Photo: Brian Berkman
In its 30th year and following its refurbishment, Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa in Somerset West, Western Cape, delivers luxury accommodation set in elegant surroundings and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Part of the original 1666 Willem Adriaan van der Stel farm, Erinvale is the only South African hotel included in Historic Hotels Worldwide, a collection of over 360 of the finest historic treasures.
The adjacent Erinvale Country & Golf Estate, established in 1995, is a low- density estate with 419 properties built on 284ha of land and an 18-hole Gary Player-designed parkland golf course. Proximity to the golf course is one of the many reasons to stay at Erinvale.
Others include its stylish interiors and warm service. Above all, the reimagined Erinvale Spa brings wellness into the centre of the Erinvale experience.
Accommodation and architecture
The Classic Room, where Farmer’s Weekly spent the night, was built on the footprint of the original stables complex. Centuries-old camphor, oak and plane trees surround the Manor House, which serves as the hub for the hotel’s restaurants and reception area.
Accommodation is housed in thatched, white-washed buildings dotted around the main Manor House, while more contemporary buildings house the conference centre and meeting rooms.
The original structures, over 300 years old, contribute to the property’s historical significance. The Manor House was rebuilt after a fire, with only the kitchen chimney remaining from the original house. The boardrooms, Birch and Oak, were formerly the old tractor shed, while the larger refurbished Camphor venue was the livestock pen and can seat 120 people.
Conference packages also include activities like spa treatments, for people travelling with delegates.
Recent renovations and modern amenities
Clinton Savage Interiors & Architecture led an extensive refurbishment, with landscaping by Alan Dawson Gardens. The Manor House now features a magnificently redesigned reception area, library lounge, Magnolia Social Dining Lounge and an intimate bistro connected to the Oak Terrace.
The breakfast buffet space has been transformed with a dreamy powder-blue finish and expertly crafted millwork, featuring a collection of blue and white china on the walls.
Premium materials are evident throughout, including European-style windows with double-panel glazing for sound insulation and climate control. These windows can also be opened completely and tilted for ventilation.
Some rooms feature sun loungers and outdoor furniture with umbrellas on their patios, while other rooms offer fully private outdoor areas.
The rooms are equipped with Nespresso machines, state-of-the- art televisions displaying art when not in use, and built-in streaming capabilities. Bathroom amenities are from the outstanding TheraVine range, locally sourced in Stellenbosch, incorporating wine and grape extracts. Hotel guests receive a once- off value-add on spa treatments.
Wellness and leisure
The newest addition to the property comprises two vast flat-roofed pavilions bookending a magnificent 25m lap pool. These modernist structures, housing the impressive spa and fitness centre, complement the Cape Dutch and Georgian architecture of the accommodation buildings.
The property features two swimming pools: one adjacent to the Manor House’s Magnolia Social Dining Lounge, and the other, the previously mentioned 25m lap pool, which is heated, located at the spa. Both maintain an ideal Goldilocks temperature: cool enough to refresh yet warm enough to encourage extended swimming.
The spa pool surrounds have parasols and loungers, and feature innovative and minimalist shading screens that can be tilted for sun protection.
Inside the spa, a thermal suite includes a traditional sauna and steam room, as well as a more contemporary version of the hammam (steam and scrub room) with a heated drainage plinth at its centre, ideal for exfoliating and showering in the steamy surrounds.
There are two single and double treatment rooms. The spa menu, while featuring many of the usual suspects, offers treatments as varied as a sound-bowl experience and medical aesthetics. Lomi-lomi movements from Hawaii, and the Bella Baci treatments, which use suction cups mimicking some of the therapies from the Far East, are also included.
The ultra-modern TechnoGym fitness centre, which includes yoga and fitness spaces, is very chic.
Dining and wine experience
The hotel offers a variety of dining experiences. The Oak Terrace and Magnolia Social Dining Lounge share a menu featuring small plates (tapas) designed for sharing.
Standout dishes include tempura hake served with peas (a contemporary take on the classic British fish and mushy peas) and the BBQ brisket- topped burger with avocado. The menu also features a selection of fresh salads, vibrant poke bowls, toasted sandwiches, and indulgent desserts.
Stefan’s restaurant, open Wednesday to Saturday for dinner, offers seven- or 10-course fine-dining experiences with wine pairing. A separate vegetarian menu is available upon request when booking.
Breakfast includes a generous hot and cold buffet as well as à la carte items. Favourites include feathery light flapjacks served with banana, bacon, and syrup, and equally delicious corn-based fritters.
The quality of the charcuterie is a step above many hotels, and the range of Kwaito cheese from KwaZulu-Natal adds to the handmade offering.
It was also special to see the platters laden with peeled litchis, blackberries, and Cape gooseberries.
The hotel’s house wines come from Ridgeback and Eagles’ Nest, both owned by Erinvale’s proprietor.
Art and atmosphere
The art collection is a distinctive feature, with pieces displayed throughout the property, including guest rooms.
The eclectic collection spans various periods and styles, creating an aesthetic impact without the formality of a curated gallery experience. The art is neither labelled nor displayed as one might expect, with pieces of differing periods and styles placed near each other.
While I was curious to learn more about specific pieces, especially some of the contemporary photography, the impact of the art adds another wonderful layer to the experience.
Rather than being displayed in a gallery or museum where the tyranny of required attention is expected, the art at Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa, of museum and gallery quality, provides the pleasure without the work.
During a February visit, the guest mix included German and British visitors alongside South African residents. While modern technology is ubiquitous, many guests were observed enjoying paper books by the pool, reflecting the property’s refined, relaxed atmosphere.
Complimentary wine tasting vouchers and experiences are offered at Lourensford and nearby wine estates.
Despite its tranquil resort feel, Erinvale benefits from excellent proximity to Somerset West and the Cape Winelands, with Cape Town just 45 minutes away by car.
Farmer’s Weekly experienced Erinvale as a refined, restful and restorative destination that balances historical charm with modern luxury.
For more information visit erinvale.co.za, or phone 021 847 1160.
