Raven Smith

Spier

  • Where:
  • Why:A wedding.
  • When:January 2015
  • Who:Me and international man of mystery Richard Danks.
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Spier A cactus marks the entrance to the spa.

A cactus marks the entrance to the spa.

Spier A very large vase just because.

A very large vase just because.

Spier An electrical heater in Africa is a must.

An electrical heater in Africa is a must.

Spier Emotional baggage.

Emotional baggage.

Spier Lunch is (nearly) served. I throughly recommend the ostrich.

Lunch is (nearly) served. I throughly recommend the ostrich.

Spier The Eerste Rive at Spier.

The Eerste Rive at Spier.

Spier Bridge over the Eerste River. Well worth a dusk-time  walk.

Bridge over the Eerste River. Well worth a dusk-time walk.

Spier Driving Miss Daisy.

Driving Miss Daisy.

Spier Winter-break essentials. Sun, sea and sniffles.

Winter-break essentials. Sun, sea and sniffles.

Spier An Escher style carpet. A spinout after several wines.

An Escher style carpet. A spinout after several wines.

Spier Pool-side cushions. We wanted to steal them but had to make room for all the wine in the suitcases too.

Pool-side cushions. We wanted to steal them but had to make room for all the wine in the suitcases too.

Spier Lost in the prickly pear maze.

Lost in the prickly pear maze.

Spier The stunning gardens of Spier, near the Eight restaurant. Very pleasant flower stench.

The stunning gardens of Spier, near the Eight restaurant. Very pleasant flower stench.

Spier Why did the giant inflatable chicken cross the road?

Why did the giant inflatable chicken cross the road?

Spier Sea pools in Hermaus. Ultimate semi-natural swim.

Sea pools in Hermaus. Ultimate semi-natural swim.

Spier You're never fully dressed without a smile (or shoes).

You're never fully dressed without a smile (or shoes).

Spier Sunday lunch in Stellenbosch. My mouth had an orgasm.

Sunday lunch in Stellenbosch. My mouth had an orgasm.

Spier The Spier.

The Spier.

Highs & Lows

  • The service was beyond friendly. The staff were amazing.

  • The Eight restaurant and menu were amazing. Service there was brilliant too.

  • The breakfast was epic. A veritable feast.

  • The abundance of wine.

  • We tried to book into the spa but couldn’t get a booking. Booking system was unclear.

The Barometer

  • Design

  • Website

  • Environmental Consciousness

  • Night's Sleep

  • Service

  • Amenities

  • Takeable Treats

  • Refer a Friend

  • Overall Value

  • Life Changing

Total: 40/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    Village-style luxury.

  • Vibe

    Luxury meets family life.

  • Location

    Minutes from the heart of wineland.

  • Rooms

    153

  • Music

    Ambient, nothing noticeable.

  • Year Opened

    The hotel opened in 2000 and underwent renovations in 2009.

  • Designed By

    The buildings that make up the Spier Hotel date back to 1683, with many of the original architectural features still intact.

  • Health & Wellness

    Yes pool, yes gym.

  • Restaurant

    Yes, two.

  • Bar

    Yes.

  • Minibar

    Nothing in the fridge.

  • Children

    Yes, yes, yes. This place is primed for families.

  • Price

    Mid-range luxury.

  • Website

    Visit website

Lunch at local farm Babylonstoren

Lunch at local farm Babylonstoren

R45, Simondium, 7670, South Africa

Chapman's Peak drive

Chapman's Peak drive

Chapmans Peak Drive, Cape Town, South Africa

Kloof Street House back in Cape Town

Kloof Street House back in Cape Town

30 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa

Spier

Spier

R310 Baden Powell Rd, Stellenbosch, 7603, South Africa

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