A stay at Palm House Boutique Hotel and Spa is one that will leave you feeling all kinds of wonderful. What I loved about the stay was how well we were looked after. I felt as though I was replenished from the inside out as we were nourished with some of the most incredible food, doted on by staff and engulfed by the spectacularly looking hotel.
First Impressions: Grandeur and Timeless Elegance
The hotel is grand and luxurious and oh so stately, it commands you to look upon it with eyes full of wonder. One cannot help but be transfixed and transported back in time. As you arrive, the hotel stands with the quiet confidence of a bygone era – this afterall is a 1920’s mansion. As you make your way up to the hotel, it is impossible not to pause and admire its prominent presence.
COLLABORATION PARTNER: Palm House Boutique Hotel and Spa, Wynberg – South Africa
DATE OF TRAVEL:
May 2026
OFFERING:
2 nights stay in a two bedroom garden suite, welcome drinks, x2 breakfasts and a 3 course dinner. Access to hotel amenities (spa, hot tub, sauna, pool).
As you enter through the grand doors it is like a scene emerging from Downtown Abbey or perhaps Bridgerton, this is a place where rituals like afternoon tea are sacred and where hospitality is elevated to an art form. The sitting room – acting as an interlude between the two restaurants – is a space so personal and comforting and will set the tone for your stay or restaurant experience.
A beautiful fireplace anchors the room, while quaint seating areas encourage guests to linger over conversation, a book or a pre-dinner drink at the beautiful bar. These spaces all let you know that this was once a former statesman home, now turned into a five star hotel.
Exploring the House
One of my favourite moments during our stay was simply wandering through the hotel and discovering its many hidden corners. I loved that the space made me feel like I was in a royal home – rooms in different wings and separate corridors. It is truly amicable to see this particular property in pristine condition where so much of the interior woodwork is original as well as various other components. There is something profoundly comforting about seeing craftsmanship endure through generations.
While the hotel has every modern comfort, the rich textures, intricate details and timeless finishes from the original building serve as reminders that some things truly are built to stand the test of time. I always wonder about what stories the walls in places like this hold.
I felt like at any moment I was going to be whisked away and dressed up in a grand evening gown in preparation for a magnificent royal event, one where they will announce you as you make your way down the staircase. Being in a place that allows you to think of a time that you have not experienced or been a part of, to me, is the meaning of travel. That is why Palm House is special, it can transport you to a different time.
Chef’s Kiss
We were treated to some of the most glorious meals during our time at Palm House. Fridays are known as steak night which I love, – there is something comforting about tradition. Steak night is special in its own right where select cuts and condiments are absolutely impeccable.
I would not be true to myself if I did not mention the burnt onion sauce which was absolutely worth every calorie! In fact, I would seriously travel far and wide for that sauce!
Food is truly celebrated and respected at Palm Hotel and is done so with provenance. It is an experience, one where you feel connected to each meal and tend to savour it. We were spoilt with an incredible 3 course dinner at Palm Terrace which was a true ode to food and cooking. The food not only filled our tummies with gladness but nourished us deeply. We were treated to some new and wonderful flavours, the lamb dish was an absolute knockout as well as the chicken. They are the types of meals you long for when missing home.
Breakfast was a special occurrence which started with a lovely high tea inspired introduction which is a fantastic way to start the morning while awaiting hot breakfast. Throughout our stay there was an underlying sense that nothing was too much trouble, creating an atmosphere where relaxation comes naturally.
This is a place where couples, families and friends can truly enjoy something special. Palm House is a place you would want to recommend to people as it has that “wow” factor, that something special that feels bespoke, secret, warm and inviting all at the same time. There is an undeniable sense of occasion about being here that you have to experience time after time.
My hubby and I cannot wait to visit, De Tafel, the other restaurant at Palm House, which looks like it can contend on a global level.
Thank you for a wonderful stay!
What we did on the weekend visit & other hotel mentions
During our weekend city escape, we ended up going to Newlands forest. We did the short circuit walk or perhaps hike is a better description, which was about 1.5hours long. We comfortably did this as a family and would love to go again soon!
We then headed to the V&A Waterfront which was a short drive and puttered around.
Taking a relaxed drive around Wynburg is also a lovely way to explore the surrounding area of the hotel. There are some lovely nearby things to do in the area which the staff at the hotel will happily guide you on.
Some noteworthy mentions of the hotel:
- There is a magnificent pool and outdoor area at the hotel which will make summers so very special.
- There is a first class Spa onsite.
- There is a hot tub and sauna that guests have access too (16 years of age and older only).
- The hotel is incredibly family friendly and our little boys were made to feel so welcome.
