Editors' Picks

Delaire Graff Estate

Contemporary art, sleek, wine estate

graff diamonds stellenbosch south africa

(27 21) 885 8160

See Website

At a Glance

Unveiled in 2009 by diamond magnate Laurence Graff, Delaire is a gorgeous resort with world-class everything, from the prodigious wine cellar (ask for a tasting) and the spacious guest rooms with plunge pools to the serious art collection.

Indagare Loves

  • Individual pools in each of the ten lodge accommodations
  • Contemporary art and sculpture displayed throughout
  • Indochine, one of the few top-end Asian-inspired restaurants in the region

Review

Few properties in the Cape Winelands have opened with as much hoopla as the Delaire Graff Estate, unveiled in 2009 by diamond magnate Laurence Graff. Graff bought the estate in 2003 and spent years—and millions—transforming it into a luxury property worthy of its spectacular high-altitude setting atop the Helshoogte Mountain Pass, which separates the towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. The result is a gorgeous resort with world-class everything, from the prodigious wine cellar (ask for a tasting) and the spacious guest rooms with plunge pools to the serious art collection. There are two restaurants, a spa, an infinity pool, a charming boutique called 100% Capri that sells home decor and, bien sur, the flagship Graff diamond salon.

Guest rooms are spread among ten cottages (called “lodges”), all of them spacious (the smallest is 800 square feet), with chic, urban furniture in a cool gray palette. Private plunge pools and decks make the most of the sweeping views. One of the loveliest things to do is to stroll along the paved pathway that runs through the vineyard. On your right side are row upon row of impeccably planted grapevines (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc), the varietals changing with the elevation; on your left side is a cavernous valley with breathtaking views over the countryside.

Who Should Stay

Travelers who prefer a sleek, contemporary setting to the feeling of a grand private home.

Written by Eliza Harris

What's Nearby
Indagare employees walking up stiars

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