Closest wine farm: Constantia Royale.
Wow factor: The Madiba Villa, with three bedrooms and a private bool, has an impressive mini-library with books about the late Nelson Mandela.
2. Steenberg Hotel and Spa
Treat your family to a classy holiday by checking them into this modern winelands resort. The Steenberg Hotel and Spa has enough entertainment, activities and relaxation options to keep everyone happy. (It’s technically a short drive outside of Constantia, but still forms part of the Constantia Wine Route).
Grading: *****
Amenities: Golf course, spa, Tryn restaurant, Bistro Sixteen82 restaurant, wine tasting lounge and terrace, swimming pool, bicycle hire, walking and cycling routes, conference rooms and event venues.
Rooms: 24 rooms and two villas.
Closest wine farm: Steenberg (walking distance).
Wow factor: It’s built on the Cape’s first farm, and the 17th-century original manor house has been restored and is declared a provincial heritage site
3. Silvermist Boutique Hotel
Silvermist is an organic wine farm with a quaint boutique hotel where guests can spend the night. You’ll experience barefoot luxury and feel close to nature here – hidden between the valleys, vineyards and fynbos of Constantia.
Grading: **** Amenities: La Colombe restaurant, Cape Town zipline tour, swimming pool, hiking routes, wine tasting, bird watching and their private Kraal venue for special events. Rooms: 17 guest rooms with kitchens and private balconies.
Closest wine farm: Silvermist (walking distance).
Wow factor: Having La Colombe as your neighbour is pretty iconic, as the restaurant is considered one of the best in the world.
4. Nova Constantia Boutique Residence
Get a glimpse of what it would feel like to live like a local in Constantia. Nova Constantia is a private boutique residence where you’ll be treated like an extended (royal) family – enjoying personalised service to make you feel right at home.
Grading: *****
Amenities: Swimming pool, wine cellar, pool table, flood-lit tennis court, bar lounge, conference room, library and table tennis.
Rooms: Suites, private villa and luxury apartments.
Closest wine farm: Buitenverwachting.
Wow factor: Their luxurious premier suites each have a 6-seater spa bath on the veranda where you can soak whilst you sip on your favourite MCC.
5. Alphen Boutique Hotel and Spa
The Alphen Boutique Hotel and Spa is a breath of fresh air – seamlessly incorporating sleek modern finishes with the timeless elegance that is true to the valley. Over weekends, the hotel’s restaurants and bar become a hive of activity as locals meet for wine and cocktails blended with artisanal gin made in the Cape.
Grading: *****
Amenities: La Belle Bistro, Blanko restaurant, swimming pool, gardens and spa.
Rooms: Classic, Superior and Deluxe rooms.
Closest wine farm: Constantia Royale.
Wow factor: And breathe! Get some fresh air by booking a stress-reducing massage outdoor in the tranquil gardens.
6. Last Word Constantia
Last Word Constantia is a cosy little hideaway with plush décor and beautiful gardens that are home to an abundance of birdlife, chameleons and squirrels. Kids are welcome here and their family suite even has Nintendo Wii to keep the young ones busy.
Grading: *****
Amenities: Beautiful gardens and a swimming pool.
Rooms: Nine superior guest rooms and suites.
Closest wine farm: Groot Constantia.
Wow factor: Skip a formal sit-down meal and order a gourmet picnic box with local fresh produce to enjoy anywhere in the garden.
7. 14 on Klein Constantia
Escape the rush of life at 14 on Klein Constantia – a splendid Cape Dutch country house that offers ultimate privacy and serenity. Dive into the saltwater pool, read a book and take a nap on the loungers. By day, your background music will be the bird song, and by night you’ll be entertained by the frog choirs.
Grading: *****
Amenities: Swimming pool, natural ponds with koi fish and gardens with sitting nooks.
Rooms: Three suites, one cottage and an apartment.
Closest wine farm: Klein Constantia (walking distance).
Wow factor: It’s an adult-only hotel, so it’s perfect if you want a truly peaceful experience (or take a well-deserved break from sticky fingers and squeals).
8. Glen Avon Lodge
Glen Avon Lodge matches the highest standard of hospitality whilst offering unpretentious comforts. The hotel is owned and run by a proud family who goes out of their way to make their guests have a pleasant experience.
Grading: *****
Amenities: Two swimming pools – one solar-heated and the other one 11 meters long, manicured rose gardens, sun loungers, exclusive hotel dining room and meeting rooms.
Rooms: Four deluxe suites, a two-bedroomed cottage and a boardroom retreat.
Closest wine farm: Groot Constantia.
Wow factor: Glen Avon has many eco-friendly and social responsibility initiatives, including using local products, installing heat pumps, running grey water systems and supporting neighbouring nonprofits.
9. iKhaya Safari Lodge
Get that vibrant African safari feeling right in the middle of Cape Town at iKhaya Safari Lodge. The charming stone home features open thatch roofs, zebra skins scattered on wooden floors, and burning fires to gather around and share stories deep into the night.
Grading: ****
Amenities: Heated swimming pool, sun loungers, terrace with views, tennis court, two acres of sub-tropical gardens, babysitting service, dining room with fireplace and a wine cellar.
Rooms: Eight double rooms and a self-catering cottage.
Closest wine farm: Silvermist Organic Wine Estate.
Wow factor: Make use of the BBQ area and enjoy a traditional South African “braai” with delicious meat and fresh salads.
10. The Forum – Embassy Hill
The Forum is a prominent South African events company that manages top-class eco-conscious events at extraordinary venues like this one. The Forum – Embassy Hill was initially built as a private residence for James Hamilton Russell, but these days, its doors are wide open to guests to enjoy events and spend the night in the beautiful accommodation.
Grading: *****
Amenities: Nine different events and conference spaces, swimming pools and manicured gardens.
Rooms: Four deluxe en-suite bedrooms.
Closest wine farm: Constantia Glen.
Wow factor: Having access to a selection of distinctively different venues to host anything from intimate gatherings in the library to lavish weddings in the conservatory.
