This post is also available in: German
An oasis for a romantic getaway or even a fabulous wedding
This small, 5-star country house hotel in the Cape Dutch style, is located in the heart of Klein Drakenstein, between countless vineyards and the Drakenstein Mountains. The history of the 32-hectare wine estate with vineyards, fruit and olive trees and a small stone chapel, dates back to the year 1754.
Still one of the best vineyards in the Winelands, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc are the grape varieties grown here.
The vineyard surrounded wine estate is a mere 40 minute drive from Cape Town. Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are 20 minutes and the beautiful beaches about 50 minutes away.
In contrast to the lively bustle of Cape Town here the atmosphere is one of complete tranquility. One somehow feels transported back in time to a bygone South African era in a wonderful way and can easily unwind here. Since it rained during our stay here, everything somehow seemed even cozier.
Hidden behind one of the chalets is a large swimming pool for the warmer months. We were told that in January, 48˚ Celsius is no exception here!
Rooms
The luxurious wine estate has 13 historic rooms in 6 categories: Standard, Junior, Luxury, Presidential, Honeymoon and Cottage. All the rooms are equipped with beautiful antiques, oriental rugs, historical vaults, art works, romantic four-poster beds and attention to detail.
Honeymoon Suite
We stayed in the beautiful and large honeymoon suite with a four-poster bed, lounge area, minibar and a great bathroom in the main house. From here there is a direct access to the lounge and dining room.
In our opinion, the bed was a little hard, but everyone experiences this differently anyway. If we had stayed longer, we would have gotten another room immediately upon request.
With a complimentary, delicious bottle of sherry and an interesting magazine, you can spend time here in a relaxed atmosphere.
These beautiful flowers are from the estate’s own garden.
Lounge
The lounge area above the dining room offers plenty of comfortable seating, reading material, interesting decoration and a fireplace.
Restaurant / Dining Room
The restaurant only serves guests staying at the hotel. With fresh ingredients, partly from the estate’s own garden and with South African gourmet cuisine, one can allow oneself to be spoilt here. The food was quite simply magnificent!
Before dinner is served, you are welcomed on the terrace with a delicious glass of wine.
Breakfast
Weather permitting, you can have breakfast outside on the terrace. Otherwise, the scrumptious breakfast with homemade jams, fresh juice and a huge selection of cereals, cold meats, cheese, salmon and olives, is served in the dining room. Freshly prepared egg dishes or pancakes are also available on request.
Weddings
Due to its romantic atmosphere Palmiet is one of the top venues for weddings and celebrations in the vicinity of Cape Town. Romantic weddings can take place in the rustic wine cellar that can seat up to 100 people, in the small chapel that can seat up to 30 people or on the lawn. The in-house wedding planner takes care of all the details.
Up to 80 people can stay overnight. If the rooms are not enough, some guests can also stay in the adjacent De Leeuwenhof Hotel which is within walking distance. And for the champagne reception, there is the roof terrace with fantastic views of the vineyards and mountains.
To celebrate a wedding on this extraordinary estate, must be extremely beautiful! If you would like to get married here, I will also gladly accompany you as your wedding photographer! To view some of my wedding photography, please click here.
Conclusion
For everyone seeking peace and quiet, enjoying delicious wines and gourmet food, or those that would like to experience their romantic dream wedding, this is the perfect place to be. Amidst the beautiful countryside, in the romantic and historic atmosphere, you can switch off, relax and unwind.
Transfer: It is about 40 minutes by car (61 km) from Cape Town Airport
Parking: Safe on the premises
Minibar: Soft drinks for sale; coffee, tea and 1 bottle of sherry included
Air Temperature: 6˚ – 30˚ Celsius
Best time to visit: All year round, the best time is from September to the beginning of May with peak season from November to February. There are a few more rainy days from May to September.
Flight Duration: Nonstop from Frankfurt to Cape Town with Condor in 11 hours and 45 minutes or in 14 hours and 35 minutes with a stopover in JNB with South African Airways
Time difference: None
Price: from EUR 75 per night including breakfast
Special features: idyllic location | great food | romantic flair
Perfect for: Couples, families, gourmets, newlyweds
Palmiet Valley Estate
Sonstraal Rd, Paarl
7628, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)21 862 7741
Fax: +27 (0)21 862 6891
E-Mail: info@palmiet.co.za
www.palmietvalleyestate.co.za
Did you like this article? Then make our day and share it!
____________________________________________________________
Note: During our stay we were supported by the Palmiet Valley Estate. Thank you so much! The opinions expressed in the article are as always 100% our own!
Our trip was planned and organized by Silke Marshall Marketing Solutions. A heartfelt thank you! The visit to Palmiet Valley Estate is part of the “Favourite Gourmet Self-Drive Journey”.