An extraordinary escape into the heart of the Overberg, where impeccable hospitality, indulgent experiences and the smallest gestures leave the greatest impressions
Originally opened in August 2001 as the Western Cape Hotel & Spa, this five-star retreat has long been part of South Africa’s luxury hospitality landscape. Today, under the Southern Sun group, Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa continues a proud tradition of hospitality. Founded in 1969 by Sol Kerzner and South African Breweries, Southern Sun has grown into one of the continent’s most established hotel groups.
But what impressed me most about Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa was not its history. It was its people.
General Manager Madeleine Roux understands something that I believe separates good hospitality from exceptional hospitality: luxury is personal.
It begins before you even enter the hotel. Concierge welcomes you by name, your luggage disappears effortlessly into your room, and your dietary preferences, likes, dislikes and expectations have already been considered. Perhaps you are celebrating an anniversary, travelling with children or simply escaping the world for a few days. The magic lies in anticipating what you need before you have even thought to ask.
These are the small gestures that transform staying at a hotel into experiencing a stay.
And Madeleine’s philosophy is wonderfully evident throughout.
Arabella’s 145 rooms and suites are beautifully proportioned, noticeably more spacious than many South African hotel rooms within comparable price categories. The Presidential Suite, measuring approximately 116 square metres, is an absolute indulgence. Beautifully appointed with a king-sized bedroom, separate lounge, three televisions, generous private balcony, elegant furnishings and panoramic views across the gardens, golf course and lagoon, it offers the kind of luxury one could become dangerously accustomed to.
The enormous bathroom is a destination in itself, complete with a private sauna and spa bath.
The Executive-style suites are equally inviting, offering approximately 65 square metres in the current premium suite category, with separate living areas, luxurious bathrooms, king-sized accommodation and private balconies.
What particularly delighted me was discovering that even the Presidential Suite’s regular pricing was more approachable than I anticipated. With Southern Sun’s seasonal SunBreaks offers, celebrating a milestone in extraordinary surroundings suddenly becomes a possibility for guests who may never have imagined booking a Presidential Suite.
And why shouldn’t everyone experience a little presidential treatment?
For golf enthusiasts, Arabella is something of a pilgrimage. Its magnificent 18-hole, par-72 championship course, designed by Peter Matkovich in 1999, consistently ranks among South Africa’s top 10 golf courses finest. The golf club offers exceptional fairways, dramatic water features, a driving range, putting and chipping greens, professional coaching, a well-stocked pro shop and modern golf carts.
Then there is the spa. And goodness, what a spa!
The award-winning Arabella Spa offers hydrotherapy, steam rooms, saunas, massages, facials, body scrubs, wraps, couples’ rituals, maternity treatments and dedicated men’s therapies. Prestigious skincare and wellness brands include BABOR, Lillian Terry, Sea of Spa and Bio Sculpture. The indoor hydrotherapy pool, particularly during winter, is an absolute gem.
Add a gym, hair and nail services, outdoor swimming pools, tennis, volleyball and a beautiful boutique offering jewellery, leather handbags and gifts, and you could quite happily forget the outside world exists.
Although, outside is rather spectacular.
Situated within the UNESCO-recognised Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa offers families, couples and solo travellers an extraordinary playground. Think whale watching in Hermanus, wine tasting through the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, horse riding, hiking, beach excursions and exploring charming coastal villages. Families can enjoy children’s activities, mini-golf and swimming, while parents indulge in some well-deserved downtime.
And then, of course, there is the food.
We were treated to a magnificent high tea, where the head chef personally introduced his creations. Now, anyone who knows me understands I am exceptionally particular about lemon meringue. I remain convinced my sister makes the finest in the world.
Until Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa came along and seriously challenged my loyalties.
The lemon meringue quite literally melted in my mouth. I almost dissolved into my chair.
With Earl Grey on one side and a scone on the other, I wasn’t expecting another revelation. But that scone! The texture, the flavour, the sheer perfection. I couldn’t even identify the delicious little something that made it extraordinary.
Had etiquette allowed, I might have jumped up and kissed the chef.
Unfortunately, seated amongst approximately twenty guests and media colleagues from publications including the Sunday Times, The Citizen, Financial Times and Prestige, such behaviour might have raised an eyebrow or two.
Instead, I turned quietly to Madeleine and declared, “He’s got it. Hands kissed by the baking fairy!”
And I meant every word.
Dinner brought another revelation. Beautifully presented sushi, arranged across an exquisite table. Now, hotel sushi can be questionable. I could name five outstanding sushi establishments in Johannesburg without blinking.
Arabella? Ten out of ten. No hesitation.
Jamani Restaurant, Barnabas Bar and the elegant Laguna Lounge ensure that dining is as much a part of the experience as the accommodation itself.
So, does Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa deserve a place on the coveted JoburgstyleJourneys Must-Stay List?
Absolutely.
Exceptional service, genuinely warm hospitality, generous accommodation, beautiful surroundings and culinary talent that quite literally left me speechless. During my visit, I truly could not find fault.
This is a hotel I would return to time and time again, because genuine luxury is not about extravagance. It is about how somewhere makes you feel.
And my only complaint?
I simply didn’t stay long enough!
Now THIS is Joburgstyle.
Reservations: www.southernsun.com/arabella-hotel-golf-and-spa
Location: Arabella Country Estate, R44, Kleinmond, Western Cape
Telephone: +27 28 284 0000
