We were recently honoured to be invited to the vibey town of Stellenbosch, best known for its world-famous wine farms, to spend a weekend at the delightful Evergreen Manor and Spa, part of the Cape Country Routes.
This boutique hotel is housed in a colonial style building in the centre of the old town which places you within walking distance of some of the best restaurants and art galleries South Africa has to offer. Checking in to our fabulous premier room op the top level of the newest wing of the hotel we were delighted to find a welcome basket of chocolates, nuts and biltong waiting for us as well as a complimentary bottle of local wine. Additionally, premier room guests who stay longer than two nights are also treated to a complimentary full day wine tour with the Adventure Shop’s fabulous Vine Hopper – taking all the hassle out of planning a wine tasting route and driving after a few too many sips. 
What was also evident from the minute we arrived is that this is an owner run hotel. From the very first greeting we got the feeling that we had arrived at a long lost friend’s or relative’s home. As we were checking in early, we were invited to spend some time relaxing poolside or enjoying a refreshment in the shady courtyard – something we took full of advantage of on a gloriously sunny day.
The real highlight of the hotel though, we were to discover, was to be its location.
The small but lush Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens are located just at the end of the road and are home to a quaint coffee shop where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and a slice of cake under the trees, while the various shops and cafes of Stellenbosch are also right on your doorstep. If you love simply strolling through towns and taking in the culture of a new place, this is a great spot to book in Stellenbosch. And when weary feet call, there’s also a small spa on site, exclusively for the use of in-house guests.
After a home-cooked full English breakfast or a tasty omelette, the wine farms of Stellenbosch are also within a 10–15-minute drive. For families, there’s also lots to enjoy nearby including strawberry and blueberry picking and a plethora of markets.
So, whether you’re travelling as a family or couple, for a honeymoon, a long weekend away, or even an extended stay in Stellenbosch, with its central location, friendly staff, and variety of amenities, Evergreen Manor and Spa is the perfect home away from home.