WHERE TO STAY

from Scene in the City - Winter 2023

Chic STAYS

STEENBERG HOTEL & SPA

This extraordinary hotel is a feast for the eyes, tummy and soul. Situated on the oldest original wine farm in Constantia, Steenberg Hotel & Spa will have you seriously thinking about a permanent escape from the concrete jungle. Sweeping down the lavender-lined driveway, surrounded by the vineyards of its own picturesque winery, you know you’ve arrived somewhere truly magical as soon as you step foot on Steenberg Farm. If you’re looking to unwind and unplug, it doesn’t get any better than this intensely private 24-key oasis. Naturally, a glass of Steenberg 1682 Chardonnay Brut MCC welcomes you on entry. The hotel features rows of bookshelves lined up with the classics and ceilings adorned with glistening chandeliers, but it’s the farm’s outdoor areas that are truly impressive. Take in the sweeping natural landscape and let the beauty transport you into that country pace. The rooms are all lovely. Spacious, with a living area, separate bathroom and private outdoor space. If you’re a couple, a Premier Room or One-Bedroom Suite is plenty of space – if you’re a family, opt for the artfully composed Two-Bedroom or Three-Bedroom Villa, which are bigger and have a kitchen, private garden and heated pool. You’ll share the property with Maximillian, Steenberg Farm’s resident peacock. Our Manor House One-Bedroom Suite was elegantly but sparingly kitted out, blending charcoal grey with blush pink and warm, earthy accents. Framed by a beamed ceiling, features appeared in a parade of luxe natural materials –wood, stone, linen and cotton. Light, both natural and artificial, was abundant. The king-size bed couldn’t have been more comfortable, while the sumptuous bathroom made a dip in the tub an unmissable activity. Intimate nooks for reading, a well-stocked minibar as well as a top-notch espresso machine made our room a lovely place to have our first – or last – drink of the day. There’s plenty to keep you occupied here, whether it’s flopping by the pool, enjoying a self-guided farm walk, revelling in the blooms and flora or learning about the wine-making processes. The hotel also offers close proximity to the area’s many wineries and eateries. Breakfast at Tryn – charmingly tucked underneath towering, decades-old oak trees with spectacular vineyard views – is included with your stay, so fill up before setting out on an adventure. We were impressed by virtually everything that executive chef Kerry Kilpin cooked up, even and especially the breakfast dishes. The salmon omelette – a magic dish of fluffy eggs topped with smoked salmon trout, capers, rocket and lemon – can’t be missed; nor can the French toast layered with grilled bacon, camembert and syrup. Wine, dine, unwind. You’ll leave Steenberg Hotel & Spa feel refreshed, invigorated – and craving more.