If you are looking for a complete Winelands getaway, we recommend you book to stay the Night at Spier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch. Spier offers the complete package – world class wine, food and entertainment to suit every taste and activity level. From those looking to simply kick back and relax, to those wanting to immerse and learn something new.

The accommodation at Spier is unique in that it is set out as a mini village. It is interlinked with stone pathways and set amongst the lush greenery of the farm. We were met with a complimentary glass of wine at reception and then whisked away to our suite by golf cart.

There are a number of different accommodation options at Spier starting with simpler Signature rooms and progressing to stunning luxury in the Suites. The Signature rooms include upstairs options, as well as Garden Terrace rooms downstairs. There are also river facing Riverside Rooms, also with upstairs and downstairs terraced options. For something really special however, book one of the gorgeously luxurious suites. The suite we stayed in looked out over the Eerste River, which runs through the property. The sound of the water bubbling peacefully and birds nesting in the late afternoon brings a tranquillity that you simply don’t find in the city.
The rooms at Spier are tastefully decorated; there is a very subtle African feel, which is conveyed with beautifully textured materials and prints. Our room was very spacious; comfortable enough to feel right at home, but also luxurious enough to feel thoroughly spoilt. Outside on the large ‘stoep’ was a beautiful wooden daybed – the perfect place to put your feet up with a good book and a glass of Pinotage. With the Helderberg Mountains framed in the distance, it’s makes for a blissful and beautiful escape.

One of the defining factors about the Spier Hotel is its commitment to operating in the most eco-conscious way possible. Changes like switching to water wise showerheads and energy efficient mini bars have been made, paving the way to a more sustainable operation.

The hotel also makes use of Beautiful Earth toiletries, which are ethically made with pure, natural ingredients. Scented with fresh grapefruit and rosemary, they are an absolute treat to use.

Spier is an ideal place to holiday as both a couple or as a family. Couples can enjoy spa treatments at the Camelot Spa, or wander down to the wine tasting room to enjoy one of the specialty options like the charcuterie or chocolate pairing. There is also a dedicated children’s playroom, along with a full programme of supervised entertainment. For city children this is a wonderful opportunity to experience a slice of ‘farm life’ with walks around the grounds and related activities. We opted to walk down to the tasting room and take the guided audio tour. This narration, from a slave woman’s perspective, tells of the early days of winemaking in the Cape and is both beautiful and hauntingly vivid at the same time.

After a wonderfully peaceful night’s rest, we headed to the restaurant for an eye-popping breakfast spread – everything from continental options to a full fry up. One of the highlights of the spread must be the fluffy scones with berry compote and thick cream – a breakfast treat that is incredibly indulgent, but so hard to resist.

To walk off all the breakfast calories, we headed down to the craft market for a spot of shopping. On a clear morning, like the one we experienced, the lake alongside the market is like quicksilver and perfectly mirrors the surrounding Helderberg mountains. The craft market showcases local talent with an assortment of beaded handiwork, home décor, jewellery and more.

If shopping is not your idea of fun, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy. Visit the Eagle Encounters rehabilitation centre or pop by Eight Deli and pick up a picnic. Spier is a working wine farm, so to experience a piece of this for yourself, take a stroll over the bridge and explore the organic vines or view the free roaming cattle and chickens. For something entirely simpler, don’t miss the life-size picture frame suspended from a tree on the decking near the deli. With the lake and mountains framed in the background, you wont be able to help to posing for a selfie, which will be a fabulous memento of your stay at Spier.

spier.co.za