Revive Mind, Body & Soul at Vergenoegd Löw in Stellenbosch

Sometimes, all you need is some time out so you can rest, restore and recharge.

Vergenoegd Löw is the ideal place for switching off, and slowly on again, at your own tempo.

All the way, appreciating the farm’s preservation of heritage, commitment to sustainable farming and top-notch hospitality.

When Pieter de Vos was granted the title deed to this Stellenbosch farm in 1696, he had no idea what the future might entail. Interestingly, while he may have been full of hope about its potential, he chose to call the property “Vergenoegd”, meaning contented. There have been many owners of the land in the almost 330 years since then, but never has this part of the name been changed.

There is something almost magically transporting about this location. Broad, unspoiled skies, tinged with the salt of the nearby sea, soaring birds and aromatic indigenous flora and the shielding presence of massive, undulating mountains. In a word: a universe all its own. Contained and safely cocooned in nature, where sustainability is as important as luxury.

There is something almost magically transporting about this location.

The Vergenoegd Löw Boutique Hotel & Spa, a member of the prestige portfolio of the European Heritage Project of historic, luxury country estates, is very protective of that tranquillity and preservation. Each of the individually appointed accommodation options nestles in its own peaceful, private quietude.

The accent is on detailed, thoughtful comfort and convenience. Capacious beds and fine-textured linens and soft furnishings; log fires in autumn and winter; floor-to-ceiling fenestration to feel close to nature in all seasons and to make the most of the mountain and vineyard views.

The exclusive accommodation is inspired by the farm’s classic 18th century Cape Dutch buildings, all sensitively restored for historic authenticity but repurposed for contemporary comfort.

The indulgent luxury spa

The Farm Lodge a former farm manager’s home, is a modern interpretation of the Cape Dutch style, with a tasteful, eclectic mix of antique and contemporary furnishings and finishes. The building has been repurposed to create four en-suite bedrooms, each individually appointed. They are all equipped with an indoor living space, a private jacuzzi and a generous veranda overlooking the gardens. The lofty interiors feature traditional wooden beams in an echo of the original interiors. The lodge is within easy reach of the historic farmstead, home to the Homestead Wine Lounge, two restaurants, the spa and gym/yoga room.

A short distance from the farmstead there are four modern Vineyard Suites, each with a living area opening onto a private sundeck, complete with plunge pool. The floor to ceiling windows look out onto uninterrupted vistas of either the Helderberg Mountains or the nearby vineyards.

A short distance from the farmstead there are four modern Vineyard Suites

The six free-standing Luxury Cottages reflect Vergenoegd Löw’s rich history, honouring its former residents - the winemaker, wood carver, and blacksmith - as well as themed gardens like the orchard, olive grove, and chef's garden, echoing the crops typical of an old farm. Crafted with the timeless elegance of Cape vernacular architecture, each cottage features traditional thatched roofs, creating a harmonious blend of rustic charm and contemporary luxury. Nestled in their own secluded haven, every cottage is complemented by a private pool deck, perfect for soaking up the tranquil vistas. The heart of each cottage is a spacious lounge - a communal space which flows seamlessly into the outdoor area, where a generous pool awaits.

The Presidential Suite offers complete privacy, exquisite sunrises and sunsets, its own crystal pool and sundeck, a jacuzzi and spacious veranda. There’s a dining table for 12 (that comes with dishes chosen from the farm’s restaurant menus and private service, of course), leather couches and a dual fireplace to warm up both the bedroom and the living room in cooler weather. Ample and luxurious, gracious and comfortable, it is the acme of detailed, considered but masterfully understated luxury.

The Presidential Suite offers complete privacy, exquisite sunrises and sunsets, its own crystal pool and sundeck, a jacuzzi and spacious veranda.

Then there’s the Owner’s Villa, a contemporary architectural triumph. It has seven en-suite bedrooms, a spacious open-plan entertainment area, a large lap pool and deck overlooking the vineyards and Helderberg Mountains.

