{"id":34774,"date":"2020-09-28T07:30:28","date_gmt":"2020-09-28T07:30:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/?p=34774"},"modified":"2020-09-28T11:08:17","modified_gmt":"2020-09-28T11:08:17","slug":"escape-alphen-hotel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/escape-alphen-hotel\/","title":{"rendered":"Escape to the Luxury of The Alphen Boutique Hotel, Constantia"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Alphen Hotel has been a part of the fabric of the Constantia landscape for over 300 years and truly is an iconic part of the area\u2019s history. Despite her years, this grand old dame has only improved with age and truly is a wonderful ode to the cultural richness of the valley.<\/p>\n

A walk around the grounds will make you feel like as though you\u2019ve stepped back in time but in the best way possible. It\u2019s a bit like being transported into a secret garden with the lushest green lawns you can imagine, hedges trimmed to absolute perfection with rose bushes and hydrangeas coming to life as spring sets in.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The History of The Alphen Hotel<\/h4>\n

The estate, originally a part of Groot Constantia, was sold off after the passing of owner at the time, Simon van der Stel. The homestead was built in 1753 by dutchman Abraham Leever and in 1963 was converted into a hotel. The hotel and onsite restaurants are operated by The Kove Collection and this union has blended the estate\u2019s old-world charm, with slick, modern amenities and a super-efficient team that keep things running smoothly at all times.<\/p>\n

Everything you Need<\/h4>\n

Visiting The Alphen Hotel is an all-encompassing experience; the facilities range from everything you would need to enjoy a luxury leisurely stay, to an organised business trip and everything in between.<\/p>\n

We visited for a night’s escape and experienced a little of the Alphen\u2019s renowned hospitality. Even with stringent COVID protocols in place, our check-in was seamless and efficient and the team had us ensconced in our room within minutes.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

Rooms at the Alphen are plushly decorated and blend modern amenities with classic Constantia charm. In our suite, a king-sized bed, complete with luxurious linen, was framed by a tufted Victorian-style headboard. Gold-trim mirrors and furnishings, along with decorative wall mouldings add touches of glamour. A generous lounge area with a mix of velvet and leather furnishings brought colour to the space and made for the perfect place to chill with a book.<\/p>\n

A double bathroom, split over two sides of the hallway housed both a luxurious bath area and shower. Ornate gilded mirrors are hung against glossy black subway tiles and the effect, almost art deco-esque, is beautiful.<\/p>\n

Drinks at Incognito<\/h4>\n

Incognito is the Alphen’s bar and it overlooks a sparkling pool and lush gardens. It’s an uber-stylish space to grab a pre-meal drink or to enjoy sundowners. The bar is incredibly well-stocked and has a great menu of wine, bubbles and beer plus unique cocktails and mocktails.\"Incognito\"incognito<\/p>\n

After a quick scan of the menu, I honed in on the Passion Fruit Vanilla Sours signature cocktail – Dewars 12-yr old whisky with passion fruit and vanilla syrup topped off with lemon juice and bitters. My partner opted for the Irish Ginger Ale – Jameson Irish Whiskey muddled with mint leaves, lime juice and topped off with ginger ale.<\/p>\n

Both were not only beautiful but so delish, they were the perfect pre-lunch drinks and enjoyed in such pretty setting too.<\/p>\n

\"Alphen<\/p>\n

Blanko for Lunch<\/h4>\n

Blanko<\/a> is the onsite restaurant and offers a menu of modern Italian food. The space, as the name suggests, is decorated primarily in white, which makes it the perfect blank canvas to showcase pieces by local artists. The outdoor area maximises the views over the central grassed lawn and is shaded by trees and umbrellas – ideal for al fresco dining!<\/p>\n

Three courses of food revealed a menu that is unfussy and that focuses on delivering delicious flavour above all. Standouts were most certainly the ricotta-filled ravioli started \u2013 ‘pillows of pasta’ as my partner described them, served with fresh basil, roasted baby tomatoes and generous shavings of Parmesan. Also, the special of Sea Bass \u2013 cooked to perfection and meltingly tender.<\/p>\n

\"blanko<\/div>
\"blanko<\/div><\/div>\n

Blanko’s desserts are always pretty as a picture \u2013 the Chocolate Tart with hazelnuts and salted caramel and the Limoncello Pot – cheesecake cr\u00e8me and biscotti were both heavenly. Several pics later we got stuck into them and savoured every last bite of them both.<\/p>\n

La Belle Bistro & Bakery<\/h4>\n

After a very restful nights sleep in the perfect quietness of the Constantia valley, we awoke to enjoy breakfast at la Belle Bistro & Bakery, well-known for its fabulous pastries. la Belle sits alongside Blanko and offers lighter, caf\u00e9-style food and serves the hotel’s breakfast as well. The generous breakfast included selections from a hot menu, as well as fruits and\/or pastries.<\/p>\n

