Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa

The Lodge’s Reception Area features a private dining room, conference facilities, and a boutique cinema. Each of the ten lodges is completely private, with curved hedges of Camellia and Coffee Jasmine providing natural seclusion.

 

 

 

The minimal number of lodges, paired with the extensive facilities offered to the guests are designed to create the ultimate sense of luxury for the most discerning of guests.

Sustainability is more than just an abstract concept here, with special care being taken to minimise electrical consumption and save water; whilst opting for natural renewable materials like stone and wood throughout.

The Lodges

• A 130 square metre Owner’s Lodge incorporating a Log Fireplace, two bedrooms and a private 37 square metre Heated Pool.
• A 130 square metre Presidential Lodge incorporating two bedrooms a private 35 square metre pool.
• Eight 80 square metre Deluxe and Luxury Lodges, each containing a private Heated Pool and a Butler’s Kitchen.

All lodges feature double volume ceilings with exposed timber trusses and custom designed furniture created exclusively for Delaire by David Collins Studio. The lodges are all perfectly situated to take maximum advantage of the views over the local hills and vineyards, and some extend all the way to Cape Point and Table Mountain.
Special touches include custom-created, locally produced organic bathroom amenities and contemporary art singled out from Laurence Graff’s private art collection.

Delaire Graff Estate has achieved what owner and globally renowned visionary Laurence Graff, Chairman of Graff Diamonds International, had in mind when he acquired this magnificent Cape Winelands property in 2003 and vowed to transform it into South Africa’s most desirable art, hospitality and wine destination.

Today, with two outstanding restaurants, a state-of-the-art winery, exclusive Lodges, a destination Spa and two luxury boutiques, the transformation of this piece of paradise, nestled between majestic mountains and overlooking the vineyards of Stellenbosch, one of the world’s leading wine destinations, is now complete. Striking Cape Dutch architecture meets African artefacts and styling, with original artworks from Laurence Graff’s personal collection on display throughout, representing some of South Africa’s finest contemporary artists.

Expect to discover the world’s most exceptional accommodation, art, design, food and wine in one of the most exceptional natural settings. Delaire Graff Estate Hotel and Spa combines understated elegance with state-of-the-art design; a sense of provenance with modern sustainability; and abundant nature with all the creature comforts that one would expect from a leading international luxury brand like Graff Diamonds.

Situated on the highest crest of the magnificent Helshoogte Mountain Pass linking the Cape’s two leading wine districts – Stellenbosch and Franschhoek – the Delaire Graff Estate has one of the leading restaurants and boutique hotels in this illustrious vineyard region, if not in South Africa itself.

The Estate has achieved what the owner Laurence Graff, Chairman and founder of Graff Diamonds International, had in mind when he vowed to make it one of South Africa’s ultra premier winery, restaurant and hotel destinations.

The Hotel Features

• A 330 square metre Villa incorporating a Log Fireplace, two bedrooms, and a private 37 square metre Heated Pool.

• A 275 square metre Villa incorporating two bedrooms a private 35 square metre pool.

• Eight 115 square metre Suites, each containing a private Heated Pool and a Butler’s Kitchen.

•  The Hotel’s Reception Area features a private dining room, conference facilities, and a boutique cinema.

• Special touches include custom-created, locally produced organic bathroom amenities and contemporary art singled out from Laurence Graff’s private art collection

• A full-service Spa open to both hotel and estate guests comprising of four treatment rooms, a sauna, and steam-room state-of-the-art gymnasium.

The Wine Lounge  

The Wine Lounge is a key area of the winery where visitors experience the ultimate tasting. Refined finishes include polished plaster walls, teak herringbone parquet floors, and white linen curtains. Custom designed leather furniture is combined with traditional ‘riempie’, whilst stitching techniques lend a sense of a bygone elegance inherent to these famous wine lands. Cut glass lanterns hang atmospherically from beamed ceilings. Contemporary art works finish off the space magnificently. The lounge-style seating area in front of the central fireplace provides a more relaxing alternative to the refectory style seating.

The wine lounge stays open later in summer for an unforgettable sundowner experience – complete with a musical accompaniment and an enticing canapé menu.

Wine Lounge opening times
Monday to Saturday 10:00am – 17:00pm
Sunday – 10:00am – 16:00pm

Dining Experience

David Collins, the London-based interior design genius behind a host of the most spoken-about and photographed hotels, bars, and restaurants around the globe, was responsible for creating an enthralling and breathtaking ambiance that delights the senses while relaxing the spirit.

The brilliance of the restaurant’s design is its beauty and sophistication without being overwhelming.

The tone is set by a striking Kentridge portrait that takes pride of place above the fireplace. Generally known for his monotones and muted shades, this rare work, of the 80’s, boasts a swathe of bright tangerine. The same zesty shade is carried through to the statement leather banquettes that snake across the restaurant floor, creating cozy dining enclaves. 

The Spa 

In our full-service spa, both hotel and estate guests will be able to indulge in signature health treatments – which will be associated with the production and health properties of wine and wine making. The spa comprises four treatment rooms, a sauna, and steam-room, as well as a state-of-the-art gymnasium.

