Hazendal Wine Estate – Cape Winelands

Gretchen had the chance to spend a few nights at Hazendal, a hotel and spa located at the gateway to the Stellenbosch Wine Route, while on a personal trip to South Africa earlier this year. It was the final two nights of her trip and she found Hazendal to be a great place to unwind after a busy trip filled with time with friends, revisiting old haunts and even a few days on safari.

Location

Hazendal is located in the urban-Winelands interface. Just 30 minutes from Cape Town’s CBD, 25 minutes from Stellenbosch and 35 minutes from Paarl, it’s well-located for self-drive travelers to explore the area, but can also serve as a nice retreat to ease into a trip or for relaxing for a night or two before the end of a journey.

Overall Impressions

Despite only opening in October 2024, most of Hazendal’s staff seem to be old hat at excellent service. The facilities are thoughtfully designed and well-equipped, and public spaces are lovely and inviting. There are a range of dining options for guests and estate-produced wines are delicious, including the entry-level bottles. A large swimming pool attracts leisure guests, while the onsite golf course is lively on the weekends, attracting local and international players alike.

Rooms & Suites

The hotel’s 34 rooms and suites (superior, luxury, junior suite and presidential suite) are beautifully appointed with luxe linens, great lighting, mini-fridge and smart televisions with sound bars that can be used as Bluetooth speakers; bathrooms with soaking tubs and large showers, along with seating areas with patios, decks or balconies. The hotel is a mix of contemporary buildings mixed with Cape Dutch architecture which manages to work. Even the entry level superior suites feel very luxurious.

The Homestead is an exclusive-use Cape Dutch villa on the property. Dating back to 1790, it is restored with period furniture and can accommodate up to 10 in five suites. Another exclusive-use villa is planned on the property to the southeast across the M23.

Dining

Hazendal has five dining options – The Deli, where a choice of meals (including healthy menu choices) can be enjoyed throughout the day either indoors or outdoors; The Eatery, an outdoor braai and pizza venue; The Restaurant, site of the hotel’s delicious breakfast as well as a two or three course set menu option in the evenings; The Bar, featuring salads, sandwiches and snacks, and which attracts a golf crowd; and Picnics, where beautiful baskets filled with delicacies can be enjoyed on the grounds.

As a wine estate, Hazendal also features a beautiful wine tasting lounge – again with both indoor and outdoor seating. Guests can choose from a variety of tastings or indulge in a four-course food and wine pairing experience.

It is worth noting that The Eatery is only open Friday – Sunday.

Families at Hazendal

Hazendal welcomes and caters well to families. Family-friendly touches like kids welcome packs and a nightly milk and cookie turndown keep the young ones happy while the property’s myriad other features keep the adults enjoying themselves. Not to be left out, adults can count on a little treat on their pillows before bedtime as well.

Wonderdal is Hazendal’s onsite kids’ edutainment venue designed for kids ages 5-13. They can discover the worlds of science, nutrition and nature across a variety of indoor and outdoor activity zones.

Wellness & Leisure

The heated pool is a popular choice for leisure time, with plenty of loungers and umbrellas for guests. The Restaurant is nearby and food and drink can be ordered all day long.

The spa is beautifully appointed, has a wide range of treatments available and the therapists are top-notch. We enjoyed pedicures and not only received great treatments, we really enjoyed a lovely conversation with our therapists. The relaxation spaces in the spa are also lovely with flavored waters, snacks and smoothies available throughout your stay.

What We Loved

Hazendal’s staff was incredibly friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. The facilities offer guests a huge range of activities including golf, padel, guided art tours, par-3 and regular golf, a 27-hole putting park and driving range, the Wonderdal kids’ facilities, a movie theater with giant beanbag seats, a well-appointed gym, a library, a classic car collection, multiple restaurants, walking paths and more.

Good to Know

The location is best for self-drive travelers or those that are looking for a resort stay that has everything they need onsite. It would be a great location for guests to ‘chill out’ for a night or two at the beginning or end of a trip. Ensuring self-drivers understand that it is +/- 25 minutes’ drive to Stellenbosch is key.