This, according to owner Annemarie Zevenbergen, is the success recipe that led to Allegria Guesthouse winning the prestigious 2008 AA Accommodation Award in the category Country-Style Retreat Small.

At the prize-giving at the Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom in Durban, the judges had the following to say about Allegria Guesthouse: “Beautifully located amidst rolling vineyards with spectacular views, Allegria is a spacious property that offers great privacy. Allegria means joy and pleasure, and that is exactly what guests experience at this stylish guesthouse.”

And the guests obviously agree as they are the ones who complete the entry forms which are later used to judge the different categories for this prestigious award.

But to ensure a true and fair reflection of what accommodation offers, the AA sends a mystery guest to each finalist to have the penultimate say. And then it’s left to the judging panel.

“The competition is obviously very stiff, especially in and around Stellenbosch, which makes the award a great reward for all our efforts,” adds Jan Zevenbergen.

“We are very hands-on and build a special relationship with all our guests. If asked, we can advise them about wine estates, restaurants and many other tourist attractions.”

Allegria (“joy of life”) is a luxurious, contemporary boutique four-star guesthouse situated in the very heart of the Cape winelands, only 6 km from Stellenbosch in the well-known Polkadraai Hills with its spectacular views of False Bay, and within 30 minutes’ drive from Cape Town and Cape Town International Airport.

It is within easy reach of both the N1 to Johannesburg and the N2 to Port Elizabeth.

Allegria Guesthouse is the perfect base from where to explore the Cape winelands, Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula, and even beyond.

It offers only 6 comfortable and luxurious guestrooms in three price ranges, all 6 named after well-known South African wild animals.

Comfort starts with Cheetah and Giraffe, with all the mod cons your require, including satellite tv, fridge and private patio.

Then you move on to Rhino and Zebra where comfort is given a new dimension, and finally Lion and Elephant await to introduce you to an opulent lifestyle you could very easily get used to.

In addition to these luxuriously comfortable bedrooms, Allegria’s guests are spoiled with a delicious and comprehensive breakfast. In season, guests are also treated to light evening meals.

The honesty bar contains a hand-picked selection of fine wines, all produced by excellent neighbouring estates such as De Toren, Reyneke, Amani & Zevenwacht wine estate.

Enjoying a glass or two of these superb wines next to the large swimming pool or in the regal lounge with its fireplace, library, satellite tv and internet connection puts the cherry on top of any day.

Allegria also offers telephone, fax, printing and copying facilities, while its modern and intimate boardroom can accommodate up to 12 people.

Book your stay, or read more about Allegria Guesthouse in Stellenbosch.

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