The indulgent, luxury spa with its signature milk bath and other treatments; gym/yoga room; mountain trails to walk or run; meandering gardens punctuated by bronze sculptures by leading local artists like the internationally celebrated Dylan Lewis; and a variety of wine-tasting options plus two terrific restaurants serving contemporary Cape heritage cuisine; mean you can remain on the estate without ever needing to leave, if you prefer.

There’s Clara’s Barn, for lunch or supper, that offers formal, five-course dining, enhanced by an outstanding cellar. (But if it’s non-alcoholic beverages you’re after, you’ll be very well looked after.) Much of the locally grown seasonal produce is sourced from the farm and small suppliers nearby. The dishes reflect the Cape’s local cultural and social history through the eyes of celebrated Stellenbosch chef Bertus Basson and his on-site acclaimed colleague Drikus Brink. Geuwels is their casual small-plate eatery that offers breakfast and lunch.

Chef Drikus Brink in front of Geuwels, one of the two terrific restaurants on the farm serving contemporary Cape heritage cuisine

Stop over at the Homestead Wine Lounge for a tasting of Vergenoegd Löw wines: red, white and Cap Classique. Fresh, elegant and restrained with a hint of the sea, they are a pleasure to try. They all reflect the passion and commitment of our young winemaker Vusi Dalicuba.

If you fancy a sensory adventure, consider a line-up of some of the cellar’s wines showcased in the special Indigenous Tasting, where you also get to sample local flavours from *bokkoms and biltong to roosterkoek. Resident sommelier George Young is at your service.

Hungry after a long hike but it’s too early for supper? Afternoon tea and home-baked indulgences are yours for the savouring in the historic 1717 homestead (available only to guests staying overnight.)

Stop over at the Homestead Wine Lounge for a tasting of Vergenoegd Löw wines

One of South Africa’s oldest working farms and a proud WWF Conservation Champion, Vergenoegd Löw is a regenerative enterprise where all cultivation focuses on building soil health, climate-resilience and biodiversity. Consider their Indian Runner ducks and Dexter cattle in this context. They eat the pests and the weeds and fertilise the soils, while the cover crops attract pollinators like honeybees, and insects that feed on vineyard pests. Nature’s integrated pest management!

If you want an away-from-it-all location that also happens to be close to local tourist amenities, then Vergenoegd Löw is for you.

It's all there for the taking in your own time. But, if you want an away-from-it-all location that also happens to be close to local tourist amenities, then Vergenoegd Löw is for you too. Take advantage of the pampering but come and go as you choose. Right at the gateway to Stellenbosch’s world-famous wine route, close to the cultural centre of Stellenbosch, to Somerset West, to captivating Cape Town, the airport and even the coastal resort of Hermanus, everything outside is within quick and easy reach.

Best of all, the well-trained and attentive staff will ensure everything goes according to your wishes. Just ask, and you'll be taken care of.

Click here to view a summary of what you can experience at the farm.

Click here to reserve your stay, your wine tasting (tip: try the award-winning Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay) or your meal.

Sometimes, all you need is some time out so you can rest, restore and recharge. Vergenoegd Löw is the ideal place for switching off, and slowly on again, at your own tempo.

The farm offers some of the best Stellenbosch accommodation and spa specials! To find out more, keep an eye on its social media and website, and sign up here to receive their informative newsletter.

Tel: +27 21 843 3248
E-mail: info@vergenoegd.co.za

Address: Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate, 1 Faure Road, Somerset West, off R310/Baden Powell Drive, Stellenbosch Wine Route (Please note, there is a new entrance to Vergenoegd Löw via Old Faure Road. Some maps may still indicate the old entrance in Baden Powell Drive.)

Visit https://vergenoegd.co.za/ for more information and https://vergenoegd.co.za/collection/all/ to peruse the selection and buy wine.