Estate Living Digital Publication Issue 2 February 2015 | Page 13

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whilst still retaining the warmth
and beauty of the luxurious fabrics
and collectables favoured by the
owners. My suite is imposing
in size and takes on an African
theme, whilst, next door, a style
representative of Southeast Asia
takes centre stage. Resplendent
with high quality fixtures and
fittings, including a more than
comfortable seating area, coffee
station, fireplace, large television
and the gentle sound of classical
music in the background, I
struggle to find fault anywhere in
this palatial room.

spa

The hotel has accommodated a
host of international celebrities
over the years thanks to its
fondness for total isolation. For
those desiring ultimate seclusion,
the Private Villa Residence ticks
all the boxes. Launched last year
and located within the tranquil
Fairlawns estate, but privately

appointed from the hotel, the
place comes complete with two
en-suite bathrooms, a dining
room, lounge, private pool and
pristine garden. An additional
attraction is the privately situated
cottage on the Villa Residence
property – offering sought-after
solitude and total escapism.
Having been serenaded by the
sheer grandeur of my room, I am
drawn to my grumbling empty
stomach and begin the hunt for
food.
The Victoria Tea Lounge is ideally
situated overlooking the romantic
gardens and offers a range of
delicacies and sumptuous cakes
to complement a vast selection
of teas and award-winning
champagnes from across the
globe. Served on delicate fine
china and created by executive
chef Gerhard Venter and his

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talented creative team, the
delightful assortment of treats
is guaranteed to satisfy even
the most discerning high-tea
aficionado.
I try the créme brulée and am left
salivating for more. The superb
a la carte Terrace Restaurant is
fashionably popular with both inhouse guests as well as locals
wanting to savour a leisurely
breakfast from the Breakfast
Table or enjoy sundowners after
a tough working week. Here, I try
a tantalising salmon and cream
cheese capered croissant and
am quickly satisfied.
Thoroughly refuelled, I take
a walk through the elegantly
decorated hallways. Completing
the full range of guest services
is a sought-after conference
centre for sophisticated corporate
and private functions and a fully