The perfect combination between old world and modernity – that is what makes Lanzerac Hotel and Spa one of the best hotel destinations in the Cape Winelands. After a devastating fire in May of 2017, the hotel underwent major renovations and reopened in July 2018. It now offers enhanced guest experiences while making you feel like you went back in time with all the modern luxuries of today.
Established in 1692, Lanzerac Wine Estate is one of the oldest working wine farms in South Africa and also the first to bottle Pinotage – ever. When entering the farm, you drive up a lane lined with the most majestic oak trees that double as the time machine taking you back in time. Driving towards the old manor house you pass the wine tasting area and deli, as well as some of the suites. The hotel’s lobby area is in the Governor’s Hall – here the most renovations took place as this was the building destroyed in the fire.
When walking through the Governor’s Hall, your eyes are immediately drawn upwards towards the 13 one-ton imported Spruce Pine trusses. During the fire, the walls’ plaster came off and with the renovations, the brick was left bare but painted as a reminder of the fire. In the private dining hall, the brick is left completely bare. Here you can view the actual history of the building and be able to tell which wall is older than which. In the Taphuis area, which is the old distillery, the lintels above the windows that got burnt were left as another reminder of the fire and to add to the future history of the building. The main dining area had a complete renovation and now features a spectacular crystal chandelier and large windows through which to view the kitchen. There are also a number of conferencing areas where one even features a glass ceiling and another has a gothic theme to it.
The suites on offer at the hotel is an absolute gamechanger though. Every suite is decorated differently to complement one statement piece of furniture in the room such as an antique cupboard, or an exquisite headboard. The suite I stayed in had both those things. Behind the bed of my dreams was this absolute showstopper of a headboard that went all the way up to the ceiling, complete with curtains and lights behind it to create a soft ambience when on. Across my bed was a lounge suite with a TV that had more channels that one could possibly use and the most amazing antique desk. In the corner of the room there was this cupboard – an antique complete with clearly an old mirror on the door. Inside was my complimentary mini bar and coffee station. The mini bar was replenished daily and featured selected beers, cooldrinks, snacks, and two bottles of the farm’s own exquisite wines. The room also has climate-controlled air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
Between the en-suite bathroom and room I cannot pick a favourite. Another perfect example of the combination of old and new. The bathroom also contains a piece of antique furniture, as well as the most luxurious bath and shower, twin basins with chrome finishes, separate toilet area and even a bidet. The bathroom also features underfloor heating and heated towel racks.
Of everything, my favourite part had to be the spa on site. The spa has the perfect setting – between the vineyards, with views of the majestic Jonkershoek mountains. Here you are able to unwind and rejuvenate with a view. The spa also features fabulous hydro facilities such as a heated indoor pool and jacuzzi. It also has a restaurant with lovely light meals. They offer various treatment packages, from manicures and pedicures to massages, and even steam rooms, saunas and mist rooms, and a fitness gym.
With everything the Lanzerac Hotel and Spa has on offer, it is the perfect getaway for everyone for whatever reason, whether it is to relax and unwind, to go for business, or to have a romantic getaway. The individually styled rooms and suites offer the very best of South African hospitality and combination of old and modernity. Treat yourself to a luxurious Lanzerac experience in one of the best places in South Africa – the Cape Winelands.
