For those hotels that do publish their rates, typically a year in advance, there is often a lot of leeway between the price on the rate sheet and the price a tour operator will pay. Very often quoted rates exclude things many travellers take for granted so it is essential, when evaluating the affordability of a property, to assess what is included... carefully.
Hence, I like the simplicity of the way in which the new Delaire Graff Lodge has designed theirs. Rates per lodge include breakfast, newspaper, butler service, mini bar, Wi-Fi, transfers into Stellenbosch, valet service and evening sparkling wine and canapés. Not that people who stay at Delaire Graff Lodge are looking for best buys but everyone likes to receive added-value irrespective of what they're paying.
From R6600 (low season) you and a partner can spend the most fabulous night in a lodge designed by London-based interiors wiz David Collins, in surroundings that are nothing short of spectacular. The look in the 10 stand-alone lodges is very contemporary and clean-lined with local accents in the use of leather-thong riempies, animal hide and earth tones.
Fine art is central to the experience of staying here. From the Deborah Bell sculptures in the lodge reception to the works of William Kentridge, Lionel Smit and Sydney Kumalo part of the appeal to staying here is to be surrounded by museum-quality South African art.
Luxury is in the quality of every element - the beautiful bed linens, the hand-crafted furniture and even the large bottles of Jo Malone bathroom amenities - the first hotel in South Africa I've seen to keep this range. Luxury is also in the unexpected pleasures of having a private kitchen door accessed by your butler who can deliver delicious things to your lodge without you having to dress and open the door. I loved the fact that an IPad was brought to the room for our use during our stay. Luxury is also in the space - 80m2 in the Deluxe and Luxury Lodges (the only difference is the outlook) and the 135m2 Owners and Presidential Lodges that accommodate four people.
There is a wonderful spa in the hotel and if you don't want to splish splash in your lodge's private heated pool, there is a larger pool and sunning desk at the main lodge. There is also a small technogym and unisex sauna and steam rooms.
I loved that for breakfast (either in your lodge or in Indochin Restaurant) a mini buffet is set out adjacent to your table so there is no need to traipse back and forth to collect things. The quality of the hot breakfast was superb but then in such surroundings anything less would disappoint.
Drawbacks are that as the estate is very popular there is a lot of activity on the road up to the main restaurant and wine cellar. If I were a famous celebrity I'd think twice about skinny dipping in my private pool, unless I were in the lodge farthest away from the road.
Best thing about staying at Delaire Lodge is watching the light change over the Simonsberg Mountains and the Stellenbosch Valley - something anyone interested in natural beauty should add to their bucket list.
For more information go to www.delaire.co.za.
