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Palmiet Valley Estate - Romance and comfort in historic
estate
(By Jaana Becker - VIP International Honeymoon)
Do you feel like going on a journey back in time to the 18th
century with your loved one? Our insider tip for honeymooners
lies directly at the foot of the picturesque Drakenstein Mountains
in Africa. The idyllic Palmiet Valley wine-growing estate is
near Paarl, only 30 minutes from Cape Town. The place is named
after the mighty round granite rocks which rise up behind the
city and which shimmer like huge pearls in the sun when wet.
This estate is also a true gem - lovingly restored in classic
Cape Dutch style it dates back to 1692 and captivates with its
charm and originality. The snow white manor house with thatched
roof, rung windows and artistically swung gables, now lies in
front of us, surrounded by lush green lawns and sumptuously
flowering jacaranda trees.
A tour of the eight suites is like a journey back in time. No
room resembles the next. Each is individually furnished with
a great deal of imagination and valuable antiques, which the
German owner, Fred Uhlendorff, brought back with him from all
over the world. There are, for example, Art Déco beds; painted,
turn of the century metal beds from Vienna; an old English bed
and the finest feather duvets with beautiful white linen with
lace trim. Arabian engraved brass tables and huge colonial-style
old suitcases with mirrors and dressing tables from old film
stars and travelers from the last century, stand alongside old
bank safes which you recognize from old Westerns. Nevertheless,
you needn't go without modern comforts, such as telephone, CD
player and, if requested, also a television - which has been
discreetly integrated into the historic furnishing style,
Enjoy your most memorable honeymoon moments in the exceptional,
luxurious and stylish atmosphere of the 18th century. All suites
are furnished in the style of this period. Make yourself comfortable
in front of the open fire and, if this still isn't warm enough
for you, a glass of Port from the crystal carafe and a heated
mattress will make you feel really snug and warm.
The following morning you are awakened with a carefully put
together basket with tea bags, breakfast biscuits, a mini coffee
machine and fresh flowers. Here, nothing is of the ordinary,
everything is of subtle finesse. The glistening blue pool is
surrounded by a sea of camellia with a red and white fragrantly
scented blaze of color. This natural spectacle invites you and
your loved one to go on a walk through the surrounding vineyards
and fruit plantations or to the Drakenstein Mountains National
Park. You will be captivated by the wealth of wild fruits, rare
birds, plants, baboon monkeys and mountain bocks. For sporty
honeymooners, this magnificent mountain scenery also offers
plenty of opportunity for hiking, mountain biking or riding.
The nearby surroundings are also a paradise for golfers - in
the vicinity of only 30 minutes, there are more than a dozen
spectacular courses.
The garden of the exclusive Country Guest House Palmiet Valley
Estate resembles a "Garden of Eden". Like Adam end Eve, you
can smell the Mediterranean scents and the lightness of the
wine in the air. "Never has the future appeared as bright,"
wrote already Alexandre Dumas, "…it is as if you are seeing
everything through a small glass of Chambertin." Chambertin
doesn't grow here, but instead, equally exquisite varieties
such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. At sunset we sit in the
rambling garden with a glass of wine in our hand and enjoy the
mystical spectacle of the glowing red sun setting over the imposing
towering Drakenstein Mountains. Paradise on earth!
The hotel's exquisite cuisine will also spoil you and can be
enjoyed in the historic dining room or in the shade of centuries-old
trees. The central point of the wonderfully furnished historic
dining room is formed by a huge mahogany table set with fine
crystal, gleaming silver and precious Ainsley porcelain which
is scattered with rose petals, which shimmer in shades of pastel
in the candlelight. Meals with Fred Uhlendorff are like experiencing
an artistic production - like a fascinating set, magical and
unreal at the same time. Accompanied by classical music, sophisticated,
yet simple menus using fresh ingredients with a touch of South
African spices are served - the unique 'Cape-Malay' cuisine
- simply delicious!
Breakfast the next morning is also perfect - in the shade of
the large picturesque oak in front of the manor house. Rose
petals decorate the white tablecloth, on which the rays of the
sun falling through the canopy of leaves draw patterns. Birds
twitter, the scent of countless flowers lies in the air. The
delicious home-made marmalade out of guava which are picked
from the estate's own plantation, pomegranates, grapes and freshly
pressed orange juice will delight all gourmets.
It is not only the highlights of this exceptional cuisine, but
also the great love of detail in the luxurious surroundings,
the special feeling of being guests on a wine-growing estate,
the peace and the personal service, which promise a relaxing
and unforgettable honeymoon in Palmiet Valley. |
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