Elegance rooted in history: Inside The Cellars-Hohenort’s timeless luxury

In the heart of the Constantia Winelands, just minutes from downtown Cape Town, The Cellars-Hohenort stands out in South Africa’s competitive luxury travel market. 

The five-star boutique hotel blends historic architecture, award-winning gardens and fine dining into one of the most sought-after Cape Town luxury stays for international travelers searching for heritage, exclusivity and world-class hospitality.

A historic Cape Town estate reimagined

Set on land dating back to the 17th century, the property traces its origins to Klaasenbosch, a farm granted by Simon van der Stel under the Dutch East India Company. Over time, the estate evolved from working vineyard to refined retreat. 

In the early 1990s, South African hotelier Liz McGrath unified and restored adjacent properties, opening The Cellars-Hohenort in 1993 as a flagship of understated luxury in the Cape Winelands.

Original architectural features, including the Oregon pine cellar staircase and exposed wooden beams, remain central to the hotel’s design.

The result is a rare combination of Cape Dutch heritage and contemporary five-star comfort, a formula that continues to resonate with American and European visitors seeking authentic South African experiences.

Award-winning gardens and table mountain views

Positioned against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, the estate’s nine acres of landscaped gardens rank among the most celebrated in Cape Town.

Ancient camphor trees, seasonal rose displays and indigenous flora frame panoramic mountain views, reinforcing the property’s reputation as one of the most scenic luxury hotels in South Africa.

For leisure travelers, the gardens function as more than a backdrop. Guests cycle along shaded paths, enjoy outdoor lawn games or unwind beside water features that create a quiet counterpoint to the city’s energy. The setting underscores a growing global demand for nature-based luxury travel.

Five-star accommodation and wellness retreat

The hotel’s 51 individually designed rooms and suites balance historic charm with modern elegance. Guests can choose mountain-facing suites or garden-view rooms, each styled to reflect the estate’s heritage while delivering contemporary amenities expected of a top Cape Town five-star hotel.

Two solar-heated swimming pools, a tennis court and a fully equipped fitness studio cater to active travelers. Meanwhile, the Fresh Wellness Spa taps into the global wellness tourism trend, offering holistic treatments rooted in natural ingredients — a draw for visitors prioritizing relaxation and restorative travel.

Fine dining in the Constantia Winelands

Culinary excellence remains central to The Cellars-Hohenort brand. The Conservatory restaurant, built around a 300-year-old oak tree, serves seasonal cuisine with a strong farm-to-table ethos. Its garden setting and curated wine list highlight the broader appeal of the Constantia wine region, one of the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere.

The hotel’s dining credentials have helped position it among the best luxury hotels in Cape Town for food-focused travelers seeking fine dining paired with world-class South African wines.

Michelin recognition elevates global profile

In 2025, The Cellars-Hohenort earned a coveted MICHELIN Key in The MICHELIN Guide, becoming the first hotel in South Africa to receive the distinction. Inspectors cited its distinctive character, exceptional service and remarkable setting, reinforcing Cape Town’s growing status as a global luxury travel destination.

For American travelers and global luxury seekers, The Cellars-Hohenort remains a benchmark for heritage hospitality in South Africa’s thriving tourism market.