At a Glance
- Historic Cape-Dutch estate offering quiet luxury close to Cape Town’s cultural centers.
- Local-driven dining, wellness spaces and tailored leisure keep guests returning year after year.
- Lush nine-acre gardens frame spacious rooms with mountain and vineyard views.
The Cellars-Hohenort, a renowned five-star luxury hotel in Cape Town’s Constantia Valley, is one of South Africa’s most distinctive garden estates.
Known for its Cape-Dutch architecture, landscaped grounds and warm, attentive service, the hotel draws travelers seeking calm close to the city.
Set beneath Table Mountain, it offers easy access to Cape Town’s dining, culture and vineyards while delivering the privacy of a country retreat.
A legacy in Constantia
The estate dates to the 17th century, beginning as farmland before taking on the whitewashed manor houses seen today. Its modern era took shape under hotelier Liz McGrath, who restored the property and built it into the five-star landmark now part of The Liz McGrath Collection and Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The result is a hotel that carries its history without feeling dated, with spaces that show years of steady care.
A setting apart
Spread across nine acres, the gardens frame the twin manor houses, The Cellars and The Hohenort, with rose beds, old camphor trees, ponds and glimpses of nearby vineyards. The estate feels secluded but not cut off, holding the noise of the city at a distance while keeping the V&A Waterfront and central Cape Town within easy reach.
Rooms with character
The property’s 51 rooms and suites have their own identity. Manor-house rooms overlook the gardens, while villas and larger suites suit families and long stays. Interiors lean on Cape-Dutch proportions, high ceilings, light tones and timber details, paired with modern comforts such as pillow menus, generous bathrooms and curated minibars. Many rooms are angled to frame Table Mountain or the gardens, giving each space a clear sense of place.
Dining that reflects local influence
The Conservatory, the hotel’s signature restaurant, anchors its culinary offering. The kitchen draws on Cape ingredients and South African flavors—local seafood, Cape Malay notes and wines from Constantia and Stellenbosch—prepared with a contemporary approach. Garden-facing windows make the landscape part of the meal, and the restaurant has earned steady attention from regional and international reviewers.
Wellness, pools and private leisure
Wellness centers on Fresh Wellness Spa, where treatments are customized rather than standardized. Two outdoor pools, a compact fitness studio and a tennis court support unhurried days. The concierge arranges private vineyard tours, transfers and guided visits to Kirstenbosch Gardens and Constantia’s wine estates, allowing guests to explore at their own pace.
A place for milestones and discreet gatherings
The estate’s lawns, intimate interiors and sense of privacy have made it a preferred site for weddings, anniversaries and executive meetings. Indoor and outdoor spaces allow events to feel grounded and personal, supported by a team known for discretion and steady coordination.
Awards, reputation and market position
The Cellars-Hohenort ranks among South Africa’s leading luxury hotels. It is part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, features in Forbes Travel Guide and has earned recognition for both its gardens and its dining. The property attracts international travelers, loyal repeat guests and Cape Town residents looking for a refined base in Constantia.
Tensions and considerations
Running a heritage estate brings ongoing demands, from tending historic buildings and gardens to investing in staff and culinary talent. Its limited room count supports exclusivity but also exposes the business to shifts in tourism patterns. Water management remains a priority across Constantia, especially in years when the region faces drought pressure.
An enduring retreat
In the end, The Cellars-Hohenort offers something harder to measure: a sense of calm tied to place. With its historic buildings, lived-in gardens and thoughtful service, the hotel remains a steady and understated retreat for travelers seeking Cape Town’s wine country and a slower rhythm of stay.
