The air is thick and warm, like honey, stirring the cicada’s shrill summer song that rises with the flickering waves of heat through the parched yellow grass. The distinct smell of wood that is only seconds away from catching alight lurks on the furnace breeze. It’s mid-summer in the Cape Winelands and the temperature is intensifying to 34°C. Aside from the frantic hum of insects, there is little sign of life as we drive past the patchwork of farmlands on the outskirts of Paarl to the 5-star Santé Hotel & Spa.
After cutting across the railway tracks on a dusty red road, the enchanting Santé Hotel & Spa greet us in all her Provencal glory. Flanked by the majestic Simonsberg mountain range, Santé Hotel & Spa is beautifully positioned on a working wine estate, where the scorched brown earth gives way to avenues of leafy emerald vines. Groomed olive trees, fragrant rows of lavender, and creeping bougainvillea guide our way to the high arched doors at the entrance to the Manor House. Stepping inside, we are instantly enveloped by the cool kiss of the air-conditioning and the gentle whisper of classical music.
To the right lies the Olive Cocktail Bar with a relaxing lounge area for sundowners and after-dinner drinks; a smaller inter-leading Billiards Room with a small library and cosy fireplace (not intended for a day like today!); and the flagship restaurant, Debut, offering a combination of local delicacies and international trends. These areas lead to the Piazza, with its shimmering pool and direct access to the dam where guests can paddle out on the cool water.
The opulent Manor House Suites are adorned in rich, earthy tones and textures, and feature king-sized beds (or twins) and open plan four-poster bath tubs. Romeo and Juliet balconies offer spectacular views of the Winelands and mountain backdrop. Continuing through the restaurant and over a reed-lined moat, the spacious Spa Suites are set apart from the Manor House, surrounded by aromatic herb gardens and trickling water features. Sandstone floors and natural tones create an atmosphere that is both cosy and cool. Most often used for conferences, the Spa Suites are furnished with two double beds.
To the left of the Manor House is the Spa with its hypnotic music, soapy scents, and less formal Verde Health Bar. Overnight guests enjoy complimentary access to the Spa facilities, which include a private sundeck, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, and a unique indoor hydro-pool with liquid sound, multi-height body jets, neck massage, and counter current resistance swimming. There are also three snail shaped multi-experience showers that offer a variety of different options, from tropical rain to mountain mist. Three private couple’s rooms offer additional treatments, including luxurious facials, Doctor Fish™ therapies, and the unique “Spafari”, which takes you on a journey that appeals to all of your senses and leaves you feeling completely relaxed.
Santé Hotel & Spa is a luxurious establishment for conferences, romantic getaways, spa stays, or simply a night of splendid wining and dining. As the sun slowly descends and the land transfers its heat into a fiery sunset display over golden orchards and craggy mountain silhouettes, the piercing cry of the cicada ceases. The coolness of night beckons the faint chirp of crickets and melodic call of frogs as the stars sparkle brilliantly in the deep indigo sky. There is no finer place to revel in the decadent natural splendour of Provencal life than at Santé Hotel & Spa.
Do you have any Provencal-style destinations that you’d recommend?
