Stellenbosch
Clouds Estate
About the Hotel
Travelzoo Staff
Why We Love This Hotel
- A boutique, 5-star guesthouse set in a vineyard & working farm along the scenic Helshoogte Pass
- It's near Stellenbosch, Franschoek & two nature reserves
- Upscale rooms have furnished balconies with panoramic views of the Drakenstein & Simonsberg mountains, & include a free breakfast
- It has two outdoor infinity pools with sun decks, a refined restaurant with wine tasting & a bar/lounge
Overview
Set within the lush grounds and landscaped gardens of the 12-acre Clouds Wine Estate vineyard and working farm, this luxurious upscale guesthouse is on the scenic Helshoogte mountain pass -- widely regarded as one of the most beautiful mountain passes in the world -- in the heart of the Stellenbosch/Franschoek vineyards. It is 7.4km (or a 9-minute drive) from the town of Stellenbosch, 27km (or a 20-minute drive) from Franschoek and about an hour's drive from Cape Town.
The Stellenbosch/Franschoek vineyards region of South Africa is blessed with a mild Mediterranean climate that provides dramatic scenery, abundant vegetation and the perfect conditions for wine-growing, with many South African wines emerging as some of the world's best. The Clouds Estate vineyard produces its own range of distinctive wines, among them its famous Pink Sauvignon Blanc, as well as a Chardonnay and a Pinot Noir. Along with wine tasting, swimming and relaxing on the grounds, guests can explore two nature reserves -- the Jonkershoek and Heiderberg -- by mountain bike, horseback or helicopter, and there are also several hiking trails and a golf course nearby. The estate offers complimentary transport via its golf carts to spas and wellness centres at neighbouring establishments.
The chic accommodation comprises seven stylish, modern, individually decorated rooms (many featuring original art from some leading South African artists) arranged over two floors, each with floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious bathrooms including soaking tubs, and furnished balconies offering beautiful panoramic views of the Drakenstein or Simonsberg mountains. Each guestroom includes a generous breakfast, tea- and coffee-making equipment, a complimentary mini bar/fridge with additional free bottled water, free Wi-Fi, DVD and Blu-Ray players, a safe and a smart 40-inch flat-screen TV. An upgraded room features a Jacuzzi on the deck. There are also self-catering villas with fully equipped kitchenettes and a patio for outdoor dining.
Clouds Estate has a refined on-site restaurant serving lunch and dinner daily, and also offering wine tasting (for a surcharge). Other amenities include a landscaped garden, an outdoor terrace with mountain views, two outdoor infinity pools surrounded by a sun terrace with sun loungers, a bar and free on-site parking. There is also a shuttle bus and airport shuttle service (for a surcharge), banquet and meeting facilities, fax/photocopying services, a concierge and laundry facilities.
