Steenberg Hotel & Spa Cape Town

Welcome to the Steenberg Hotel & Spa – your blissful home in Cape Town. As a luxurious 5-star hotel situated on a historic wine farm, guests have access to our championship golf course, a sublime selection of award-winning restaurants and a world-class spa, all set on immaculate grounds with spectacular vistas of vineyards and mountains.

We invite you to settle into the privacy and tranquility of a perfectly hosted stay. Whether you choose a private villa suite, a premier room with a sunny spacious terrace or a classic room, our dedicated hospitality team will ensure you roam the estate at your leisure – be it ambling, cycling, exploring the trails or challenging yourself on the 18 hole golf course.

During your stay, start your day under the sun-dappled terrace at Tryn Restaurant, before enjoying a curated wine tasting at our mountain slope cellar and feasting on the flavourful tapas menu at Bistro Sixteen82. After venturing around the peninsula, come home to a spa spoil, a languid afternoon on your sun lounger or toast your choice with bubbles at the magnificent Tryn bar.

Make Steenberg your playground and the perfect base from which to explore the city and the iconic Cape Atlantic seaboard. Our farm’s historic role as a replenishing station en route from Simon’s Town to the city harbour is echoed in Steenberg’s offering today, inviting all guests to reconnect, revitalise and recharge or simply replenish your reserves in the most blissful way possible.

THE LIFE OF CATHARINA RAS
Catharina is certainly one of the most daring and controversial figures ever to settle in the Cape. Life was not easy when she arrived, only ten years after Jan van Riebeeck landed, for 1662 was far from being the age of rights for women. Despite seemingly insurmountable challenges, this indomitable lady boarded a sailing ship and made the perilous journey to the furthest tip of Africa.

Upon her arrival, she found that the Cape was no land of milk and honey. It was a fierce, wild place with rulings to match. This being no place for a lone widow of twenty-two, Catharina immediately found herself a husband, Hans Ras.

He was not a particularly eligible catch (he was a soldier and free burger), but he had a house on the Liesbeek River, which he had bought from Jakob Kluten, founder of the famous Cloete family whose name has dominated Constantia for more than two hundred years.

Once the wedding knot was tied, Catharina’s life took on dramatic overtones, which marked its course from that day forward. Two wagons left the ceremony, with the bride and groom in one and the guests in the other.

Lit from within by good Cape wine and overcome, no doubt, by the spirit of the occasion, the drivers decided to race one another back to Rondebosch. While the guests clung fearfully to their seats, praying to heaven with truly Protestant fervour, the wagons vied for position and as the road was rough and narrow, a collision soon occurred.

Enraged at this conduct on his wedding day, the bridegroom jumped down from his seat and soon became entangled in a fight, receiving a knife thrust, which almost proved fatal – the weapon breaking in two between his ribs.

He survived this incident and lived to father several children, but came to an unfortunate end when he was killed by a lion some years later. Legend has it that Catharina grabbed a gun, leapt upon her horse and gave chase, hunting down and shooting the offending lion the very same day.

Fate had a good deal more in store for the girl from Lübeck however, for a Tribesman murdered her next husband and his successor was trampled by an elephant. Seemingly no less endowed with energy than Henry VIII, who surprised all Europe with his impressive total of six wives, Catharina then took unto herself a fifth husband, a hardy German named Matthys Michelse.

FROM SWAANEWEIDE TO STEENBERG
In 1682 Catharina Michelse, also known as The Widow Ras, asked Simon van der Stel for a portion of ground at the foot of the Ou Kaapse Weg and he agreed to lease 25 Morgen to her.

After he became the owner of Groot Constantia in 1685, she asked him for a legal title deed and a mandate was granted to her in 1688 to “cultivate, to plough and to sow and also to possess the farm below the stone mountain.” This is how what we now know as Steenberg came into the possession of our famed founder.

The farm’s original name was ‘Swaaneweide’ – The Feeding Place of Swans. Catharina, perhaps overcome by nostalgia for the swans of her native Lübeck Germany, mistook the area’s spur-winged geese for swans. These geese still roam freely on the estate, harking back to Catharina’s day.

According to Baron von Rheede, who visited the farm and was served a luncheon of “radishes and freshly baked bread and beautiful cabbages”, Catharina was a fiercely independent woman, “riding bare-back like an Indian and her children resembling Brazilian cannibals!”

