When someone says, “let’s head to the Winelands for a weekend away” I’m willing to bet that Franschhoek and Stellenbosch feature high on this list if not at the top.
Paarl, as a destination, is often left by the wayside.
That was arguable until Charles Back and his family took to create a destination out of their frequented farm who morphed from Bloemcoolfontein into the family retreat that is Spice Route.
Other than that, to many, that is all there is to Paarl. Myself included.
Naturally, when I was invited to stay at The Light House Boutique Suites in Paarl I took the opportunity to wipe the slate clean of any preconceived notions and simply. Experience, my experience.
Live Like a Local.
It was in the midst of my peak season, with deadlines ominously hanging over my head and the idea of a weekend away was both welcomed but seemingly self-destructive if I was to truly engulf myself in relaxation and didn’t at least once a day compile a few reports and check my mail.
Switching off, a problem many of us tend to have.
However, it took arriving at the grand gates of The Light House Boutique Suites when it became clear from the manicured gardens and the porter who awaited us at the entrance that very little was expected other than letting go, literally and figuratively and having a team of staff take care of our every need.
From our luggage toted to the top floor suite abed the spiralled staircase through to glass of MCC from Laborie almost dictatedly donned and told “have a seat. Relax!”
As we savoured the moreish MCC in the lounge come dining area I was taken by the decorative detail and of course the curious combination of colonial classic curves, carefully crafted with a contemporary almost “Hamptons-esque” cultural twist.
The same style can be seen in our suite we later discovered, very Ralph Lauren at the polo-my aesthetic for sure!
Attention to detail, service and space is offered in abundance in the Bedford Manor that we have been allocated to.
The bathrooms layered in travertine, which alone I assure you is larger than most city bowl apartments.
There’s His and His sinks and a shower large enough for two, which in the midst of the #CapeDrought makes the adage “save water shower with a friend” so simple to implement.
Above this, of course, There are the usual offerings for five-star graded property such as The Light House Guest Suites.
From the Nespresso styled coffee maker, to a generously stocked mini bar complete with our favourite Gin and Tonic as well some chocolate bars for mischevious midnight snacking.
Whilst the above may have caused me to completely lose you and you’ve already moved to a booking site to check availability and book a few nights away.
I implore you to Keep reading, as there’s so so much more.
The Bedford Suite boasts, and I mean, boldly boasts the most tiered view of the town and the lounger laden swimming pool just a stone’s throw away.
As well as, towering mountains which during our stay were so elegantly draped with a whimsy covering of clouds.
The Light House Boutique Suites are also quietly located in a pristine location, far enough from anything boisterous yet close enough to dinner spots and wineries to you wish to explore.
With the added benefit that the manager will happily drive you to dinner.
Meaning a few glasses or four of locally sourced wines won’t be an issue.
When you get home from said dinners, you’ll be greeted by the staff, handpicked floral arrangements, a little sweet treat and sparkling waters abed a silver tray, bedside.
Breakfast is sophisticated and slow, courses gingerly change from coffees to croissants, from fresh fruit to egg dishes and finally a house-baked sweet pastry or two.
A leisurely lengthy, yet lovely affair enjoyed on precisian rugs layered on the lawn- a little brown on our stay due to the dire drought. A humble reminder of how damaging the drought has been.
Go hike the Monumental Paarl Mountains, go swirl some award-winning brandies at KWV or if you absolutely must, do nothing poolside whilst catching some sultry sunrays and wait for the complimentary high tea to be served later in the afternoon with a Wilderness Gin of course.
As they say, do as the locals do.
BOOK THE LIGHT HOUSE BOUTIQUE
INSTANTLY WITH OUR TRAVEL DESK
More about the Bedford Suite (Honeymoon Room)
Rates:
| Per person per night | R3240 | R3550 |
| Single per night | R4860 | R5325 |
Bed: Four-poster, king-size extra length bed
Occupancy: 2 Adults
View: Breathtaking view of the terraced garden and the mountains in the background
Bedroom Size: 31.62m²
Bathroom Size: 14.76m²
Bathroom: Floor and walls clad in travertine, with a frameless double shower and Kaldewei steel-enamel bath
Directions to The Light House Boutique Suites
Looking for things to do in the Paarl area?
See our suggestions Here:
