Beyond Cape Town: Exploring Constantia | Travel + Leisure

Beyond Cape Town: Exploring Constantia

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Those who want to ease themselves into the Winelands, or would like a more relaxed way to experience Cape Town, should consider staying a night (or two) in Constantia, South Africa's oldest wine-producing area, in the city's hushed, leafy suburbs. It has a handful of excellent vineyards to visit, and two good places to stay.

Cellars-Hohenort
A 17th-century farm purchased and restored in the early nineties by the doyenne of South African hospitality, Liz McGrath, Cellars' calling card is its nine acres of extra-ordinary gardens: sweeping lawns ringed by bosomy hydrangeas; romantic wood-lands with a rock pool and a centuries-old camphor tree; formal areas of climbing roses and lavender hedges. The atmosphere is on the sedate side, but the 53 guest rooms are bright and comfortable (best are those on the top floor of the Hohenort building), and the service reaches heights of efficiency. DOUBLES FROM $325. 800/735-2478 OR 27-21/794-2137; www.cellars-hohenort.com

Constantia Uitsig
More relaxed than Cellars, with 16 guest rooms that offer a disarmingly simple, freshly scrubbed take on French Country, the working wine estate Constantia Uitsig is best known for its restaurants. The property's namesake is housed in an attractive Cape Dutch farmhouse where chef Frank Swainston gives local produce an expert Italian spin. At the slightly more formal La Colombe, Franck Dangereux creates dishes that recall a Michelin two-starred establishment somewhere in the south of France. Both are among the country's best places to eat, and having your bed just steps away after a languorous dinner here is an indulgence you won't regret. DOUBLES FROM $265. 27-21/794-6500; www.uitsig.co.za

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