In 1695 Frederik Russouw bought the farm. There to witness the deed were Henning Huising (owner of Meerlust and uncle to Adam Tas) and Hugo Goyes. Russouw was a powerful and wealthy member of the Burger Council and it was he who built the new U-shaped house in 1695. He also made the first wines at Swaaneweide.

Many years later in 1741, the Dutch East India Company decreed that from May to August each year, Simons Bay would be the official winter port, because “the north west winds in Table Bay had been causing untold damage and loss of life.”

Because Swaaneweide was exactly one day’s journey from Table Bay and one day’s journey from Simons Bay, this meant that many travellers would be obliged to overnight at the farm.

Christina Diemer (the widow of Frederik Russouw) became the recipient of the highly profitable business of supplying hospitality to travellers and provisions to the fleet. When Christina Diemer died, it was her youngest son, Nicolaas Russouw and his wife Anna Maria Rousselet who inherited the farm.

He had received the farm before Christina died and made an agreement to relinquish any further claim on the estate. Nicolaas and his wife had the farm from 1765 to 1801. It was Nicolaas who had the fine new “Holbol” gable built on to the front of the original house, the only one of its kind in the Cape Peninsula.

When Nicolaas died in 1802, his son Daniel bought the farm from his mother, Maria. Due to difficult times and unfortunate circumstances, he sold it to Johannes Adriaan Louw of Fisantekraal (a brother-in-law) and Frederik Anthon Olthoff.

The Deed of Sale was legally phrased and cut and dried and a letter appeared before the Master of the Supreme Court in August 1842, stating firmly that the sale to the two sons-in-law, one of whom was Johannes Adriaan Louw, had been legal.

MORE RECENTLY…
All Daniel Russouw’s children were paid a cash share and signed acceptance of such a share. However the Russouw blood flowed in the Louw children’s veins. Son of Johannes Adriaan, Nicolaas Louw’s greatest passion was Steenberg.

He went straight from school into farming and his three children –Andrew (architect), Jean and Nicolette – inherited the property jointly when he died in 1976. Steenberg remained the property of the Louw family until 1990 when it was purchased by J.C.I (Johannesburg Consolidated Investments), and re-developed into the glorious vineyard and hotel it is today.

Graham Beck bought Steenberg Hotel and Steenberg Winery in April 2005. Steenberg Hotel has since flourished into a complete luxury destination, with two fine restaurants, an award-winning winery, a championship 18-hole golf course, illustrious private homes and a world-class spa set amongst the estate’s astounding natural landscape.

THREE BEDROOM VILLA
Enjoy absolute elegance and pared down luxury combined with an extravagance of outdoor space thanks to a private patio that leads out onto the lawn and offers a generous pool terrace with spectacular vineyard views.

Three spacious, stylish bedrooms and stylishly finished bathrooms, with every need anticipated and every comfort considered. A glorious family space, where everyone can find their spot of refuge or come together to relax and celebrate whether dining, relaxing, swimming or sunbathing.

TWO BEDROOM VILLA
Unparalleled luxury. A homage to space and privacy, with your own show kitchen, a dining and entertaining area and an expansive lounge. A generous patio runs the length of the villa overlooking a swathe of vineyards and your own private pool. Two beautiful bedrooms and tasteful bathrooms.

After a day of adventures, sink into the couch, enjoy a chilled glass of Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc and be soothed by the perfectly considered space, the sophisticated art and the anticipation of a long relaxing soak, followed by a light supper at home or a feast at Tryn.

MANOR HOUSE ONE BEDROOMS SUITE 
The historic manor house one bedroom suite, has an east facing lounge, spacious bedroom and anteroom all furnished with estate antiques in a contemporary style. The Manor House One Bedroom Suite enjoys exclusive use of the terrace overlooking the lawn and garden beyond.

FAMILY ROOMS
Connected rooms and a shared luxury bathroom. Each family room has a patio with seating for private dining and sun loungers. A family oasis balancing the joy of being together with space for privacy and repose.

TRYN RESTAURANT
Dedicated to our 17th century founder, Catharina Ras, or Tryn as she was known to her nearest and dearest; this Cape Town restaurant is contemporary in spirit with delicious food, a bold and modern interior, gorgeous views and a relaxed atmosphere.

Nestled in the idyllic Constantia Valley winelands, here you can indulge in refined dining in a serene setting with delightfully wholesome breakfasts, light and easy lunches and sumptuous and flavoursome dinners. Dine in one of our beautifully decorated rooms or on the large sun-dappled terraces with vineyard and garden views.

