You can see almost to forever, while breathing crisp mountain air and exhaling every worry and care. That’s how it feels at Delaire Graff Estate on top of the Helshoogte Pass, near Stellenbosch. Views extend into the glorious Franschoek valley, across the evocative Simonsberg mountains, and on a clear day even Table Mountain comes into focus. It is bliss, wrapped in luxury and dusted with pure decadence.

The majestic estate caters beautifully to lovers of fine living, with 16 Lodges and one private Owner’s Villa. The Superior Lodges have interleading doors for a family of four, with the other luxurious Lodges for couples. Each has a living space, wet bar, private deck and pool – everything you could possibly need for a decadent escape in the Winelands. Two magnificent Presidential Lodges each accommodate four guess, while the Owner’s Villa is a four-bedroom private space that stands apart from the rest and epitomises exclusive luxury. Vineyards cocoon the accommodations and magnificent gardens carpet all the in between spaces. These are no ordinary gardens though, but are designed to bloom throughout the year with over 350 different plants species, most of them indigenous. So here, it always looks like Spring.

While architecture is traditional, stately Cape Dutch, the interiors of the lodges are thoroughly contemporary. Textures and colours are layered and are inspired by the surrounding environment; unique and exquisite art pieces adorn each lodge as a welcome touch from the owner’s private collection. Depending which accommodation you choose, you will look out over moody mountains, sweeping gardens or vineyards – and easily exhale.

Delaire is a magnificent jewel in the Cape Winelands, with virtually every aspect of the estate being award winning – from the gardens to the spa and the two bespoke restaurants. Delaire Graff Restauarnt specialises in French-style bistro chic cuisine. Guests can dine al fresco with terrace seating under ancient oak trees overlooking vineyards and olive groves from Simonsberg Peak across the Banghoek Valley. Inside, guests are surrounded by art from Laurence Graff’s personal collection, leather banquettes curve between a marble fireplace and statement wine bar, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors framing the captivating views. Indochine is Indo- Asian, with a Cape Malay influence. Its signature travel menu takes you around Asia to taste the fare of every country. Right now they are visiting Japan. Simply everything on the estate is created with thought and purpose, and executed with aplomb. Service is sublime and staff believe that simply nothing is impossible for guests.

You wouldn’t expect such luxury to be environmentally conscious, yet it is that too. The estate has its own greenhouse for fresh fruit and vegetables and supports local and sustainable producers. There is a zero waste policy on Delaire, recycling is high priority, grey water and borehole water are used, vineyards are drip irrigated and plastic is taboo. This makes the experience of visiting Delaire all the more sweet, knowing that such a magnificently curated experience is created with conscience and care for the greater good. It’s the full package.

What we love

• the incredible attention to detail throughout
• enjoying pieces from the largest private art collection in the southern hemisphere
• visiting the Graff boutique diamond store, the only in Africa
• beautiful traditional Cape Dutch architecture
• the breathtaking gardens that are always in bloom
• that children are welcome and have their own menus in both restaurants, and a movie theatre (for in-house guests)

Need to know

• children over 13 years are welcome for dinner at Delaire Graff Restaurant
• advance booking for restaurants is recommended
• there’s a helicopter pad for guests’ convenience
• regular special offers for local guests
• 15 minutes from Stellenbosch; 20 minutes from Franschhoek