Elite Traveler Fall 2022

etr li at ve eler FALL 2022 121

Delaire Gra ff Lodges & Spa STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA

Delaire Gra ff Lodges & Spa is set in a remarkable location. Perched on the slopes of the imposing Stellenbosch Mountain in the Western Cape region of South Africa, it sits atop the Helshoogte Pass (also known as Hell’s Heights Pass), one of the Cape’s most beloved routes thanks to the steep and winding path through lush vineyards. As a result of the lodge’s coveted spot, the views are immense — dine on Afro-Asian cuisine at Indochine Restaurant with Table Mountain as a backdrop, or marvel at the relatively undiscovered but jaw-droppingly beautiful Banghoek Valley while enjoying seasonal cuisine at Delaire Gra ff Restaurant. To have those delicious views all to yourself, book the Owner’s Villa. The four-bedroom, 7,100-sq-ft villa has marvelous views of False Bay, Botmaskop Peak, Table Mountain and the rolling vineyards. A passion project for Laurence Gra ff , the billionaire founder of Gra ff Diamonds and owner of the estate, the villa also serves as your own personal art gallery. There are over 400 artworks on display throughout the estate (every piece you see on the walls and in the exquisite gardens has been selected by Gra ff , including one of the world’s most famous paintings, Chinese Girl — also known as The Green Lady — by Vladimir Tretchiko ff ), and the villa is also home to over 70 pieces of art from contemporary African and international artists. Gra ff began his impressive collection with the purchase of a small Renoir in the 1970s, which he kept in a safe with his diamonds. Elsewhere in the villa, you’ll fi nd a 45-ft in fi nity pool, hot tub, pergola-shaded terrace, terraced gardens, living area with a central double-sided fi replace, Assirelli kitchen, walk-in wine cellar, gym and sta ff quarters. Grape escapes Head to the sumptuous Wine Lounge for a tutored wine experience and try some of South Africa’s fi nest vintages. Like what you taste? The invite-only Delaire Gra ff Icon Wine Club has a prestigious portfolio —members have access to limited-edition vintage releases and pre-releases from the Gra ff Icon Range, as well as access to the online cellar. Owner’s Villa price on request, two-night minimum. Contact Mari Duvenhage, reservations manager, lodge.reservations@delaire.co.za, +27 218 858 160, delaire.co.za