Allow the children to roam free on our lawns, explore our gardens or amuse themselves with our lawn games. As the sun sets; intimate pre-dinner gatherings in the trendy bar lounge with friends and a cocktail in hand, make for a memorable occasion.

BISTRO 1682
Named after the year in which Steenberg was established, Bistro Sixteen82 first opened its doors in 2009, and has been the tapas and bistro-style darling of the dining world ever since. Located in Cape Town and nestled in the idyllic Constantia Valley winelands; Bistro Sixteen82 is an innovative and interactive wine and food destination.

Bistro Sixteen82 sits adjacent to Steenberg’s winery and Wine Tasting Room, and spills into its surrounding indigenous gardens with a terraced dining area leading to reflective water features, unfurling into views of the magnificent stone mountains and expansive winelands.

The Bistro Sixteen82 menu is a constant evolution, keeping up with seasonal produce and featuring inventive dishes that complement the finest locally sourced ingredients. With breakfast, lunch and late-afternoon tapas menus to choose from, Bistro Sixteen82 provides dining with an inimitable contemporary spirit.

Executive Chef, Kerry Kilpin, loves to create food which is seasonal, flavourful and bursts with freshness. “My greatest inspirations are derived from significant occasions in my life. On my travels to Thailand I developed a love and passion for Asian food.

From shopping at the local food markets to creating my first authentic Thai dish, I was in heaven. You will notice a common thread in what I do and who I am. Love. I cook with love and my food is love.”

Internationally, Bistro Sixteen82 has been recognised in the list of 20 of the World’s Best Winery Restaurants by Canada’s renowned Wine Access magazine. Locally, listings included prominent mentions in Fleur du Cap’s Top 100 Places; Eat in Cape Town; and EAT OUT’s Best Bistros list.

DISCOVER THE WINES
The Cape’s first registered farm established in 1682, Steenberg is a haven of tranquillity steeped in heritage just 30 minutes from the bustling heart of Cape Town.

Located in the idyllic cool-climate Constantia Valley, Steenberg produces some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Cap Classique in South Africa, along with other celebrated wines. It is Steenberg’s distinctive terroir which inspires wines with a strong sense of place, and which encapsulates the heritage of Steenberg.

WINE TASTING
Steenberg Farm in Constantia offers guests a selection of wine tasting experiences, with a Wine Tasting Bar, Tasting Lounge and Outdoor Terrace to choose from.

With infinity pools and reflective water features set before some of the most remarkable scenery in Cape Town, guests are able to relax and appreciate the natural beauty and architecture around them. What could be better than reclining on the couches and tasting the best wines of Steenberg, without a care in the world?

We do not accept walk-ins, therefore booking is essential. We request that you arrive on time for your booking – late arrivals will result in your booking being forfeited. Kindly notify us of any amendments or cancellations.

Groups of 10 guests or less will be hosted in our Tasting Room and bookings are required. Bookings can be made online or via email or phone call. Wine tasting sessions are limited to 90 minutes.

We request that you complete your tasting within this time frame so that we can share our wines with the next guest who would like to taste them. To promote responsible drinking, we ask guests to select one wine tasting option per booking.

After your wine tasting, you are welcome to have a meal at one of our restaurants, enjoy a cocktail or two at Tryn, or spoil yourself with a massage or night’s stay at Steenberg Hotel & Spa.

THE SPA
Located in the Constantia winelands in Cape Town; Steenberg Spa offers a blissful retreat to connect with your sense of wellbeing. Choose time to focus on your skin, beauty elements or a serenely relaxed body.

Our skilled spa therapists offer a range of treatments, products and therapies to perfectly address your needs. Choose local Africology wraps, and body treatments, targeted medicosmetic therapies from QMS or the sublime range from Elemis, amongst others.

At Steenberg Spa you can celebrate with friends with a spa package, choose a couple’s massage with your beloved, indulge all day for a special occasion or choose a short, targeted treatment to leave you feeling energised and gorgeous.

We stock a selection of these products for your convenience: QMS Medicosmetics, Elemis, Africology, Bellabaci, Vita Liberata, Elim, Pukka Pure, Chommies, Bellezza and Ayala Bar.

WEDDINGS IN CAPE TOWN
Surrounded by traditional Cape Dutch homesteads, vineyard and mountain vistas and manicured gardens; Steenberg offers an idyllic and romantic venue to begin your next exciting chapter. Just 30 minutes from the city centre of Cape Town; Steenberg is perfectly positioned for ease of travel for all your guests.

