By creating an account, I agree to the
Terms of service and Privacy policy
Choose your country and language:
Africa
Americas
Asia Pacific
Europe
LLanzerac Hotel & Spa in the legendary Stellenbosch wine country has operated as a fine country estate since 1958 – but its vineyards were first planted more than 300 years ago. With many modern features and services, it still retains the Cape Dutch look, which has been so carefully preserved.
The story of what is today known as the Lanzerac Hotel and Spa goes back to 1692, the early days of European settlement at the southern tip of Africa.
Ensign Isaac Shrijver was the Indiana Jones of his time. When he wasn’t heading into the uncharted wilds of the Northern Cape in search of copper, he was embarking on trading trips into the Great Karoo, crossing the jagged Kammanassie mountains and learning all about Khoi people, like the Hessequa, the Gouriqua and the Inqua.
So impressed was governor of the Cape colony Simon van der Stel with the good ensign’s explorations and success at trade with indigenous groups along his routes, that he granted Shrijver a massive stretch of real estate in the picturesque Jonkershoek Valley near Stellenbosch.
Shrijver and his party of freed slaves planted vineyards on his new farm, which he called Schoongezicht (beautiful view).
In 1914, a subsequent owner called Elizabeth English renamed the estate Lanzerac.
In 1958 a young man named David Rawdon bought Lanzerac and spent a year renovating the property into a world-class country hotel. The stories of how Rawdon went searching high and low for neglected pieces of antique furniture and how he brought them back to life are part of local legend.
But the ‘golden tales’ of this historic South African hotel revolve around the long list of foreign guests who made the estate their favourite stopover in South Africa. Collectively known as ‘the swallows’, they were international models, magicians, writers, British royals, comedians and American politicians, among others.
They’re still talking about the guest who removed his wooden legs and tucked them under the bed before going to sleep one night. He’d left the socks and shoes on the prosthetics, so when the chambermaid came in the next morning, she quite calmly enquired as to whether ‘the master under the bed’ would like a cup of morning tea as well.
The modern-day Lanzerac Hotel and Spa still retains its old Cape Dutch charm, offering world travellers a choice of 48 luxury rooms, complete with views of the vineyards and the sweep of the nearby Helderberg Mountains.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & planning info
Who to contact
Lanzerac Hotel & Spa
Tel: +27 (0)21 887 1132
Email: info@lanzerac.co.za
How to get here
Driving from the centre of Cape Town to Stellenbosch will take under an hour. The distance to Stellenbosch is even less if you’re going straight from Cape Town International Airport. Take the N2 highway until you turn off to Stellenbosch on the R310, on which you will travel for about 17km. See the listed Lanzerac website for precise street directions to the estate.
Best time to visit
Lanzerac is an all-year destination.
Things to do
You’re surrounded by wine estates. The Stellenbosch Wine Route alone encompasses more than 100 cellars, each with its own attributes and identity.
Tours to do
You can go on wine estate tours, cultural and history trips and specialised adventures around the Stellenbosch area. Consult the listed Stellenbosch Tourism website for details.
Get around
There are a number of tours from both Cape Town and Stellenbosch, but many travellers to this area prefer to drive themselves because it gives them a greater choice of routes.
What will it cost?
Check the website for details and occasional specials.
Length of stay
Depending on your plans, Lanzerac is either good for a special overnight stay or at least a 3-day base for exploring the area.
What to pack
Pack mostly informal clothes for the day but do throw in some smarter evening wear for dinner time as well.
What to eat
The restaurant at Lanzerac offers fine dining, and Stellenbosch is known throughout the country as a great ‘restaurant town’. Check with the hotel and the listed Stellenbosch Tourism website.
What's happening
Check the events calendar on the listed Stellenbosch Tourism website.
Best buys
Treat yourself to special treat at the Lanzerac spa.
Related links
South Africa on social media
Useful links
Explore
