About
If fine wine and exceptional food is your idea of heaven, then this luxurious Dutch homestead – found deep within the Winelands valley of Paarl – should be made top-priority. Immaculately restored, intimate and located on a historic working wine farm, Grande Roche is famed for award-winning cuisine and unrivalled service, hence its Small Luxury Hotels of the World membership.
Accommodation
Spread across the estate, Grande Roche’s 28 suites merge the historic with the contemporary in terms of style. Options began with four studio suites, each offering its own semi-private garden terrace, and then five roomier duplex suites, transformed from old slave quarters. Found in trios, the 18 terrace suites have thatched roofs, shutters and trailing vines over their private outdoor patios, while the romantic Garden Suite – once the original farm stable – includes a bathroom with double shower and spa bath. All offer underfloor heating and large bathrooms.
Facilities
Overseen by Michelin-trained chef Roland Gorgosilich, the much-hailed Bosman’s Restaurant is situated in the manor house and serves international dishes in formal indoor or outdoor surroundings. Bistro Allegro is more laid-back, and cigars and home-produced glasses of Malbec are the norm in the lounge. Talking of wine, there are private tasting sessions available with an in-house sommelier. Two outdoor pools, a sauna, steam room and swanky spa complete the offerings. Good luck so much as leaving the grounds.
Activities
Nestled below the Paarl Rock Mountain and only 40 minutes from Cape Town airport, Grande Roche is also within touching distance of the spectacular Cape Peninsula. Guests can enjoy Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz vineyard tours or cycle along Paarl’s historic trails. Helicopter flights and hot-air ballooning are both offered nearby.
Child Policy
Children are welcome. There’s a child-friendly pool and babysitting available.
The Best of South Africa Travel map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