Their avo toast is unmatched in my opinion and the pain au chocolat is worth all the calories! Cappuccinos and croissants later we checked out refreshed and ready to tackle the day.<\/p>\n

Stay at the Alphen<\/h4>\n

For guests enjoying a longer stay, the pool area will be utterly delightful \u2013 with luxurious pool beds, Incognito just steps away and absolute privacy from the outside world, it\u2019s the perfect place to kick back and soak up the African sunshine. All of this is of course ensconced in the stunning gardens of the property; guests will find The Alphen Hotel the perfect blend of English countryside and modern-day Mother City luxury.<\/p>\n

\"the<\/p>\n

Current Offers<\/h4>\n

The Alphen has a number of special offers on currently:<\/p>\n

Room Only<\/strong><\/p>\n

From R1 250 Per Room Per Night.<\/p>\n

Experience all the luxury and romance that a stay in the Cape Winelands can offer. This exclusive offer includes accommodation for 2 at The Alphen, excluding breakfast.<\/p>\n

BOOK NOW<\/a><\/p>\n

Use Promo Code:\u00a0ARO<\/strong><\/p>\n

Spring Break<\/strong><\/p>\n

From R 1 750 Per Room Per Night. Including 2 course set menu dinner, bed & breakfast<\/p>\n

Celebrate the sunshine with The Alphen\u2019s offer of accommodation for 2 guests, including dinner, bed & breakfast.\u00a0 Enjoy a modern Italian menu with a 2 course set menu at Blanko, excluding beverages.<\/p>\n

BOOK NOW<\/a><\/p>\n

Use Promo Code:\u00a0SPRINGA<\/strong><\/p>\n

Walk, Wander and Wine<\/strong><\/p>\n

From R 2 750 Per Room Per Night. Including wine tour & wine tasting (For 2)<\/p>\n

Come and see why some of the Cape\u2019s most famous wines come from Constantia with our offer of the tastiest introduction to the area. The offer includes overnight accommodation and bed & breakfast as well as bespoke wine tastings and tours at Eagles Nest, Buitenverwachting and Klein Constantia estates.<\/p>\n

BOOK NOW<\/a><\/p>\n

Use Promo Code:\u00a0WINE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Alphen Adventures<\/strong><\/p>\n

From R 3 050 Per Room Per Night. Including Ziplining (For 2)<\/p>\n

Spread your wings and take flight \u2013 on a zipline that is! Skim the treetops and see the world from an entirely new perspective with our exciting offer of overnight accommodation, bed & breakfast and an exhilarating experience of ziplining with SA Forest Adventures.<\/p>\n

BOOK NOW<\/a><\/p>\n

Use Promo Code:\u00a0AZIP<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bubbles & Beauties<\/strong><\/p>\n

From R 2 750 Per Room Per Night. (For 2)<\/p>\n

Add a little luxury to you and your bestie\u2019s stay at the Alphen Hotel. This offer includes 1-night stay for two in one of the hotel\u2019s stylish suites, a pampering spa treatment, a glass of bubbly and a sumptuous breakfast at la Belle the next morning. Choose from a manicure, pedicure or 30 min back, neck and shoulder massage.<\/p>\n

BOOK NOW<\/a><\/p>\n

Use Promo Code:\u00a0BUBBLES<\/strong><\/p>\n

From R 2 650 Per Room Per Night. Including surfing (For 2)<\/p>\n

Surf & Stay<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rule the waves at Surfers Corner at Muizenberg Beach with an overnight stay at The Alphen, including bed & breakfast. The perfect surfing spot, Muizenberg\u2019s sandy shores and gentle swell are perfect for beginners as well as those hanging ten out at the backline. Don\u2019t forget your swimming costume and a laidback vibe \u2013 we\u2019ll provide towels and sunscreen.<\/p>\n

BOOK NOW<\/a><\/p>\n

Use Promo Code:\u00a0SURF<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Ocean Lover<\/strong><\/p>\n

From R 4 880 Complete 2 Night Stay. Including water biking (For 2)<\/p>\n

Float like a seabird on your very own water bike and explore the historical Simon\u2019s Town harbour from the ocean\u2019s edge. A dawn tour led by crew on a guide boat showcases landmarks (or should we say watermarks) like the pier, naval base and the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. This adventurous offer includes a 2 night stay for two including breakfast.<\/p>\n

BOOK NOW<\/a><\/p>\n

Use Promo Code:\u00a0OCEAN<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Best of Both Worlds<\/strong><\/p>\n

From R 9 600 Per Room Per Night. (For 2)<\/p>\n

2 nights at The Alphen + 2 nights at The Marly Boutique Hotel & Spa \u2013 Includes 2 course set menu dinner, bed & breakfast + airport transfers<\/p>\n

Build your package by choosing any 2 or 3 of the below experiences for each stay:<\/p>\n