One cannot help but feel a sense of belonging at The Grand Roche. There are a few hotels in South Africa where guests find themselves returning to time and time again. The Oyster Box. The Drostdy. Perhaps it's the attentive staff, whose genuine hospitality goes beyond mere service, or maybe it's the intimate ambiance of the hotel, where every corner tells a story of history and heritage, creating a connection that resonates with each visitor.

This gem of a hotel offers something rare and precious – a place where luxury meets familiarity, and every visit feels like coming home. I sense it has to do with a grand parent’s love of gardening that takes one back to this sentimental notion. Or maybe it is even simpler, when walking in the gardens, we sense that this is what is important life. The roses, and smelling them. The sprinklers creating diamond droplets in the sky, the breeze in the trees. It brings back memories we have not yet made.

Recently a sensitive renovation of 18 of Terrace Suites has added to the style and comfort of the hotel. “In refreshing the Terrace Suites we wanted to update the interiors without losing any of the charm of a country hotel,” explains local entrepreneur Theresa Britz, who owns Grande Roche Hotel with her husband Hansie. “The idea was to use the original elements where we could, but bring in new textures and colour. We also wanted each space to be as versatile as possible, whether guests are relaxing with a book, working on their laptop or enjoying a quiet meal in the privacy of their suite.”

The dining experience has also been updated with the arrival of chef and hospitality connoisseur Christiaan Campbell.

A highly respected chef and restaurateur, Campbell has helmed the kitchens at some of the Cape’s most famous winelands destinations, before joining Grande Roche in late-2023. Since his arrival, he has spent his time subtly reinventing the menu and cementing a new culinary approach to both service and dining. Campbell is also present and approachable- he is there to answer any questions about the menu.

“What’s key is a sense of welcome,” says Campbell. “We want people to realise that the restaurant is not just for in-house guests. It’s a space that welcomes locals living in Paarl surrounds, and people exploring the Winelands. In both our menus and our style of service we want to establish Grande Roche, and the restaurant, as a place that feels like a ‘home-from-Home’ and welcomes everyone.”

There are two bar spaces in the hotel. One a fun and playful decorated space by the pool. The other has a more whisky bar feel. While the wine list boasts a handpicked selection of releases from leading local estates, it now also includes a rather special release that offers the perfect pairing for diners on the Grande Roche terrace. And believe me, the sky plays its part in creating the most incredible show of colours, oranges and pinks, to purple as you sip your wine as the sky finally turns navy.

Try their aptly named ‘Grande Dame’ is crafted from the micro-vineyards planted in front of the historic manor house. Replanted in 2019 with 60/40 parcels of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, the plantings define the blend of this limited-edition release. Crafted by winemaker Bertus Fourie – who also helms the cellar at Under Oaks – it’s a wine that celebrates the bold, fruit-forward character of the Paarl Winelands.