What to do in Stellenbosch
Here is a selection of our favourite activities within walking distance of the hotel.
Botanical Gardens & Nature Reserves
Discover natural beauty just a short stroll from the hotel. The Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens offer a serene retreat with a rich variety of plant life, perfect for a relaxing walk. For those seeking a more immersive experience in nature, the Jan Marais Nature Reserve provides scenic trails and an opportunity to explore Stellenbosch’s indigenous flora. Both are within easy walking distance, inviting you to unwind in the tranquillity of Stellenbosch’s green spaces.
Heritage architecture
With the largest concentration of surviving Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian period style buildings in South Africa, you don’t want to miss out on the picturesque Dorp Street. Churches like the neo-gothic Moederkerk designed by a sometime resident of the hotel and South Africa’s most famous church architect, Karl Hager, are one of many to view.
Museums & historic sites
Visit the fascinating Village Museum complex to see ‘living’ Stellenbosch history. The three famous properties have been restored and decorated to capture various time periods of the town, each with its own highly informative costumed guide. The Toy & Miniature Museum, the Kruithuis as well as the Stellenbosch University Museum are a few of the many sites that offer heritage exhibits.
Mobile Spa Treatments
Enjoy a spa experience in your room. To ensure the highest standards, we make use of fully qualified beauty therapists, who have a passion for the beauty industry and take pride in what they do. Relax and unwind in the comfort of your room. Spa experience is bookable via our reception.
Mountain Bike Rental and Tours
Choose between a normal bike or an E-Bike and join a tour that combines the beautiful scenery and sites of Historic Stellenbosch with some excellent wine pairings and some healthy outdoor exercise. You will also cycle through the Stellenbosch University campus.
Art & craft venues
Stellenbosch is a town with a public sculpture and art display on every corner. Among some of the most important Fine Art collections are those of the Sasol Art Gallery and the Rupert Art Museum. There are numerous commercial galleries in walking distance from the Hotel, with works from Cape landscapes to contemporary painting, print, sculpture, ceramics and objets d’art.
Shopping
Church Street offers the most varied shopping experiences with goods from apparel and local leather, to local craft, jewellery, accessories, books and souvenirs. Oom Samie’s shop of ‘curiosities’ in Dorp Street is the town’s oldest and most unique store.
Food & wine
The vibrant dining culture of Stellenbosch offers choices for almost any taste, from a quick gelato or an artisanal chocolate to the best of bistro easy-eating or restaurant connoisseur cuisine. There are endless opportunities to sample the region’s many flavours and to quaff the best of the wine ‘capital’ even before you explore its surrounding estates.