Spier Hotel Returns with a Refined Focus in South Africa’s Cape Winelands
Driving just 30 minutes east of Cape Town International Airport brings you into a picturesque patchwork of vineyards, gardens, and open fields where nature seems to breathe. Here, at the heart of the Stellenbosch wine region, the Spier estate has reopened its doors following a comprehensive refurbishment—and it’s setting a new standard for eco-luxury in the Western Cape.
A Fresh Chapter for a Farm Icon
Spier’s transformation began with a bold decision: a reduction in room count from 153 to 80, marking a pivot from corporate hospitality to curated, quality-led experiences. The upgrade, completed in March 2025, was more than cosmetic. London-based design studio Fusion spearheaded the reinvention, favouring tactile materials and a heritage-inspired palette. Think deep greens, brass fittings, and handmade tiles that mirror the hues of the surrounding vineyards.
In a move aligning with the estate’s sustainable ethos, many furnishings have been given a second life. Slipper chairs and antique tables from the original property were carefully restored, while interiors now feature soft lamb’s wool rugs and plush green velvet sofas.
Wellness and Wildlife at the Forefront
Beyond aesthetics, the upgrade extends to the guest experience. A 20-metre swimming pool now anchors the landscaped grounds, where over 55,000 new shrubs have been planted. The reimagined spa offers an infrared sauna, hammam, and bathhouse, utilising herbs like snowbush and rose geranium grown on-site.
Spier’s deep-rooted connection with the land remains central. Guests are encouraged to engage with the farm’s eco-practices, from collecting fresh eggs via mobile chicken coops to observing rotational grazing techniques. The estate teems with wildlife, with sightings of fish eagles, purple herons, and African darters almost guaranteed.
The central lobby now feels like an oversized country living room, warmed by open fires and filled with shelves of South African literature. A new on-site boutique champions local craft, selling everything from hand-stitched toys to artisanal ceramics.
Dining in the Veld and Beyond
The estate’s restaurant, Veld, now doubles as a gallery, showcasing works from the 3,200-piece Spier Arts Collection. Beneath enormous chandeliers woven with orchids and native flora, diners enjoy farm-grown produce like figs, tomatoes, and microgreens. Half of the kitchen’s ingredients are cultivated on the estate, including gourmet mushrooms grown in a former stable.
The culinary efforts are paired with award-winning wines nurtured in rich, biodiverse soil. Spier’s 21 Gables Chenin Blanc was recently named one of the finest wines of 2025 at the Master Winemaker 100 awards in Paris.
Expanding the Winelands Culinary Scene
Not far from Spier, the culinary landscape continues to evolve. In June 2024, Welsh chef Phil Carmichael opened Mill Street Bistro in Stellenbosch, showcasing a locavore menu driven by fermentation. Highlights include pork belly with pickled apple and a salad featuring eggs from Spier.
Another newcomer is Die Stoep, launched in December 2024 at Vriesenhof winery. The menu blends rustic pizzas, swordfish, and charred figs with matured vintages like a 1990 Bordeaux and 1994 Chardonnay.
Multi-Sensory Wine Tasting and Luxe Villas
A unique experience awaits at Le Grand Jardin Villa, where the “Drops of God” wine tasting leads guests through a sensory journey using 54 aroma vials. The private villa also features an in-house chef, a lakeside zipline, and six rooms available from £924, breakfast included.
Cape Town’s Stylish Stays
Cape Town itself has seen its own hotel renaissance. Palm House Boutique Hotel and Spa, opened in August 2025 in Upper Wynberg, blends 1920s elegance with local foraged cuisine at its restaurant De Tafel. Rooms start from £193 per night.
The Radisson Blu at the Waterfront has adopted a beach-chic style and plans further upgrades in 2025, including a revamp of its signature restaurant. Nightly rates begin at £294.
Yet, perhaps the most remarkable transformation is at the Cape Grace Hotel, now featuring contemporary South African art through a partnership with the Norval Foundation. Its new restaurant, Heirloom, has quickly made waves, serving standout dishes like grilled black tiger prawns and rainbow trout paired with Waterford Sauvignon Blanc. Rates begin at £639, with a chauffeur service available for city exploration.
A Region Renewed
With refreshed accommodations, inventive cuisine, and immersive wine experiences, the Cape Winelands is enjoying a renaissance. For returning visitors and first-timers alike, it remains a destination that balances timeless beauty with dynamic renewal—a place that always feels like coming home, but somehow better.
