Located close to the forested slopes of Table Mountain, and just minutes from the vineyards of Constantia, Palm House has been a fixture in the historic suburb of Wynberg for decades.

With a recent change in ownership, the Palm House Boutique Hotel and Spa has been infused with a new sense of elegance and refinement, brimming with character and charm.

That new energy comes courtesy of Max Jong and Shelagh Wood, who became custodians of this historic gem in mid-2023.

When the pair took ownership of the property, they realised that although the ‘bones’ of this elegant home were solid, the hotel needed “a complete aesthetic overhaul,” explains Wood. “We placed enormous energy into curating a new look for Palm House to ensure the feel of the property, that almost indefinable character, was just right.”

While retaining key elements of the original house, the refurbishment entailed a floor-to-ceiling reboot that paid homage to the original home while infusing the hotel with a sense of elegant modernity.

“It was important for us to position Palm House as a real home-from-home for travellers,” adds Jong, a seasoned traveller with an innate understanding of luxury hospitality. “Whether you’re coming down from Johannesburg for meetings once a week, or jetting in from abroad for the summer, we created a space where people can step through the doors and immediately feel at home.”

That cross-over appeal for leisure and corporate travel extends to the selection of elegant guest rooms and suites, which are set both within the main house and within the spacious Palm House gardens.

The striking pillared entrance of the century-old main house, which is a national monument was designed by a protegé of Cape architect Sir Herbert Baker, features original pressed ceilings, hand-picked artworks, bespoke wallpapers, and richly furnished bedrooms, most with views across Table Mountain.

Palm House is a national monument and was designed by a protegé of Cape architect Sir Herbert Baker. Picture: Supplied.

Forest foraging and refined dining

At the helm of the kitchen is the respected executive chef Gregory Henderson, who brings decades of experience and a passion for sustainability to the dining experience.

Open to both local diners and resident guests, the hotel offers casual all-day dining at the Palm Terrace, and more creative culinary fare in the elegant dinner-only de Tafel room.

“People love choice,” explains Henderson. “So we have made sure that the menu allows diners the freedom and flexibility to dine and indulge as they see fit, whether they’re preparing for a busy day in the office, whiling away an afternoon on holiday or catching up with friends over fine food.”

Wellness in Wynberg

The hotel’s Açaí Spa is set just a few steps from the main house. The wellness treatments include a comprehensive selection of hand, foot, facial and body treatments.

The spa also features the unique Banya Sauna, a traditional barrel-shaped sauna of Nordic pine set in a quiet courtyard - ideal for relaxing before a treatment.

The spa features the unique Banya Sauna. Picture: Supplied.

IOL Travel