Even locals don’t know about this hidden boutique hotel

Glamorous 5-star suites and fine dining in a 1920s manor

Last updated: Wednesday, 3 April 2024 

If the Mount Nelson had a younger sister, Palm House would be it. This charming 1920s manor house, tucked behind an unassuming gate in a quiet suburb, was restored into a 5-star boutique hotel. And you don’t have to stay here to experience Chef Gerard Van Staden’s transcendent fine dining, or lounge in the wellness oasis.  


Palm House is hidden away in the calm suburb of Wynberg. Image: Palm House Boutique Hotel

STAY IN A CHARMING 1920s MANOR  

The stately manor still resembles the old world architecture with columns and rounded turrets. The original wooden door beckons visitors inside, while a grand chandelier and sweeping staircase directs guests to the upstairs suites. 

New owners Max Jong and Shelagh Wood are the reason why visitors can still admire much of the original architecture: The previous owners tried to turn this magnificent property (which was designed by Sir Herbert Baker’s protégé) into a block of flats. 

Thanks to community outcry the property was declared a heritage site, and Jong and Wood opened Palm House, a five-star boutique hotel, in December 2023. 

One of the most charming aspects of this boutique hotel are all the round nooks. Image: Palm House Boutique Hotel

SO MANY PERKS OF STAYING BOUTIQUE 

Once in the suite, guests are served a flute of sparkling wine and canapés (like petite scones with sundried tomato pesto and sweet heirloom tomatoes, or salmon and cream cheese). 

The service is truly impeccable. Each suite has a fridge stocked with sparkling or still water (you’re asked which one you’d prefer before your arrival). Return to your room after a sophisticated dinner and you’ll find the room turned down, with your robe and slippers laid out. 

Eye-catching chandeliers are a feature of most suites. Image: Palm House Boutique Hotel

10 LUXE SUITES & 3 GARDEN COTTAGES  

Each suite is a charming blend of modern luxury and old world touches. Many still have the original wooden windows, which look onto the greenery of the surrounding mountains and trees. There’s a Nespresso machine in every suite and the bathrooms have sleek black and marble finishes. 

There are 10 suites (two of which are ultra-luxe honeymoon suites) and three garden cottages for group or family stays. Each suite is named after wine, like chardonnay and gamay, to pay homage to De Tafel’s extensive wine list. 

The garden cottages are more private and sit right by the heated pool. Image: Palm House Boutique Hotel

FINE DINING FROM GERARD VAN STADEN 

De Tafel, Palm House’s fine dining restaurant, is run by illustrious chef Gerard van Staden. He’s won three awards at the 8th Annual World Luxury Restaurant Awards and has spearheaded some of the most esteemed restaurants in the industry, like the renowned Urchin at Hyatt Regency Hotel. 

The menu changes every two weeks. Offerings in the past have been duck escabeche (a Filipino meat and pepper dish) with red curry tomato vinaigrette, and sesame-crusted Cape salmon with creamed leek and dill velouté. 

De Tafel is open to the public, not just hotel guests. 

Most of the menu is inspired by Asian fusion cuisine. Image: Palm House Boutique Hotel 

THERE’S OVER 30 WINES ON THE MENU 

The public has access to the La Carte restaurant, too. While still an elevated menu, it's more of an everyday dining experience. 

Favourites include smoked duck Asian salad (Asian greens, spicy sour lemon dressing and sweet soy foam) and butternut ravioli (with pickled butternut compote and cinnamon sugar shards). With over 30 wines on the menu, the sommelier will recommend a pairing for each dish you order. 

The wine list is full of curious, little-known labels that you wouldn't find at your liquor store. Image: Palm House Boutique Hotel 

TRY A 3-COURSE DUTCH BREAKFAST

Breakfast means a Dutch-style three course meal, with starters, hot breakfasts and dessert. A stand out has to be the Dutch Baby – a big, fluffy pancake filled with crème fraîche, berries and cinnamon dust. 

All of this is served in a sunny dining room with wooden floor-to-ceiling windows and floral curtains (the decor is inspired by neighbour Kirstenbosch Gardens). The magnificent outdoor area, which overlooks the estate’s namesake palm trees and babbling fountain, is ideal for a slow breakfast in the sun. 

Palm House is a scenic spot for a day visit. Image: Palm House Boutique Hotel 

VISIT THE SPA FOR THE DAY  

After a slow breakfast, the wellness oasis is a perfect treat. Palm House’s spa and pool is also open to visitors (there are half-day and full-day packages). The wide heated pool is incredibly tranquil, with soft tweeting of birds in the trees and quiet spa music. 

The wellness oasis has a range of unique treatments, with some using nano gold technology, heated poultice therapy, rose quartz crystal, Jade stone, CBD or bellabaci cups. And massages are one of the most popular offerings, along with the wood cabin-inspired sauna and jacuzzi. 

The pool is heated, but still refreshing. Image: Palm House Boutique Hotel 

Although there’s plenty to do nearby (the area is renowned for its wine farms, for starters), we wouldn’t be surprised if you ended up exploring here instead – there is so much to do on the sprawling estate of Palm House Boutique Hotel. 

The suites look over the Twelve Apostles and Table Mountain. Image: Palm House Boutique Hotel 

DISCOVER THIS LUXE HIDDEN GEM 

Find Palm House Boutique Hotel: 10 Oxford Street, Wynberg, Cape Town
Book: 021 745 5008 or info@palmhouse.co.za
Rate per night: From R2 950
Wellness oasis: Treatments from R600
La Carte: Mains from R230
De Tafel: 3-course, R750pp; 4-course, R850PP, 6-course, R1 200pp
Find more information: via the Palm House website

By Julia Rowley 

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This 19th century farmhouse is ideal for luxe group getaways. 

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