Review: Moya’s Vineyard, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Western Cape, South Africa

Approaching from Hermanus on the famed Hemel-en-Aarde Street, the discreet little signpost to Moya’s Vineyard entrance belies the majestic scene on the finish of the driveway. Sheltered from the winds by established lanes of conifers, the farmstead confidently nestles above the valley ground, claiming its atmosphere with wise fashion and regarded rural class.

The welcome

Modelled after the basic Mediterranean nation manor and framed by the Babilonstoring Mountains as a backdrop, we have been immediately transported to a close to Felliniesque dream of Tuscany. The 2-storey home, with its adjoining barn, is about on a terraced lawn-scape with naturalist gardens, gifting their heady fragrance of rose and herb to arriving company.  

On the entrance door, the property supervisor Nikki beamed a heartfelt welcome, ushering us in direction of some ready refreshments – iced tea and home-baked bread nonetheless steaming below their linen blankets. The treats needed to wait, although, as we took the time to soak up the scene earlier than us, changing into acquainted with our residence for the following few days. 

The rooms

My go to to Moya’s Winery was deliberate with a gaggle of shut South African mates to share a weekend of connection and tribe-building. As such, this farmhouse was the perfect lodging – in a position to host 20 in a single day company in consolation, conserving social gatherings and leisure in thoughts.  

The sleeping quarters at Moya’s Winery present consolation, restfulness, and handy class. All the prime ground of the primary manor is devoted to 2 spacious king suites – every with room for a cot-bed if required, whereas ensuite loos with massive pedestal tubs and intimate views of the valley and backyard provide cleaning for thoughts, physique, and soul.

The Barn, named for its partial use as an precise farm workspace, is essentially devoted to 1 king suite, a kitchen, and dwelling house on the bottom ground. Two charming corridor rooms are set within the loft above – every with 4 single beds that could possibly be organized into doubles – barely extra sensible however beneficiant in hospitality, serving as a retreat for adults or an escape for kids.  

All of the rooms are appointed with each needed vainness and luxury. The linens are luxurious. The textiles are richly tactile, and the decor is organically toned. The flooring is carpeted, and the massive home windows are draped with sufficient weight to permit for a sleep-in regardless of the morning solar, if one so needs.

The lavatory

Whereas a lot is to be mentioned concerning the varied loos, in some circumstances an image paints a thousand phrases, and on this case I’ll merely depart you with the picture of the Victorian-claw bathtub in the master bedroom.

The situation

“Heaven on Earth” is the direct translation of Hemel-en-Aarde, and it rings true in each sense. Only a 90-minute drive from Cape Town (with an compulsory pitstop at Peregrine Farm stall), the valley is most famous for its award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Moya’s Winery is completely located as a base for exploration within the valley. Whereas in-house actions corresponding to winery walks, boules, picnics, and sundowner bars can all be organized by hospitality supervisor Nikki and her workforce, outbound excursions to the encompassing space for wine tastings, horse using, mountain biking, whale watching, household seaside days, golf, or tennis will also be coordinated with varied locations. If you don’t plan to dine on the home, the number of extremely rated eating places within the valley will cater to the refined tastes of any gourmand—you may be spoiled for alternative.

Lazy road-tripping alongside the Hemel-en-Aarde Street is a “must-do exercise” in itself. Along with sampling the numerous world-class choices from cellars alongside the route, the totally spectacular pure magnificence revealed behind every bend and climb will compel you to make frequent stops to step out of your automobile, onto the earth, and soak within the heavenly surroundings.

The services

Set inside a 45-hectare non-public wine farm, Moya’s Winery provides quite a lot of areas and actions for company to get pleasure from. With spectacular views throughout the valley and the towering oceanscape of Hangklip within the distance, the wrap-around veranda invitations you to lounge within the solar, savour a drink, or set the desk outdoors for alfresco eating like by no means earlier than. Broad-open manicured lawns present ample house to play and tumble.

The huge fireside within the commons room provides heat to the spacious space for lounging and stress-free earlier than dinner, whereas the 20-seater eating room desk invitations conversations and laughter lengthy after dessert has been served. A quiet research set aside from the dwelling space will also be used to video name family members or make amends for work emails (if you happen to actually can).

Different good touches

Though full catering or a non-public chef service is offered, those that get pleasure from internet hosting will fall in love with the kitchen corridor at Moya’s Winery. Geared up with each trendy comfort conceivable and impressed by the “provençal classique” fashion, the kitchen is a dream come true for any foodie. This house usually turns into the focus for impromptu gatherings whereas the meals is being ready. Spices and seasonings are abundantly offered, however do discover the grounds, the place a well-established vegetable backyard provides quite a lot of contemporary herbs and desk greens to ignite your culinary creativity.

The farm preserves sufficient pure habitat for small fauna to thrive. Frogsong fills the air with a pleasant refrain every night. A Cape duiker dashed by means of the olive grove early one morning, shifting with the grace of a gymnast. In case you are a birdwatcher, you’re in luck: the farmstead’s gardens entice many feathered mates to tick off in your checklist. Cape sunbirds jostle for house with bees on the sweet-smelling Silvias, planted proper subsequent to the veranda. Robins and thrushes seem briefly for a fast greeting earlier than zooming off once more. Cape kestrels circle the vines and orchids, attempting to find their prey from above. After nightfall, a younger Cape eagle owl even entertained us with its comical hops whereas attempting to find worms or lizards on the garden.

The associated fee

Charges are seasonally dependent, beginning at R20000 per night time (sleeping as much as 20 individuals), residential butler, housekeeper and host, welcome snacks home staples and ammeneites.

One of the best bit

The property can be residence to 2 mountain dams, every adorned with lotus and bulrush, providing the younger and adventurous an opportunity to take a refreshing dip or paddle when the solar beckons them. Each dams additionally make for the right setting for picnics, which the workers can simply organize and arrange for you.

The ultimate verdict

Sure, Moya’s Winery is visually placing—timeless design, luxurious, and comfort are completely balanced inside its atmosphere. Sure, the hospitality expertise is outstanding—nearly any request will be fulfilled by Nikki and her workforce. Sure, the encompassing space probably ranks among the many most breathtaking in its views and experiences throughout Africa—it actually looks like Heaven on Earth. Sure, company have the pliability to decide on the best way to expertise their keep—whether or not totally self-catered or indulging in full pampering, after which some…

All that is certainly true, however what Moya’s Winery offers is a protected house, an nearly dream-like bubble the place family and friends can collect for connection and high quality time. It fosters bonding unobtrusively, with real consideration to element and utmost care: the strong basis for togetherness. 

Disclosure: Our keep was sponsored by Moya’s Vineyard.