Description
Grande Roche has a long history in the Winelands and today is the only 5 star hotel set on a completely restored working farm. Part of the estate building is designated a national monument dating back to 1707 and the 300 year old chapel can still be used for weddings.
Following extensive refurbishment in 2006, the hotel offers a truly luxurious base from which to explore the cape’s world-famous vineyards and enjoy the region’s stunning scenery. Among the area’s many excellent eateries, Grande Roche’s own Bosman’s Restaurant ranks as one of the best, serving delicious and imaginative creations using South Africa’s finest produce. The estate will soon be producing its own wine and currently you can enjoy tasting a variety of local wines with the hotel’s highly experienced sommelier.
Guests also have the choice of eating at the relaxed Bistro Allegro on the poolside patio or ordering room service. 18 terrace suites offer spacious bedrooms and bathrooms with a well equipped living room and private terrace on which to sunbathe or enjoy a glass of wine while watching the sun set over the mountains.
Accommodation
Grand Roche offers guests 18 Terrace Suites, 5 Duplex Suites, 5 Junior Suites, 1 Honeymoon Suite and 5 Executive Rooms. Room amenities include complimentary flowers, fruits and mineral water on arrival, air conditioning, under floor heating, satellite TV, an electronic safe for valuables, minibar, tea/coffee making facilities and Molton Brown toiletries in the bathrooms.
Childcare
Children over the age of 12 years are welcome at Grande Roche but there are no specific facilities. Attractions kids will love in the Winelands area include Bugz Play Park, the Franschhoek Motor Museum, Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens, the Stellenbosch Toy and Miniature Museum and for a chance to see some of South Africa's abundant wildlife, the Giraffe House, the Cheetah Outreach Facility and Eagle Encounters.
Facilities
Facilities at the hotel include a restaurant, 2 outdoor swimming pools (one heated), 2 floodlit tennis courts, gym and spa featuring massage facilities, sauna and steam room.
Activities
The hotel offers complimentary use of the tennis court, swimming pool and gym. Wine tasting and spa treatments are charged additionally. Other activities include the rejuvenating relaxation at the Kraal Fitness Centre, cycling through historic Paarl, golf, jogging, hiking, horse riding, parachuting, hot air ballooning, helicopter flights, fishing, scuba diving and a variety of water sports.
When to travel
The Winelands are a wonderful year-round destination and enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, somewhat like the South of France, which is what makes the area perfect for grape-growing. Summer is the reverse of the Northern hemisphere. The best season visit is September to March when it is hot, sunny and dry. From April to August it cools down with some rain.
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Best time to visit
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Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Paarl, South Africa
The Grande Roche Hotel is situated on the site of the historic De Nieuwe Plantatie farm in the quaint town of Paarl, Drakenstein Valley, Cape Winelands, South Africa.
How to get there
12 hour international flight. The Cape Town International airport is a 1 hour drive from Paarl and it is recommended that the valley be explored by vehicle (which can be collected at the airport or alternatively delivered at the hotel).
