The Ultimate Cape Winelands Getaway: Art, Wine & Wellness In South Africa’s Most Elegant Stays

A weekend escape for well-heeled locals and a portal to slow living for excited travellers, the Cape Winelands have wooed travellers for years. But the region, which features popular wine-producing towns such as Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl, has also grown into a hub of all things art, culture and fine dining in the past few years. Booking the right property here can let you experience the unique character of this South African getaway destination in true luxury. From tasteful hospitality to art archives and wellness retreats, there's something special to focus on at every one of these hotels. Here, pick from the six most opulent escapes in the Cape Winelands.La Residence, FranschhoekMatted mountains, breezy vineyards, and a manor designed like a work of art—that's the picture-perfect landscape of La Residence. Part of The Royal Portfolio, this 30-acre estate redefines boutique luxury with just 11 suites and five vineyard suites, each dressed in bold colours, antiques, and an enviable art collection. Each piece here is handpicked by founder Liz Biden, and an art concierge is happy to take you around the property or recommend the best art experiences in Cape Winelands. Guests can linger over farm-led menus, taste homegrown vino in the sunlit dining hall, and retreat to shaded terraces with views of the valley. But the true indulgence lies in the intuitive service, which rounds off every experience and caters to every whim of the guest with an unforgettable warmth. And now, families and touring groups can also make a stop at the newly opened Franschhoek House villa on the estate—a six-key private sanctuary of bespoke hospitality. Tariff: R16,000 (₹76,960) per night Spier Wine Farm, StellenboschWith award-winning wines, commitment to regenerative farming and immersive art events, Spier Wine Farm has been known as the Winelands' heritage crown jewel for tasteful travel. But this year, the place has reopened as the contemporary landmark in elegant design with a thoughtful refurbishment making headlines around the world. Ornate suites in a village-style layout, views of verdant lawns and seasonal menus for nourishing meals—the allure is as timeless as it gets. The new form also features two new restaurants celebrating farm-to-table dining, three bars, including a rooftop sundowner bar and one of the largest heated pools in the Winelands. Behind a raw and rewilded garden, the spa takes guests onto a journey inspired by herbal wellness. The entire stay is a lesson in the art of slowing down, with sunlit mornings, breezy walks and moments when you feel one with the earth. Tariff: R9,660 (₹48,000) per nightBrookdale Estate Manor House, PaarlFramed by the Klein Drakenstein mountains, The Manor House at Brookdale Estate is a modern Cape Dutch–style retreat that opened in 2021. The exclusive-use property features six en-suite rooms done up like a luxurious home away from home. The magnificent staircases, sunlit rooms and dramatic views are owed to the manor's history, which saw it transform from a private residence into a contemporary hotel. Inside, refined communal areas—living rooms, dining rooms, a library, breakfast room, and a fitness space—complement terraces, gardens, a pool house, and panoramic views. The area also offers access to some of the Western Cape's best nature trails, exceptional golfing, and interesting monuments a stone's throw away.Tariff: R9,180 (₹45,500) per nightSterrekopje Farm, FranschhoekOne of the best hotels in Cape Winelands for a taste of wellness, Sterrekopje Farm is a 50-hectare regenerative retreat featuring 11 bespoke suites, each artfully curated with handcrafted furniture, murals, and soft furnishings that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Led by a soil-to-soul philosophy, founders Nicole Boekhoorn and Fleur Huijskens-Guests call guests to participate in daily harvests, foraging, pottery, breathwork, and sound healing—here, the true luxury is becoming one with the rhythms of the land. A converted bathhouse and apothecary provide Moroccan- and Indian-inspired wellness rituals. Sterrekopje also hosts a women-only retreat, offering a restorative space for feminine connection, holistic wellbeing, and deep reconnection with nature.Tariff: R33,000 (₹1,63,000) for two nights minimum Babylonstoren, SimondiumBabylonstoren is iconic for many reasons, but it's probably the tranquil gardens at the heart of the estate that attract most visitors to this centuries-old landmark. The life and rhythms of this 33-key property are guided by a massive greenscape divided into 15 sections with fruit farms, berry orchards, fragrant lawns and more. Cues from these green spaces follow guests inside into corners like the contemporary Farm Hotel and Garden Spa, the Farm Shops, and the Scented Room. Beyond its orchards and vineyards, guests find sensory experiences at every turn: seasonal menus rooted in soil-to-fork philosophy, a serene spa guided by botanical cycles, and curated wine tastings. From lip-smacking lunches under tree shade to taking workshops in local crafts, there's ample to do here — though may we warn you, all you'll want to do is switch off and slow down in the calming atmosphere. Tariff: R18,860 (₹93,500) for two nights minimum Le Franschhoek Hotel and SpaAfter a day of tippling across farms on the wine tram, take off your shoes in the comforting embrace of old-world warmth. High ceilings, warm lighting and warmer service underscore the experience at Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa. Despite the multitude of rooms—61 in total—every corner of the place offers a sense of quietude and exclusivity. A range of standalone villas offer the luxury of solitude as you soak in the paradisiacal views of mountains and manicured lawns. The location itself is off the town's beaten track, lending the property a 'hidden gem' charm away from the popular tourist gaze. For a retreat removed from the high-spirited goings-on of the day, there's no better place than this little conclave of Cape Dutch-style living.Tariff: R5,630 (₹28,000) per nightFAQs1. What are the best luxury hotels in the Cape Winelands?The Cape Winelands are home to several luxurious stays, including La Residence in Franschhoek, Spier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch, Brookdale Estate Manor House in Paarl, Sterrekopje Farm, Babylonstoren, and Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa. Each offers its own take on indulgence — from art-filled villas to regenerative farm retreats.2. When is the best time to visit the Cape Winelands?The best time to visit the Cape Winelands is from October to April, when the weather is warm, the vineyards are lush, and outdoor tastings are in full swing. However, winter (June–August) offers quieter stays, cosy fireplaces, and off-season rates — perfect for a peaceful escape.3. What is the Cape Winelands famous for?The region is renowned for its award-winning wines, heritage estates, and boutique hospitality. Towns like Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, and Paarl combine fine dining, art galleries, and vineyard tours, making it one of South Africa’s most scenic and sophisticated travel destinations.4. Are the Cape Winelands suitable for wellness and spa holidays?Absolutely. Properties like Sterrekopje Farm and Babylonstoren focus on wellness-driven experiences, from soil-to-soul living to botanical spa rituals. Guests can enjoy yoga, sound healing, herbal treatments, and farm-fresh cuisine in serene natural settings.5. How far are the Cape Winelands from Cape Town?The Cape Winelands are roughly an hour’s drive from Cape Town (around 60–70 km). Most visitors travel by car to explore the scenic wine routes, making it an easy and popular weekend getaway from the city.6. What makes Franschhoek special compared to other wine towns?Known as the “Food and Wine Capital of South Africa,” Franschhoek offers Michelin-style dining, boutique wineries, and art-forward hotels. Its French heritage and picturesque tram tours make it one of the most charming and romantic towns in the Cape Winelands.Places To Visit In South Africa For The Ongoing Winter Season In The Southern Hemisphere