LAURENCE GRAFF ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF THE LATEST GEM IN THE GRAFF DIAMONDS COLLECTION
The flawless new Delaire Graff Estate Hotel and Spa is set to sparkle as one of South Africa’s leading new boutique luxury travel destinations
Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands, South Africa, January 2010
Within the first few months of 2010, expect to discover the world’s most exceptional accommodation, art, design, food and wine in one of the most exceptional natural settings. Located on the crest of the dramatic Helshoogte Mountain Pass in the Stellenbosch wine lands countryside, just 45 minutes from Cape Town’s city centre, Delaire Graff Estate Hotel and Spa combines understated elegance with state-of-the-art design; a sense of provenance with modern sustainability; and abundant nature with all the creature comforts one would expect from a leading international luxury brand like Graff Diamonds.
A Legend in the Making
Laurence Graff, Chairman of Graff Diamonds International Ltd, acquired Delaire wine estate in 2003 with plans to develop it into a prestigious winery, hotel and restaurant. The estate’s unique location features high altitude vineyards with excellent sea breeze-cooled soil, and a striking backdrop formed by the Simonsberg Mountains, offering panoramic views over Stellenbosch and Cape Town beyond.
Authentic Indigenous Design and Sunshine-Inspired Cuisine…
In June 2009 the first phase of the new Delaire Graff Estate was completed – a 230 ton Wine Cellar and a unique Restaurant designed by local architect Derek Henstra and London-based interior architect David Collins. Here touches of indigenous Cape Dutch style architecture mingle with indigenous African styling, and nature-inspired elements feature throughout (think polished peach-pit flooring, an 80 metre dry-packed slate wall, Riempie, dark wood, indoor leiwater channels, leather, marble and glass). Artworks by South Africa’s top artists, both living and deceased singled out from Laurence Graff’s private art collection. Art works include the likes of William Kentridge, Lionel Smit, Sydney Kumalo and Deborah Bell live comfortably beside David Collin’s custom-designed furniture handmade by local craftspeople. Executive Chef Christiaan Campbell’s ‘approachable fine food’ nourishes the soul and delights the senses – especially when paired with winemaker Morne Vrey’s distinctive Delaire Wines.
The Luxury of Privacy, Naturally…
Continuing the theme set by the restaurant and wine cellar, architect Pierre Bories of France-based Palm Architects and his team conceptualised an architecture for the Hotel and Spa. Scale is determined by vineyards and trees, with structures nestling into the scenery, and simple contemporary forms and spacious volumes opening onto wooden decks, creating a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Each of the ten hotel suites is completely private, with curved hedges of Camellia and Coffee Jasmine providing natural seclusion.
The Hotel features:
- A 330 square metre Villa incorporating a Log Fireplace, two bedrooms and a private 37 square metre Heated Pool.
- A 275 square metre Villa incorporating two bedrooms a private 35 square metre pool.
- Eight 115 square metre Suites, each containing a private Heated Pool and a Butler’s Kitchen.
- The Hotel’s Reception Area features a private dining room, conference facilities and a boutique cinema.
- Special touches include custom-created, locally produced organic bathroom amenities and contemporary art singled out from Laurence Graff’s private art collection
- A full-service Spa open to both hotel and estate guests comprising of four treatment rooms, a sauna and steam-room state-of-the-art gymnasium.
Sustainability is more than just a concept, with special care being taken to minimise electrical consumption and save water; natural renewable materials like stone and wood feature throughout. Architect David Collins continues the indoor-outdoor theme with sumptuous colours and textures inspired by nature. The emphasis is on seclusion, and taking pleasure in simple things – silence, fresh seasonal food, discreet service, special people, romance and the environment.
Horticulture and Haute Culture
Local horticulturist Keith Kirsten, a multiple Gold medal finalist at the Chelsea Flower Show, designed and landscaped the estate gardens to soothe the senses and compliment the surrounding natural environment. Indigenous and naturalised exotic plants and flowers create a grounded, yet opulent setting. Milkwood, Yellowwood, Sneezewood, Wild Olive and African Coral Trees share the landscape with flowering shrubs like Hibiscus, Hydrangea, Rose and Frangipani which perfume the air with their heady scent. Specially commissioned sculptures by leading artists preside over the sprawling gardens and vineyards. A strikingly lifelike sandstone Anton Smit figure takes pride of place beside the winding driveway – with head thrown back and arms outstretched, he surrenders himself to the sheer magnificence of his surroundings…
For press assistance and comment contact
Delaire Graff Estate PR Manager Tanja von Arnim:
+27-21-885 8166 / tanja.vonarnim@delaire.co.za
Delaire Graff Estate / P O Box 3058 / Stellenbosch / 7602
For UK/US press assistance and comment contact
Graff Diamonds Head of Special Projects Josie Goodbody:
+44-20-7584-8571 / josie@graffdiamonds.com
Graff Diamonds International Limited / 28-29 Albemarle Street / London / S4JA
