Words: Catherine Black | Images: Supplied
If you’re looking for a sumptuous Winelands getaway that’s within easy reach of Cape Town, The Light House Boutique Suites is an inspired choice. Tucked away in the serene suburb of Courtrai in Paarl, this intimate five-star guesthouse is all about pampering, luxury and attention to detail.
One of the key reasons for this is that the property includes just five suites. Each room is decorated according to an individual theme, from the sumptuous Mayfair suite that oozes old-world glamour and the gorgeous Cape Dutch-style Bedford Manor honeymoon suite, to the Manhattan with its clean lines and subtle Art Deco touches. No matter which one you choose, all of them feature bespoke furnishings, luxurious Egyptian cotton linen, spacious bathrooms and expansive views of the charming gardens below and mountains beyond.
But it’s not just about the accommodation, the food is noteworthy too. Everything is cooked in The Light House kitchen using fresh local ingredients and served in the downstairs dining room that opens up onto the outdoor terrace. Breakfast is included in the room rate, and you can enjoy lunch, afternoon tea and dinner on request if you’d prefer to stay in rather than dine out. The afternoon tea is a particular highlight, featuring freshly baked scones and muffins, decadent chocolate cake and creamy cheesecake, as well as delicate cucumber sandwiches served on ornate silver platters.
With the fine china and silverware, the surrounding classical décor is reminiscent of a grand English manor house, and the personal service that comes with it will make you feel like royalty.
The team who run The Light House, headed up by general manager Darrol Buckton and operations manager Hendrik du Toit, are incredibly attentive and ready to see to your every need. They’re also passionate locals with expert knowledge of the surrounding area. Just down the road is the renowned Pearl Valley Golf Course at Val De Vie Estate, which is also home to the newly relaunched Camelot Spa if you’d rather do a day of pampering. You’re also close to several outstanding family-run boutique wine farms including Avondale,
Mellasat, Black Pearl and Druk My Niet, so a wine tasting excursion is recommended. The guesthouse has also recently teamed up with award-winning Wilderer craft gin distillery in Paarl to host special G&T tasting weekends on selected dates over the coming months.
The Light House Boutique Suites is ideal for a romantic break, but it’s also great for corporate getaways, as you can book the entire house just for your party. With its secluded setting close to the centre of Paarl, The Light House Boutique Suites is the perfect mix of convenience and exclusive charm.
For more information on the The Light House Suites, phone 021 863 4600 or visit the website.
