Cape Winelands

Travel Diary – Robertson Small Hotel

Written by Bente Rieser

Ker & Downey Africa > Journal > Travel Diary – Robertson Small Hotel

Bente Rieser is a Senior Travel Consultant for Ker & Downey® Africa’s Russian and Eastern European DMC division. She has over 14 years experience in the travel industry and has traveled extensively throughout Africa. Bente recently visited the luxurious Robertson Small Hotel – the only five-star hotel in the charming Robertson Wine Valley. Below, Bente shares her positive feedback and experience with us.

Bente Rieser – Senior Travel Consultant, Ker & Downey® Africa Russia & Eastern Europe DMC

Bente Rieser – Senior Travel Consultant, Russia & Eastern Europe DMC

Bente has over 14 years of experience in the travel industry and has traveled extensively throughout Africa.

The Robertson Small Hotel is a luxury country hotel tucked away in the charming wine valley of Robertson, just 2 hours drive from Cape Town. For clients looking to stay here, Ker & Downey® Africa will arrange a luxury transfer for you depending on where you are coming from. If departing out of Cape Town, the driver will take you along the main N1 national freeway towards Worcester before taking the R60 to Robertson. It is a very scenic drive that goes through the famous Huguenot Tunnel and runs alongside the Du Toitskloof Mountain Range before descending into the foothills of Klein Drakenstein.

Robertson is a small town situated in the heart of Route 62 with some great attractions that are well worth visiting. There are some of the top-quality wineries and olive plantations in the region. Springfield Estate Winery and Van Loveren Family Cellar should definitely be stops on your itinerary.

Facilities

The front of the Robertson Small Hotel in Robertson, Western Cape.

The Robertson Small Hotel

The Robertson Small Hotel is the only five-star hotel in Robertson and is a celebration of local creativity and elegant Victorian aesthetic. The hotel has lush rolling lawns and a landscaped garden complete with a croquet set for those wishing to indulge in a bit of leisurely fun. A large selection of fabulous cacti and striking succulents are a beautiful and unique feature with assorted variations in the garden, complete with sun loungers.

A large selection of fabulous cacti and striking succulents are a beautiful and unique feature with assorted variations in the garden, complete with sun loungers.

The cacti and succulent garden with sun loungers at the Robertson Small Hotel in Robertson.

The cacti garden at Robertson Small Hotel

Chris Erasmus is the Head Chef at The Small Restaurant and he specializes in seasonal dishes using delicious local ingredients from the Robertson Valley. One can enjoy meals from the restaurant in one of two seating areas – either inside the main Manor House or al fresco on the patio. The hotel can prepare a personalized picnic for you to enjoy in the gardens or to take with you for a day out in the winelands. Dinners are a wonderful feast of local flavors and I highly recommends having a cocktail in the bar before or after a meal.

A beetroot salad at The Small Restaurant at The Robertson Small Hotel.

Chris Erasmus is the Head Chef at The Small Restaurant and he specializes in seasonal dishes using delicious local ingredients from the Robertson Valley.

The hotel features a poolside Wellness Room that offers a range of exclusive beauty treatments using certified organic products from the Skin Creamery range. There are therapeutic skincare and body treatments, specialized massages, facials, pedicures and manicures on offer. One of the treatment rooms also offers couples treatments.

There are two swimming pools that lead out onto the garden oasis. One is located next to the Pool Suites and another is next to the spa area and is slightly smaller.

Accommodation

I stayed in a Pool Suite and really loved its location so close to the swimming pool. The wooden deck leading out from the suite is literally just a few steps from the pool which is really ideal during the hot summer months. The area surrounding the pool is extremely tranquil and beautiful, making it an ideal place to really relax and unwind.

The wooden deck leading out from the suite is literally just a few steps from the pool which is really ideal during the hot summer months.

The view from a Pool Suite at The Robertson Small Hotel looking straight out onto the pool.

The view from a Pool Suite at The Robertson Small Hotel

A Manor House room with a wide verandah and views over the garden, or a Stable Suite (complete with a desk for those who are seeking a ‘workation’ escape) are other great options and offer a bit more privacy.

The interior of the Stable Honeymoon or Family Suite at The Robertson Small Hotel.

The Stable Honeymoon or Family Suite

Honeymooners or families are also catered for in the more spacious luxurious Stable Honeymoon/Family Suite.

Honeymooners or families are also catered for in the more spacious luxurious Stable Honeymoon/Family Suite. All rooms are equipped with self-service bar, heated towel rails and under-floor heating for the cooler winter months.

General feedback

All the staff were really warm and pleasant and really looked after the guests well. We would specifically like to thank Natasha Blom for the great service.

The Robertson Small Hotel offers a 4-day Wellness retreat that includes a 45-minute Spa treatment, training session with a personal trainer, outing with Chef Chris and 2 wine tastings at local wine farms.

The property is suitable for couples in their mid-30’s and above.

If you are interested in experiencing a luxury winelands experience at The Robertson Small Hotel with Ker & Downey® Africa, get in touch with one of our LuxVenture® Designers today!

Start planning your trip