Eight years ago, an extensive renovation and development project began at a wine estate situated amongst the rolling Bottelary Hills in the magnificent Cape Winelands region. The vision for this family-owned estate was to create a South African destination for all journeys. Beginning with a simple wine-tasting lounge, Hazendal Wine Estate began to slowly add carefully curated experiences to its in-house offering. A state-of-the-art children’s edutainment centre was built, and an 18-hole golf course, an upscale conference centre, and a variety of high-end eateries opened their doors. A vintage car collection went on display, a gallery supporting local artists launched, and function venues nestled amongst the estate’s water features and landscaped gardens were built to accommodate the growing requests for weddings.
Finally, in October 2023, in a culmination of these exceptional developments, Hazendal Wine Estate opened an opulent new boutique hotel. Seamlessly blending modern design elements with historic Cape Dutch architecture, The Hazendal offers guests a lavish overnight base from where they can experience the myriad of estate offerings and explore the Stellenbosch Wine Region.
Through all this visionary development, what stands out for Travel Essence Magazine is the estate’s long-term commitment to conservation and community. The owners have made extraordinary efforts, in their private capacities, to partner hospitality developments with sustainable initiatives.
Sustainability at Hazendal Wine Estate
One of the most impressive developments on Hazendal Wine Estate is its sustainable water project. Cognisant of Africa’s scarcity of fresh water, Hazendal’s owners have built a state-of-the-art filtration system. Water is sourced from the farm’s own reservoirs and five boreholes and is purified for use on the farm. Wastewater on the estate is then treated, purified, and recycled as irrigation water.
According to Hazendal Estate’s General Manager, Carly de Jong, Hazendal’s long-term goal is to be completely self-sufficient for their electricity requirements. The estate is well on its way to achieving this goal following the installation of a solar farm made up of around 748 panels. Every new development on the estate is designed with this in mind. The Hazendal’s roof, for example, has been built to maximise efficiency for the installation of further solar photovoltaic panels. Hazendal is also doing its bit to encourage the use of hybrid cars. Estate visitors can charge their batteries at dedicated electric vehicle charge points located alongside the estate’s Classic Car Pavilion.
“Recycling has also been carefully included in our development plans. We have a purpose-built refuse centre which ensures that all solid waste from the estate is separated, sorted, and processed for recycling,” says de Jong.
A sizeable Harvest Garden supplies fresh vegetables and herbs at the eateries and restaurants located on the estate and visitors are encouraged to sample the award-winning wines that are produced on the farm. Hazendal also encourages and assists their staff to undertake personal journeys towards self-sufficiency. This is evident from the vegetable gardens grown by resident staff on allocated estate land.
“Where produce cannot be grown onsite, we employ a policy that supports local suppliers that are less than 50km from the estate. This reduces the carbon emissions created in the transportation of produce,” adds De Jong.
All food packaging on the estate, from paper bags to coffee cups, is 100% biodegradable. Single-use plastics are avoided, and straws are made from biodegradable cornstarch. All packaging is manufactured in Cape Town to keep transportation emissions to a minimum.
Community Development
Hazendal’s team is very passionate about childhood development. Children that live in the staff village on the estate can attend Hazendal’s pre-school. There is also an on-site sports training programme and a homework assistance and life skills training centre available to school-going children living on the estate.
“We regularly welcome school groups from underprivileged areas to the Wonderdal Edutainment Centre. We also have a Wonderbox outreach project where boxes, each valued at approximately R10 000, filled with books, toys and educational resources are distributed to aftercare centres around the Winelands,” explains de Jong.
What to expect at The Hazendal
Guests staying at The Hazendal can relax in comfort with the knowledge that the estate has made every effort to minimize its carbon emissions.
31 individually appointed Superior and Luxury Rooms decorated with original South African artworks have been stocked with every modern comfort and convenience. Each suite boasts its own private patio and swing chair overlooking either the hotel’s stylish central courtyard or the majestic Stellenbosch mountains. Two spacious suites boast private jacuzzis. The hotel’s 122 square metre Presidential Suite has been opulently furnished with plush couches, velvet upholstered chairs, vintage-style carpets, and gleaming contemporary chandeliers to enhance its grandeur. This suite’s private deck overlooks a lake and is furnished with its own patio lounge suite and private jacuzzi.
A brand-new spa located at The Hazendal opened its doors last month. This serene space is decorated with textured fabrics and neutral colours. The Spa has integrated historical farm buildings with modern extensions of high set glass windows and double volume ceilings. Indulge in pampering treatments including massages, facials, and detox treatments. There is also a fully equipped nail studio, a Hammam area, and a lakeside treatment pod.
The Restaurant, under the direction of the estate’s Executive Chef Michelle Theron, is located next to The Hazendal’s courtyard. This new establishment will complement the food and beverage offerings already available on the estate with a refined menu served beneath the shimmering chandeliers in this beautiful dining area.
An adjacent bar where one can enjoy Hazendal’s fine wines, the estate’s own range of vodka and its signature cocktails overlooks the golf course and surrounding mountains. An exclusive cigar lounge furnished with leather couches and botanical-style wallpaper offers another inviting area for guests to relax in. Families will also enjoy the hotel’s screen room where families can enjoy movie nights together.
To learn more about The Hazendal and book your stay visit:
