Property

The South African boutique hotel on a 334-year-old wine farm named among the best in the world

Kirsten Minnaar • 15 October 2026

Lanzerac Hotel and Spa in Stellenbosch has been named Africa’s Leading Boutique Hotel at the 2026 World Travel Awards.

The five-star hotel is located on one of the country’s oldest wine farms in the Jonkershoek Valley, on the outskirts of Stellenbosch.

The estate’s history began in 1692, when Isaac Schrijver received the deed to the farm and named it Schoongezicht, meaning “beautiful view”.

The original farm included vineyards, and a cellar was established in the early 1800s. The manor house followed, with its main gable dating back to 1830.

One of the estate’s most influential owners was Elizabeth Catherina “Kitty” English, who bought the property in the early 20th century and renamed it Lanzerac.

During her ownership, she transformed the farm into one of the Cape’s more modern wineries, helping establish the foundation for its wine-making reputation.

The estate later changed hands again, with David Rawdon acquiring it in 1958 and converting the property into a hotel.

The original cellar and surrounding buildings were adapted into accommodation, bars, lounges, and dining areas.

Eventually, Lanzerac became a recognised Stellenbosch destination among both holidaymakers and wine enthusiasts.

The property still retains its historic buildings and traditional architecture, despite ongoing development. This includes extensive renovations from 2013 to modernise its facilities.

However, a fire in May 2017 severely damaged the hotel’s main operational areas, forcing Lanzerac to close for 13 months. It reopened on 1 July 2018 with upgraded facilities and accommodation.

Lanzerac Hotel and Spa today

Lanzerac has 54 individually designed rooms and suites across four categories – Classic Rooms, Luxury Rooms, Junior Suites, and Suites.

The accommodation combines antique furniture and local artwork with modern facilities, including air conditioning, underfloor heating, minibars, Nespresso machines, and private bathrooms.

Room sizes vary by category, with Classic Rooms listed at between 42 m² and 51 m², while Suites range from 80 m² to 84 m².

Some suites include private plunge pools, while nine interleading rooms are available for families travelling together.

Rates include daily breakfast, daily replenishment of selected minibar items, Wi-Fi, and access to the spa’s hydrotherapy facilities.

Guests also receive a complimentary tasting of five Lanzerac wines, a winery cellar tour and transfers between the hotel and Stellenbosch town at scheduled times.

For a one-night stay for two guests, prices start at R12,960 for a Classic Room and rise to R18,828 for a Suite.

The estate has several dining venues, each with a different offering. The Manor Kitchen serves breakfast and dinner, with a menu that combines classic dishes with more contemporary preparations.

It also offers a seven-course experience menu on Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as afternoon tea on Saturdays.

The Taphuis has a more casual, pub-style setting, with traditional South African dishes, a wooden bar and an outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens.

The Craven Lounge offers a selection of local and international spirits, wines, cocktails and smaller plates. Guests can also arrange whisky or South African brandy tastings.

Lanzerac’s Tasting Room and Deli serves light meals, breakfast and homemade treats, alongside wine tastings and wine-and-chocolate pairings.

The estate has a long history in South African winemaking and is associated with the first commercially bottled Pinotage. Its current wine range includes the Jonkershoek collection, which visitors can sample during guided tastings.

Another feature is The Library, a dedicated fine-water tasting room developed with The Fine Water Company.

Here, guests can partake in a 45-minute tasting experience for R350 per person, which includes six waters – three still and three sparkling.

The tasting serves waters sourced from different countries, focusing on their mineral composition, origins and taste.

Those visiting the farm can also enjoy the Lanzerac Spa, which offers massages, skincare and beauty treatments, as well as hydrotherapy facilities.

Its facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, indoor and outdoor jacuzzis, a sauna, steam room, and other hydrotherapy amenities.

An indoor fitness room is available exclusively to hotel guests, while the wider estate offers access to the surrounding vineyards and gardens.

The concierge can also arrange activities in and around Stellenbosch, including hiking and mountain-biking trails in Jonkershoek, horse riding, historical walking tours, and visits to local museums.

The estate also caters for conferences, meetings, and private events. Its venues include historic rooms within the manor house, cellar facilities, and outdoor lawns, with options for corporate functions, private dining and weddings.