Olijvenkraal Winelands Lodge opens luxury retreat in Paarl

Olijvenkraal Winelands Lodge has opened in Paarl, adding a new luxury address to the Cape Winelands. Set among olive groves with views of the Simonsberg mountains, the property blends country quiet with the food and wine culture that draws visitors to the region. 

The lodge sits just under an hour from Cape Town and about 30 minutes from Stellenbosch, offering easy access without sacrificing privacy.

On the estate, antelope including sable, gemsbok and springbok roam between rows of olive trees, underscoring the rural setting. 

Management says the focus is on low-impact design and farm-led hospitality. That approach runs through the property, from eco-conscious building choices to seasonal menus built around local produce.

Six 60sqm suites, Lisa Bellamy design

The lodge has six suites, each measuring about 60 square meters. Interiors were overseen by designer Lisa Bellamy, who opted for natural tones and wide openings that frame the groves outside.

Fireplaces, private patios and stocked minibars are standard, with separate lounge areas that encourage longer stays. 

Large sliding doors create a steady flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. The layout favors privacy, but the rooms remain close enough to shared areas for guests who want to gather.

Clubhouse hospitality, open-fire dining

At the center of the property is The Clubhouse, a bar and lounge that opens onto a deck and swimming pool facing the groves.

Mornings are unhurried, with coffee served outdoors, while evenings shift to drinks by the fire. The space can also host private dinners and small events. 

Dining is anchored by FYRE Restaurant, where chefs cook over open flames using ingredients sourced from nearby farms and vineyards. The menu leans into regional flavors, paired with wines from surrounding estates.

Guests can also join guided tastings on site, an option aimed at visitors looking to explore the area’s wine heritage without leaving the property.

Olijvenkraal enters competitive market

Suite rates start at R5,000 ($313) per night for two people, including breakfast. The lodge is targeting both South African travelers seeking a short break and international visitors touring the Winelands. 

With its scale and setting, Olijvenkraal Winelands Lodge enters a competitive hospitality market with a clear pitch: quiet luxury rooted in the landscape.

For travelers who want vineyard views, open-fire cooking and proximity to the region’s leading estates, the property offers a measured, countryside alternative within reach of the city.