An intimate and private ceremony space on the lush lawns in front of the original manor house will set the tone for a day of joyful celebration. The festivities ensue with a refined dining experience at Tryn and culminate in a luxurious stay in a sumptuous room at Steenberg Hotel & Spa.

Celebrate the start of new beginnings with a delicious meal at Tryn for your reception. Choose from our beautifully decorated private rooms for breakfast, lunch or dinner or enquire about exclusive use of our restaurant. We currently offer reception space to seat up to 50 guests. 100 guests can be accommodated as a standing canapé-style exclusive reception.

CONFERENCING AT TRYN
Tryn’s modern interior, bold splashes of colour and gorgeous views allow for a relaxed atmosphere where your creativity can flourish. Select from two private venues; the Ruby Room or the Cuvée Room at Tryn. Both venues allow for increased natural ventilation by opening the glass doors which lead into each room’s semi-private garden.

Enjoy a 2-course lunch at Tryn, included in your conference package, as well as complimentary WiFi, notepads and pens, a flipchart and the use of a 65-inch Samsung Smart TV. A variety of lawn games are set up on our lawn and can be used for team building or as a team breakaway.

GOLF
Steenberg Golf Estate and Private Golf Club is situated in the lush Constantia Valley, just 20 minutes from the centre of Cape Town. The Peter Matkovich golf course – consistently named one of the best conditioned courses in South Africa Golf Digest’s annual Top 100 – attracts golfers seeking a premium golfing experience.

Known for its hybrid plan, it offers traditionalists the opportunity to ‘bump and run’ (a rare shot in South Africa) in the rough around the greens, and to meet the challenges of strategically placed sand pits and waterways.

The par-three, not-so-short 14th hole, features the largest green in Africa at 76 meters in length. Indigenous shrubs guard the green and the mound has been shaped to echo the distinctive mountain range behind.

The 18-hole golf course was designed to make full use of natural features and hazards such as the vineyards, pine forest and gentle waterways. Its environmental diversity gives the course its unique character, with a backdrop of Table Mountain.

The well-designed clubhouse has seen many golfers enjoying the 19th hole and hosting events. There is a pro shop and the EOGA Golf Academy. Visitors to the club can enjoy the driving range, chipping and putting practice areas. There is equipment for hire, and caddies and carts can be arranged weather permitting.

CASTLE OF GOOD HOPE
Built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) as a maritime replenishment station, the Castle of Good Hope is the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa.

From 1678 it was the centre of civilian, administrative and military life at the Cape, until the settlement grew and some functions and activities moved away from the Castle. Today the Castle is the seat of the military in the Cape, and houses the Castle Military Museum and Iziko Museums of Cape Town.

ROBBEN ISLAND MUSEUM
From the 17th to the 20th centuries, Robben Island served as a place of imprisonment to African leaders, Dutch and British soldiers and anti-apartheid activists, including South Africa’s first democratic President, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

WHALE WATCHING
Discover the Whale Route. During the Southern winters, the whales’ feeding areas are drastically reduced by the increase in ice flow from the Antarctic.

These mammals migrate to warmer waters near Hermanus where they can be seen in large numbers and where they co-habit the waters with dolphins, seals, penguins and great white sharks. Pass through the coastal towns of Gordon’s Bay, Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay.

KIRSTENBOSCH BOTANICAL GARDENS
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world. Few gardens can match the sheer grandeur of the setting of Kirstenbosch, against the eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain.

Kirstenbosch was established in 1913 to promote, conserve and display the extraordinarily rich and diverse flora of southern Africa, and was the first botanic garden in the world to be devoted to a country’s indigenous flora.

BOULDERS PENGUIN COLONY
Boulders Penguin Colony in Simons Town is home to a unique and endangered land-based colony of African Penguins. This colony is one of only a few in the world, and the site has become famous and a popular international tourist destination.

MOUNTAIN BIKING
Mountain Biking day trips have been carefully designed to offer guests of all experience levels a challenging, fun-filled experience. Cycling activities include; Cape Point &Winelands, Table Mountain, Tokai Forest and Franschoek or Stellenbosch. This is a brilliant way to experience the unique environment that Cape Town and its surrounds have to offer.

TABLE MOUNTAIN
Table Mountain, the flat-topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town, is proud to be one of the official New 7 Wonders of Nature.

It is a significant tourist attraction, with many visitors using the cableway or hiking to the top. The mountain forms part of the Table Mountain National Park and the view from the top has been described as one of the most epic views in Africa.

Website: www.steenbergfarm.com

Rooms: 24

Price: from 209 EUR per night