The design concept has kept natural surroundings in mind, and materials used have been locally sourced and designed to complement the breathtaking backdrop of the Cape Winelands.  End grain timbers, polished concrete flooring, and textured leathers have been chosen for their sophisticated feel, yet still being true to traditional South African design.

Area & Activities

Turn right as you leave the estate and you’re heading to Franschhoek (French Corner). Known as the Gourmet Capital of South Africa, Franschhoek has attracted some of South Africa’s top chefs to the area and established a foodie scene in this quaint village and valley that many cities would be hard-pressed to equal. The village is full of arts, crafts and antique shops, museums and galleries.

Stellenbosch, a University Town, in the other direction down the Pass, is rich in rewarding activities, interesting features and leisure attractions. It abounds in quality galleries and museums, magnificent historical and contemporary architecture, and a host of cultural and leisure activity options – from the extreme to the refined.

Situated between these two tourist magnets, Delaire Graff Estate is the perfect launch pad for your choice of nearby activities:

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• Golf: There are a number of superb golf courses in the area, including a Jack Nicklaus signature course
• Theatre and Music : Stellenbosch has quite a few theatres and music venues like Oude Libertas & Spier Amphitheatres where summer programs are popular with locals and visitors alike.
• Walking and Hiking trails – there are numerous walking trails in the surrounding mountains – a great starting point is Franschhoek’s Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve

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• Trout fishing – there are a number of idyllic fishing spots in dams and streams for fly fishing
• Horse trails – we can organize a memorable day for all skill levels
• Hot air ballooning (in summer only)
• Cheetah Outreach
• Drakenstein Lion Park
• Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm

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Arts & Gardens

Parallel to Laurence Graff’s international reputation as “The King of Diamonds”, is his global status as contemporary art aficionado and collector. He sits on the International Director Council of both the Guggenheim in New York and the Tate Modern in London.

Evidently no newcomer to the South African art scene, Laurence Graff has, over time assembled a collection of local works that many a global institution would give their eye teeth for.

Walking through the aesthetically charged spaces and grounds on the estate, one is privileged to spend time among an acclaimed collection of South African paintings and sculptures from the likes of Sydney Kumalo, Dylan Lewis, Fred Schimmel, Durant Sihlali, Deborah Bell, Anton Smit, and a couple of Kentridge’s – including a rare collaboration between Kentridge, Robert Hodgins, and Deborah Bell.

How to get there

FROM: Cape Town, V&A Waterfront or Northern Suburbs: Take the N1 towards Paarl/Stellenbosch. Take the Stellenbosch off ramp (R304), after the N1 Engen Garage. At the STOP turn right towards Stellenbosch. Follow the road for approximately 15kms to Stellenbosch. At the traffic lights (Stellenbosch Motors Garage on your right and Friendly Grocer on the left), turn left onto the R44. At the next traffic lights, turn right onto the Helshoogte Road (R310). Follow the road, cross over next set of traffic lights (Indas Valley left and Shopping Centre on right) ‚ you are now on the Helshoogte Pass. Continue up the pass for approximately 7km. Delaire Graff Estate will on your right-hand side. Turn right into Delaire Graff Estate gates and follow the directions to the parking.

FROM: Southern Suburbs/Cape Town International Airport: Take N2, until you get the Stellenbosch (R310)/Baden Powell Road off ramp. Follow the road past Spier until the T-junction. Turn right towards Stellenbosch and follow the road pass Distell. Continue past Stellenbosch Station ‚ stay in left lane. At the traffic lights turn left onto R44/Paarl. Cross over next traffic light, at next set of traffic lights, turn right, into Merriman Lane. Continue up Merriman until traffic circle. Turn left at circle into Cluver Road. Pass over the first set of traffic light, and 2nd set, turn right on the Helshoogte Pass- the Fire station on left-hand side. Continue up the pass for approximately 7km. Delaire Graff Estate will on your right-hand side. Turn right into Delaire Graff Estate gates and follow the directions to the parking.

FROM: Hermanus: Follow the N2 to Somerset West/Strand area. Take R44 (Strand Road) past Lord Charles Hotel towards Stellenbosch. Keep going into Stellenbosch, past Strand Street & Dorp Street
intersection and turn right into Merriman Lane. Continue up Merriman until traffic circle. Turn left at circle into Cluver Road. Pass over the first set of traffic light, and 2nd set, turn right on Helshoogte Pass- the
fire station on left-hand side. Continue up the pass for approximately 7km. Delaire Graff Estate will on your right-hand side. Turn right into Delaire Graff Estate gates and follow the directions to the parking.

FROM: Franschhoek: Exit the Franschhoek valley after about 10 minutes turn left onto the R310/Stellenbosch, past Boschendal and Pniel and follow the road as ‚from Paarl‚ Opposite the Tokara winery,
Delaire Graff would be on your left-hand side.

FROM: Paarl: Take R45 (past Paarl Nursery) towards Franschoek. Turn right onto the R310, you will drive past Boschendal and through Pniel and continue for +/-11kms on the pass. Past Le Pommier (Zorgvliet) on right-hand side and down the pass opposite Tokara winery, turn left into Delaire Graff Estate gates and follow the directions to the parking.