ESCAPE THE CITY

THE ALPHEN

This 18th-century Constantia hotel used the pandemic to undergo a major refresh, with crisp new interiors, a boutique spa, a heated 50ft pool and a gym. The hotel’s flagship restaurant, Blanko, has also had a full makeover, with a new menu and a slightly more informal vibe. The prawn linguine, cooked in shallots, garlic, chilli and cream, goes particularly well with a glass of local chenin blanc. Another significant change, post-pandemic, is that day guests can relax next to the pool for £25 – and use the balance against food and drink (00 27 2179 56300; alphen.co.za).

DELAIRE GRAFF

Seemingly riding atop a wave of undulating grapevines, in an Eden between the towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, this five-star estate added six superior lodges just before Covid hit. Each has a private pool and west-facing views of the vineyards. Both its restaurants – Delaire Graff and Indochine – have added new tasting menus; the west coast oyster with Asian sausage, prawn cracker and nuoc cham dipping sauce is South African-Asian fusion food at its finest. According to the resident sommelier, René Veldhuizen, 2022 is set to be a vintage year for tastings (00 27 2188 58160; delaire.co.za).

BOSCHENDAL

This working farm, vineyard and hotel has long been a must-see on any trip to the Winelands. There are walking and mountain-biking trails, picnics and wine tastings. But not to rest on its laurels, the estate used the pandemic to launch a new homeware store that champions local producers, a mobile wine cart and a weekly Friday night market. The biggest news, however, is the year-long renovation of the Manor House, which has been converted into an art gallery. In collaboration with the Norval Foundation, the space will showcase the best of South African art, with exhibitions from artists such as Zanele Muholi. Entrance is free (00 27 2187 04200; boschendal.com).

BROOKDALE ESTATE

One of the most exciting new arrivals, not only in the Western Cape but in South Africa, this 165-acre estate opened to the public last year and can sleep up to 12 adults. Built in a modern Cape Dutch style, Brookdale feels more like a family home than a hotel, and has a pool house, dining room, office and lounge. There are different terraces for breakfasts, cocktails and dinners, and easy access to the surrounding vineyards. The food is hearty and wholesome, using local lamb and vegetables from the kitchen garden, and is paired exquisitely with the estate-grown chenin blanc and syrah. Summer 2022-23 will see the opening of a new restaurant, which will also be open to non-residents (00 27 7640 00229; brookdale-estate.com).