Nestled within the tranquil landscape of Somerset West, amidst a collection of historic wine estates, lies the prestigious Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa, right alongside the renowned Erinvale Golf Club. The grounds were originally part of Adriaan Van Der Stel’s expansive homestead ‘Vergelegen’ (‘far situated’), established in 1700, and so named because back then, it was a good day’s ride on horseback from Cape Town. The vast estate was eventually divided into what is now Erinvale (‘Irish Valley’) flanked by Vergelegen, Lourensford, and Morgenster wine estates.

Set against a backdrop of the scenic Hottentots Holland Mountains, Erinvale epitomises contemporary elegance in a countryside setting. Recently, we ventured to the heart of the Helderberg, trading horseback rides for the speed of modern transport, to immerse ourselves in the hospitality of Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa.

Bold Colour & Vibrance at Erinvale Estate Country Hotel & Spa

Although established in 1994, the hotel has undergone some fairly recent revamping, with the final revisions happening to the spa area currently.  The opulent Irish-green marble and striking palm tree wallpaper of the reception area set the tone for our arrival – bright, bold and welcoming. This theme of vibrant foliage wallpaper and rich hues is consistent throughout the hotel’s communal spaces and creates a sense of contemporary luxury.

The hotel is set in immaculately manicured indigenous gardens, with enviable lush grass, established camphor and oak trees, water features and pockets of colour from local flora. There is a selection of 56 rooms, ranging from spacious suites to premium and classic accommodations. A section of these gorgeous rooms is housed in a traditional white-washed Cape-style thatch-roofed building, perfectly mirroring the L-shaped architecture of the original farmhouse structures.

… vibrant foliage wallpaper and rich hues create a consistent theme and create a sense of contemporary luxury.

The interiors are sophisticated, featuring mid-century furniture characterised by clean lines and gentle curves. Gallery-style collections of artwork adorn the walls, with a mix of both modern prints and traditional paintings. The curated artwork, which is featured throughout the property, is quirky and cool and lends a touch of eccentricity to the country surroundings. Our room had an exceptionally comfortable bed with plush white linens and a selection of pillows to choose from to ensure a blissful night’s sleep. Attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the room, from the premium quality linens to the block-out blinds, which resulted in a rejuvenating night’s sleep.

The morning sun warmed our patio, where we savoured a quiet moment with coffee and homemade biscuits from the turn-down service the night before, setting the perfect start to our day before breakfast.

Bits and Bites

The hotel has a selection of fantastic culinary offerings. The Oak Terrace served us a sumptuous breakfast buffet, complemented by a diverse selection of hot dishes. The space extends to a lovely outdoor terrace that is surrounded by gardens and shaded by tall oaks.

Breakfast is presented on stylish ceramics from local designer Mervyn Gers; a stellar cup of coffee and Eggs Benedict (and possibly a scone with strawberry jam too) started the day off in a delicious way.

Come evening, the Oak Terrace transforms into the Magnolia Social Dining Lounge, offering a casual yet stylish dining experience, with a fabulous accompanying cocktail menu. Plush jewel-coloured booths and chairs in deep ochre mustard and emerald green create the look, with accents of gold and ambient lighting finishing the mood. The menu consists of a ‘small plates’ offering, divided into Land, Ocean and Earth, as well as a selection of starters, salads and mains like burgers and steaks.

Plush jewel-coloured booths and chairs in deep ochre mustard and emerald green create the look…

We were so impressed with the food; the small plate portions were very generous (country-sized versus city-sized), and each boasted pretty plating and punchy flavour. We loved the Burrata Salad with fresh tomatoes, basil pesto, green olives, almonds and balsamic drizzle.

From the not-so-small small plate Land menu, we tried the smoked brisket bao buns, which were to-die-for and I don’t say that lightly – they were some of the best I’ve had. The Spicy Fried Squid from the Ocean selection was crisp, light and divine. The Tempura veggies from the Earth menu were also delicious, with just the necessary amount of crunch and ratio of golden tempura batter.

We appreciated the genuine and friendly service we received from the restaurant team and, in fact, everyone we encountered on the property. There is a sense of warm country hospitality that is unobtrusive and well-executed.

Spoilt for Choice

During our stay, we ventured to EARTHBOX at Lourensford for an immersive underground dining experience and explored the vibrant market there the next day as well. The intention was to visit the other farms that flank Erinvale, as well as to pop over to the golf course, but once ensconced at the tranquil pool area with a novel, it proved challenging to muster the will to leave.

Something for all

Erinvale caters to a diverse array of travellers, that offers something for everyone. For golf enthusiasts, the championship course awaits just steps from your door. Wine lovers will delight in the proximity to esteemed estates, perfect for leisurely tastings, all within walking distance. Business travellers will appreciate the hotel’s excellent WiFi and newly unveiled conference facilities, making working while away, quite seamless. And for discerning foodies, the culinary offerings at Erinvale itself are fantastic; alongside the Oak Terrace and the Magnolia Lounge, there is also Stefan’s – Executive Chef Stefan Bekker’s fine dining offering.

There is a sense of warm country hospitality that is unobtrusive and well-executed.

As mentioned, the final step in the renovation process is underway, with a full rebuild of the onsite spa taking place. Its reveal in a few months is something to look forward to.

With an abundance of good wine, food and the golf course on your doorstep, you can dine, sip, play and stay, and be spoiled for choice on all fronts. In summary, our stay at Erinvale was wonderful, leaving us keen to return and explore this corner of the Winelands further.

Erinvale Estate Country Hotel & Spa, 1 Erinvale Avenue, Somerset West

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