The Robertson Small Hotel

The Robertson Small Hotel is one of my favourite boutique hotels in the Western Cape! Beautiful lush gardens, five-star luxury, stylish decor and top-notch service make it the perfect romantic getaway!

At the beginning of March, Grant and I managed to head off to Robertson for a romantic getaway. Who knew that it would be our last before lockdown! Our destination was The Robertson Small Hotel, which, as I mentioned, is one of my favourite, intimate 5-star luxury hotels.

Nestled in the heart of wine country, in Robertson, along the picturesque route 62, The Small is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. It also serves as the ideal base if you are planning to visit farms in the area for wine tasting.

The Hotel

The Small Hotel is Roberston’s only 5-star hotel, and they pride themselves on offering guests excellent, attentive service.

This haven of luxury boasts ten beautifully decorated en-suite rooms, a restaurant, bar, two pool areas, as well as a wellness room. One of the main highlights for me is the immaculately kept garden. You will not find a more perfect place for relaxing and taking time out of your busy schedule.

The decor throughout the hotel, inspired by the immediate surroundings, incorporates natural elements of clay, ochre, aloes, and the mountains. Tones are muted and calming, emphasising the link between the interior and exterior spaces. Custom artworks and designs, from innovative collaborators, bring colour, warmth and soul to the building.

The Rooms

Guest rooms, ranging in size and amenities, include three Manor House suites, three Stable suites and four Poolside suites. Built, in 1909, the Manor House, the main building of the hotel, has been declared a National Monument.

The three Manor House suites are more classically Victorian in style, with high, embossed ceilings and large windows leading onto the veranda.

There are two stable suites downstairs – each with a private patio – and a more extensive Honeymoon suite upstairs. All of the suites overlook a private swimming pool.

The classic contemporary Poolside suites each open onto a private wooden deck with access to the swimming pool.

During our stay, we were fortunate to stay in one of the pool suites. A Godsend, as the temperature was over 40 degrees! Awaiting us in our suite was a complimentary bottle of bubbles, which we wasted no time in opening. It was pure perfection, enjoying perfectly chilled bubbly while floating in the refreshing water.

Eating & Drinking

The Small Restaurant

The hotel’s in-house restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, daily. Guests can choose to either dine inside the Manor House or on the patio overlooking the stunning hotel gardens.

A classic menu, created under the guidance of legendary Chris Erasmus, of Foliage in Franschhoek, offers refined seasonal dishes, showcasing the best local produce, as well as a choice of fine wines from the valley. As well as consulting on the menu, Chef Chris leads a programme of mentorship and training with The Small’s team of chefs. This includes foraging expeditions in the Robertson Valley.

EM Bar

One of my favourite spots to unwind at the hotel, besides the garden, is EM Bar. The custom bar, in blue and white porcelain by artist Michael Chandler, pays homage to the property’s last resident, the mysterious ‘Tannie Em’. Tannie Em is said to have enjoyed a drink before bed.

Grant and I always love enjoying a delicious cocktail or a glass of wine before dinner.

The Wellness Room

In need of a bit of pampering? Then I recommend booking a treatment at the tranquil poolside Wellness Rooms. Guests can choose from a selection of therapeutic skincare and body treatments, specialised massages, facials, pedicures and manicures. The larger Wellness Spa room can accommodate a couple’s treatment.

Things to do

The Robertson Wine Valley, which includes Robertson, Montagu, Bonnievale, McGregor and Ashton wine regions, is the perfect escape from city life. The pace is slow, the people friendly, and the wine plentiful, making it the ideal recipe for a weekend away.

You will not be without a host of things to keep you busy in Roberston and the surrounding towns. Naturally, you cannot spend time in the area without visiting a few of the picturesque wine farms; an enjoyable way to experience them is with Wine Valley Safari. The Hop-on-hop-off open-air Safari vehicle is such a fun and convenient way to visit a variety of wine and olive estates, without the worry of driving!

The area also lends itself to outdoor adventures. Activities range from scenic walks and hiking trails to fishing or mountain biking.

Also highly recommended is the Viljoensdrift Boat Cruise, an hour-long meander along the Breede River. Complete the experience with a sumptuous picnic from the Viljoensdrift Deli.

With all the uncertainty surrounding lockdown, we do find ourselves in a strange space, but I, for one, cannot wait to explore our beautiful province and country once more. Until then, we can keep the dream alive and plan our next trip.

Essential Travel Offer

From the 1st July, the Robertson Small Hotel will be open for essential travellers! In light of this, they have created an Essential Travel Offer. See details below and book directly via reservations on +27 87 057 4519, The Robertson Small Hotel +27 23 626 7200, Fax +27 23 626 1680 or email [email protected].

The Manor House Suites will be available with breakfast and dinner inclusive @ R 1485.00 p/p/p and the Stable Suites breakfast and dinner inclusive @ R 1685.00 p/p/p.

All COVID protocols will be adhered to, ensuring a safe and risk-free stay. Please note that each guest will be required to submit a Form 2 (a permit to perform an essential or permitted service), with an official stamp when making a booking.