From the moment you enter the gates of Steenberg, you know that you’re in for a treat. The hotel is set on a working wine farm, as well as a championship golf course/estate.
Even though you are surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the peninsula (and suburbs), you don’t feel any of that! It’s a unique oasis, largely thanks to the hotel and facilities being in the heart of the estate, protected from any noise from its surrounds.
You can therefore simply unwind, switch off, and relax. Being only 24 rooms, it’s intimate, personalised and offers an idyllic, yet tranquil setting. It’s definitely a gem of Cape Town, and something everyone should experience. There is an innate calmness amongst staff, and generally around the hotel – this adds to making guests feel completely relaxed.
There’s also very little need to go out and about if you don’t want to, as everything is on your doorstep. There’s Catherina’s, Bistro 1682, a spa, and golf course. For the less informed folk that means an award-winning wine estate, award-winning restaurants, and a championship golf course.
Bistro 1682 has been recognised in a top 20 list of the World’s Best Winery Restaurants. This restaurant offers tapas/bistro fare, and their cheese and meat platters are superb (yes I’ve enjoyed a few) and are not to be missed! Catharina’s restaurant is a more contemporary offering, paying homage to the woman who started it all, the fascinating and feisty Catharina Ras, who founded Steenberg in the 17th century.
Steenberg’s wine-tasting is located in the same area as Bistro 1682, and offers a wonderful outdoor section, perfect for enjoying the sunshine, good company and great wine!
We stayed in a Premier Room, which in other hotels would be deemed as a suite. It was massive – a lovely space to unwind with a beautiful patio overlooking the vineyards. Some of the rooms overlook the golf course.
The look and feel of the rooms are best termed as understated elegance and luxury. They have all the relevant mod cons you’d expect from a luxury hotel, so there was little to complain about.
They have recently renovated/refurbished the pool area, and it was a real oasis. It was again so peaceful there, that I’ll admit, I did have a snooze! It must have been the sound of the water feature. This newly renovated area now also boasts an indoor section (overlooking the pool) where small treatments like foot massages will be offered.
Located a mere 20 minutes’ drive from the city centre, 5 minutes from most of the Constantia wine estates, about 10 minutes’ drive to Noordhoek, where there is an amazing beach to walk on and the views are to die for – so you’re really spoilt for choice. The entire peninsula is there to be enjoyed and there are amazing restaurants all around the Constantia region as well.
We were also treated to a relaxing treatment at the hotel’s delightful spa. There’s something about spas in tranquil settings. You feel any stress and tension just slip away after an hour or so of pure pampering.
In summary, I’d stay there again in a heartbeat. Would I suggest this to clients – absolutely. Family & friends – well…probably not as I want to keep this gem for myself!
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