Constantia's elegant hideaway

This is a hotel that attracts old money because, unlike so many nearby properties that have spent lavishly on the new and sparkly, this hotel hasn't. It is an antidote to conspicuous consumption. In fact, if you'd rather remain incognito, you could hideout here for weeks without a soul knowing where to find you, set as it is, amongst the agapanthus and tall oak trees and verdant foliage.

With the prospect of a night in prison if caught driving drunk, I'm surprised that this hotel isn't fully booked every night with the foodies who come to eat at La Colombe, Uitsig and The River Café restaurants, all thankfully within close walking distance.

Cricket was the first reason for new activity at Uitsig and the restaurant initially designed to offer sustenance to the players. The accommodation also began in the same vein but soon became famed (as did the restaurant) far and wide and the cricketers made way for discerning customers.

Just like home - with a touch extra

Our cottage suite 16 was roomy and comfortable with an elegant cherry-wood round table to work or eat at and a casually comfortable sitting area. The design ethic is English and French country house but not in a pretentious way that so many country establishments like to emulate. We felt we were in a friend's home where we were welcome to kick off our shoes and slouch on the couch. Under floor heating makes this a particular pleasure.

There's a grand view of the mountains and a wonderful fireplace which meant rather than explore the farm or the rest of Constantia, we tended to curl up in the oversized armchairs in front of the crackling fire with a book, or watched TV or, most romantically, the colour of the mountain changing as the afternoon progressed.

This hotel is highly recommended for luxury getaways that won't require a second mortgage. Good news is that they've frozen their 2010 high season hotel room rates for the period October 2011 to April 2012 so you will find our suite from R3600 including breakfast at La Colombe for a good long while still.

Their 'Indulge Your Senses' package is on offer at R1100 per person, until 30th September 2010. Included is luxury accommodation for one night in a garden room, farm-style breakfast, a dinner voucher to the value of R200 per person, (redeemable at any of the restaurants on Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate and valid for the night of stay), and a choice of three spa treatments together with a spa gift.

Contact Constantia Uitsig Hotel on +27 (0) 21-794-6500, or go to www.constantia-uitsig.com; az.oc.gistiu@snoitavreser.