Returning to Stellenbosch after many years brought a wave of nostalgia. Once a student navigating life on a shoestring budget at the university, I now found myself a guest at the elegant Evergreen Manor & Spa. Built in 1904, it offers a friendly luxury and warm hospitality in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Evergreen Manor combines gracious living and old-world charm with every modern convenience. Its spacious guest rooms, individually decorated with fine period and antique furnishings, made my stay truly memorable. I particularly enjoyed the underfloor heating in the bathrooms and the gorgeous bath.
Despite living in Stellenbosch for years, I never knew you could explore the city on e-bikes. The Adventure Shop offers a guided bike tour of Stellenbosch, featuring two wine tastings along the route and ending at Lanzerac with a delectable charcuterie and cheese platter. I had high hopes to ride that day, but my first minute on the bike revealed I’d slow the group down. Instead, I took a walk down memory lane through the charming streets, meeting up with the cyclists at their wine stops.
Stellies, as it’s affectionately known, is wonderfully walkable, with plenty to see in the town centre. From art galleries and museums to historical buildings and the university, there’s always something to discover. The variety of restaurants and cafes adds to the vibrant atmosphere, making every stroll an adventure. One of those adventures included a visit to The Wine Glass, an unpretentious restaurant that serves wine exclusively from the region and has quite a unique offering in that they do wine tastings known as ‘flights’ where you can choose a varietal and taste 6 different wines. I did a rose flight and loved the Longridge Emily a Chardonnay| Pinot Noir blend. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I went back with a few friends a few days later.
A standout highlight of my visit was the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden. This mesmerizing space left me in awe with its blend of art, poetry, and horticulture. I highly recommend a guided tour for first-time visitors to fully appreciate the beauty and depth of the sculptures and landscape.
Returning to Stellenbosch and staying at Evergreen Manor & Spa was a delightful blend of nostalgia and new experiences. Although I didn’t get a chance to indulge this time, Evergreen Spa offers a range of wellness treatments, but alas I shall be back.
If you find yourself in this sleepy town, whether for a trip down memory lane or to create new memories, Evergreen Manor & Spa offers the perfect retreat in the Cape Winelands.
– By Bronwyn Abrahams
