Virtuoso Best of the Best 2009 - (Page 22) ThE CELLARS-hOhEnORT hOTEL & SpA Constantia, South Africa Wine lovers rejoice in The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel & Spa. This magnificently restored estate is comprised of the cellars of the 18th-century Klaasenbosch winery and the Hohenort manor. Today’s guests find a haven of tranquility in the 53 elegant rooms and suites, worldrenowned gardens, full-service spa, swimming pools and Gary Player–designed putting and chipping green (great for a little skills brush-up before tackling the region’s championship courses). Wining and dining are, of course, a treat, whether you choose the traditional regional fare of The Cape Malay Restaurant or the offerings of the garden-view Greenhouse Restaurant. DISTAnCE FROM CApE TOWn AIRpORT (CpT): VIRTuOSO AMEnITy Bottle of red wine in room upon arrival and 50% off spa treatments. In ThE KnOW The hotel has bottled its own delicious dessert wine from grapes harvested in its vineyard by staff and guests, including actress Meg Ryan. 22 AF R ICA & M ID D LE E AST 13 mi/21 km SAMARA pRIVATE gAME RESERVE Eastern Cape, South Africa Pause and reflect on the circle of life at Samara Private Game Reserve, set on 70,000 acres in the malariafree Greater Karoo. Of particular interest is the highly endangered cheetah, to which your expert safari guide can introduce you – this area is home to more than 60 mammal species. After insight-filled days viewing vast herds of antelope, awesome vistas and discovering fossils and well preserved bushman paintings, return to your home base. Karoo Lodge, the colonial-style homestead with six suites or the exclusive Manor at Samara with four luxury rooms offering a private, romantic setting. DISTAnCE FROM pORT ELIzABETh AIRpORT (pLz): VIRTuOSO AMEnITy Bottle of South African champagne upon arrival, private balcony or suite dinner and mountain-top picnic. In ThE KnOW Join a “Thinking Safari” on which you’ll help track cheetah for research, plant a spekboom tree to offset your carbon footprint and much more. 50 minutes LE QuARTIER FRAnçAIS Franschhoek, South Africa The boutique-style Le Quartier Français is all about personal indulgences, recognizing that a vacation is perhaps the only time one can focus on the finer things in life. To this end, the hotel offers not only a prime wineland location – in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley – but also a selection of sumptuous suites, delectable cuisine, decléor spa services and even a private screening room. As for those lavish accommodations, book one of the Four Quarters Suites, all oversized and overlooking a central courtyard and the lap pool. Each suite has been thoughtfully decorated with local artwork and fabrics. DISTAnCE FROM CApE TOWn AIRpORT (CpT): VIRTuOSO AMEnITy VIP wine tasting at Môreson Vineyard with bottle of wine, Le Quartier Français corkscrew and John Platter South African Wine Guide. In ThE KnOW The morning sticky buns are so delectable, you can’t get enough – so grab a pack to nibble throughout the day. 46 mi/74 km
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