Located in the heart of Stellenbosch, the five-star Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel and Spa is surrounded by many popular restaurants, coffee shops, galleries and museums – and is the perfect base from which to explore the famous Cape Winelands.

My partner and I arrived at 33 Church Street, Friday evening after watching cricket nearby, and were warmly welcomed by a very helpful hostess who even offered to move our vehicle closer to the entrance of the hotel, as more spaces opened up.

We were escorted to our exquisite room and received a demonstration of all the room’s distinct features (and we received a wi-fi voucher for the duration of our stay). The air conditioned contemporary room had classic elements but the king-sized bed was certainly the main attraction. Double doors welcome you into the extensive Victorian bathroom, with a separate area for the toilet, bidet and shower. The bathroom floors are heated and you can choose the temperature of your liking. We relaxed on the luxurious bed and watched some TV while munching complementary crisps and sipping French-pressed coffee, before supper.

Dinner was served at Helena’s Kitchen on the ground floor, we opted for the salad of prawn, mandarin, grapefruit and avocado, drizzled with a roasted garlic dressing as a starter. And the poached line fish of the day and prawn mayonnaise served with mange tout and sugar-snap peas, mint and potato as our main. The food was delicious and service attentive, it was such a treat. The dessert was the highlight of my entire trip! The chocolate fondant was probably the best thing I have ever tasted in my life. The next morning we visited the Stellenbosch Slow Market for breakfast and local shopping before heading back home to share our experiences.

There’s no doubt I will be returning to Coopmanhuijs the next time I am in Stellenbosch.

Room rates range from R1550 to R3440 – and dinner cost R590. All well worth the experience.

For more information visit www.coopmanhuijs.co.za.

Words: Kaila Sadien
Images: Supplied, Coopmanhuijs