A Complete Destination
Situated in the heart of Cape Town’s gorgeous Constantia Valley, Steenberg Farm was originally called “Swaaneweide” (The Feeding Place of Swans) by the original land owner, Catharina Ustings Ras. Hailing from Lubeck, Germany, Ras settled in the Cape not long after Jan van Riebeeck himself landed on the fertile shores of this wonderful region.
The year 1682 was not a time when women’s rights were considered, and Ras was no exception. A lone widow of only 22, she quickly snatched up a new husband in the foreign land and took it upon herself to face the fierce, wild new space with everything she had. After years of taking on numerous challenges and outliving a series of husbands, Ras eventually became known as the Widow Ras among fellow land owners. However, her fierce attitude ensured that no one dare mess with the independent woman who could be seen “riding bare-back like an Indian, and her children resembling Brazilian cannibals”.
A mere 20-minute drive from Cape Town’s city centre, the truly idyllic setting of Ras’ home, Steenberg, feels like another world. With exceptional five-star accommodation options, two award-winning restaurants, a luxury spa, an 18-hole championship golf course, and sterling vineyards producing some of the country’s finest wines, Steenberg Farm has made a name for itself as one of South Africa’s most esteemed properties. Accommodation The hotel at Steenberg features 21 en suite luxury rooms and suites, as well as
three exclusive Heritage Suites which have been lovingly refurbished and decorated with elegant antiques of a bygone era. The original Manor House, declared a Provincial Heritage Site, is full of historical charm and anecdotes of glory days when the farm was occupied by Ras. All rooms feature a beautiful mix of contemporary and antique décor with big, open-plan spaces and terraces where views of the sprawling vineyards and lush golf course can be enjoyed. Staying true to its five-star reputation, the rooms are fully equipped with all the necessary amenities to ensure guests’ comfort throughout their stay. This, as well as incredible personalised service from warm and attentive staff enable guests at Steenberg to really immerse themselves in the experience and escape the pressures of everyday life. Dining Taking a leaf from the adventurous book of Ras, Catharina’s Restaurant was born with an eye on creating what the team at the restaurant refers to as “contemporary heritage” – embracing the past, but evolving with the current to maintain a fresh and innovative attitude. Eating at Catharina’s is an exciting experience and the abundance of fresh produce, cooked simply and presented exquisitely, is best showcased in the tasting menu, compiled by Executive Chef Archie Maclean. Inspired by Catharina’s story, as well as the abundance of delicious and sometimes unusual South African ingredients, Chef Archie has devised a menu that takes diners on a nostalgic, exciting culinary journey. His advice – to “be open and trust your taste buds, you will not be disappointed” – is spot on, as some of the dishes may surprise even the most experienced foodies.
Bistro Sixteen82, its name paying homage to the farm’s historical beginnings, has been recognised as one of the World’s 20 Best Winery Restaurants, and for very good reason. A slightly more contemporary offering than Catharina’s, Bistro Sixteen82 offers tapas and bistro-style dining and is a truly interactive wine and food destination, with the famous Steenberg Tasting Room just adjacent to the bistro. Exectutive Chef Kerry Kiplin loves to create food that is fresh, flavourful, and seasonal, and her passion for what she does shines through on each plate with each delectable mouthful. Spa Soulful decadence is what the Steenberg Spa is all about. Offering guests the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate in a peaceful, beautiful environment, the spa acknowledges the stresses of guests’ fast-paced lives and provides the perfect escape. Highly-skilled professional therapists and world-class products are on hand to ensure only the best in holistic treatments, encapsulating the very essence of personal wellbeing and relaxation.
The Mind, Body and Soul Treatment, a signature treatment offered at the Steenberg Spa, includes a body scrub and wrap, inner peace massage, classic bespoke facial, luxury manicure and pedicure, as well as a health platter, lunch, and refreshments. An absolute must for those seeking the utmost in serenity and spoils. Golf Course Named one of the best-conditioned golf courses in the country by Golf Digest South Africa, Steenberg Golf Estate and private Golf Club is surrounded by vineyards, pine forests, and gentle waterways – all of which are put to full use in the course. At 76 m in length, the 14th hole features the largest green in Africa, with beautiful indigenous flora guarding it and the mound shaped to resemble the staggering mountain ranges in the background. Attracting golfers from around the world, Steenberg Golf Estate is renowned for providing a total golfing experience and one that should not be missed. Wine Steenberg’s cool, sea-facing slopes and giant granite ridges provide the perfect setting to produce some of the country’s finest award-winning wines. Of the 63 hectares under vine, 60% consists of Sauvignon Blanc – Steenberg’s speciality wine and considered to be some of the finest in South Africa – while the rest make up Semillon and red cultivars such as Merlot, Shiraz, and the Italian cultivar Nebbiolo. Always pushing boundaries, esteemed winemaker JD Pretorius has ensured that the quality of Steenberg wines is always world-class. Relax at the Tasting Bar, Tasting Lounge, or Outdoor Terrace with infinity pools and stunning water features as well as some of the most incredible scenery in the Cape, and indulge in a tasting of it for yourself.
Steenberg is truly an all-round five-star experience. Immerse yourself in history, remarkable scenery, and outstanding dining at this one-of-a-kind historical landmark.
For more information, please visit www.steenbergfarm.com.