Home & Away with Robert Walshe
Destination Hotspot Majeka House Stellenbosch Capetown
Majeka House a quirky but contemporary boutique hotel set in a splendid private garden estate in historic Stellenbosch is about an hour’s drive from Cape Town’s International Airport, and an excellent base to explore the famous winelands countryside. Highlights at this family-friendly country house include 3 outdoor swimming pools, a full-service spa, and a restaurant. With up to four room types available at Majeka House, each
Majeka House Sommelier Esme Groenewald
www.robertwalshe.com
provides its own unique twist during your stay; with mountain view, poolside and premier rooms. At the Majeka Spa, guests are welcomed by well-trained and experienced therapists, attentive to guest’s personal needs. Gardens and terraces, with blue sofas, chairs and tables surround the property, creating plenty of relaxing corners to chill out and relax. There is also an outside heated pool and spa hot tub. Majeka House’s reputation suggests that it is not only a destination for a relaxing escape but for dining too! Their signature “Makaron Restaurant” for the past three years has been nominated as one of the top 20 dining experiences in South Africa by “Eat Out” magazine. Their “Kitchen Table” concept with a locally sourced ingredient-driven five course degustation menu designed by genius head chef Lucas is exceptional. Unpretentious and close to the action, the concept is literally a table for two surrounded by culinary talent taking in all the action. The menu comes with suggested wine pairings, from delightful sommelier, Esmé, whose ability to chat about wine, life and travel was infectious! Majeka House offer a complete lifestyle experience where design, indulgence and quality hides around every corner. For me the experience was truly un-
beatable, the scenery breathtaking and the food and wine amongst the best in South Africa. For best rates visit www.majekahouse.co.za The Stellenbosch Wine Route has had over 300 years to establish itself as one of the world’s finest wine industries, tourist destinations and relaxing getaways. With over 200 wine producers in the valley, this is truly the pulsating heart of the country’s wine industry, where both connoisseurs and novice winedrinkers can equally enjoy the fruits of their vines. Visitors can simply drive along the route and spontaneously pick a wine farm to explore. Wine-tasting, cellar tours and sales are available directly from most vineyards and cellars. Many of the establishments also have their very own restaurants, gift shops, picnic facilities and galleries, as well as added extras such as carriage rides, auctions and wildlife encounters. For many years, Stellenbosch Award winning cuisine at Majeka House Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch
has dominated wine awards especially for South Africa’s signature “Pinotage”, a hybrid of Pinot Noir & Cinsaut grapes that was bred locally in the mid 1920’s. Selfdrive is recommended for venturing farther afield with several tour options of the town, wine lands and excursions to outlying regions. My preferred car rental company on this trip was Hertz & pick up is available in downtown Capetown or at the International air-
port. A reminder also that gold plus rewards members enjoy fast pick up and drop off car rental including exclusive benefits. Hertz consumer discounts with full details are available at www. hertz.ie Turkish airlines fly daily from Dublin to Capetown via Istanbul. Their business class service is by far the most impressive of the Middle Eastern carriers departing Ireland. Rather than just serving a “restaurant service”, “Flying Chefs” make you feel like a star with “Turkish Hospitality” above the clouds. In fact all business class meals are served in porcelain dishes on flights. For great fares visit www. turkishairlines.com Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio & Travel Editor for numerous print and online publications on the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe.com