Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment to better meet the needs of the ‘new’ traveller. The refurbishment is taking place in three stages with the first phase now completed.
“Unsurprisingly, people are more excited about travelling now than ever before, but they are also becoming more selective about the types of experiences they want to have,” says Debbie-Lee Cockrell, GM Erinvale Estate Hotel and Spa.
“The focus is on personalised activities, as well as warm and welcoming hospitality. Of course, there’s also an emphasis on connectivity for those working remotely,” explains Debbie-Lee.
But top of mind for Debbie-Lee is a sensory experience that brings a smile and a “pause moment” at every touchpoint, providing Erinvale’s guests with what they value most: an authentic travel experience.
“From our eclectic collection of artworks to our textured finishes, beautiful furnishings and even our specially-created TheraVine room enhancers, every last detail has been designed with the guest experience in mind – and we love to surprise and delight with a few unexpected touches.”
Clinton Savage Interiors and Architecture was entrusted with bringing the team’s vision to life, and it’s been an exciting and collaborative project rolled out over three phases:
Phase 1: Revamping the Manor House, rooms, and restaurants
Clinton first worked his magic on the Manor House, which now boasts gorgeous dark blue and forest-green hues with bold colour accents and stunning décor, offset beautifully by the hotel’s quirky collection of artworks and collectibles.
Guests who visit the Manor House’s library, Stefan’s fine-dining restaurant or Magnolia Social Dining Lounge are in for a treat – with the new look feeling both effortlessly stylish and relaxed. “Clinton has a deft touch,” says Debbie-Lee. “He knows how to play with both the old and the new, the classic and the unconventional. The overall effect is at once immersive, luxurious and joyful.”
With the Manor House complete, the team turned their attention to the rooms, which are all boasting new pieces of art (many by local artist Kyle Rinquest), furnishings, fine linen, Art TVs, TheraVine amenities and all the modern comforts one could hope for.
Importantly, the hotel has invested in beautiful Sanders-Kauffmann bedding, which according to Debbie-Lee is the ultimate accessory.
“Sleep is so important when you consider that you are, in fact, offering visitors a bed for the night. We do everything we can to ensure our guests have the perfect night’s sleep,” says Debbie-Lee. “The rooms and suites all have a king-size bed complete with 600 thread count, sateen-weave linen for a soft, silk-like feel on the skin. This is understated luxury at its best!”
Clinton and his team paid special attention to lighting, colour schemes and tactile finishes. The different accommodation wings are all decorated in nudes and naturals – with different pops of colour, from taupe to tan and bronze to burnt orange.
In addition, Erinvale has created two more inter-leading rooms, ideal for families holidaying with children
“Our goal from the beginning was to create a gorgeous home-from-home in the Winelands. A space that guests want to return to again and again,” says Debbie-Lee.
Clinton agrees. “Everything pulls together to delight the senses from the moment a guest enters a room right through to the moment they leave – and beyond. It’s an experience that lingers.”
Phase 2: Bringing it back to the boardroom
The conference facilities at Erinvale are also being treated to improvements to better suit a new generation of ‘work from anywhere’ corporates.
“Our conference facility upgrades are well underway, with the finishing touches set to be in place by November 2022,” comments Debbie-Lee. “Clinton has given some design love to the conference room interiors, and we’ve invested in high-spec audio visual equipment to allow for seamless business engagement for both in-person and hybrid meetings. The meeting spaces will also boast an uninterrupted power supply to avoid any loadshedding-related interruptions,” she adds.
Phase 3: Revamping Lurra Spa
Of course, no refurbishments would be complete without splurging on a revamp for Erinvale’s onsite and ever-popular Lurra Spa. The spa offers a variety of indulgent treatments for guests looking to relax and recharge. “We’ve set our sights on giving Lurra Spa a makeover, starting in the second quarter of 2023, in response to the growing trend for personal wellness, which we believe is here to stay,” comments Debbie-Lee. “Our main goal is to create unforgettable experiences. If I had to use a few words to explain our vision for the future spa, they would be rejuvenation, luxury, and a wellness sanctuary.”
Anyone looking for a destination where their personal peace and enjoyment are the only things that matter should book a stay at Erinvale Estate Hotel and Spa.
“We like to think we have created the perfect destination for local holidaymakers, international travellers, families, remote workers – and anyone keen to experience the
magic of the Helderberg. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous weekend, a chance to explore, or simply a few days of peace and quiet, look no further than Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa,” says Debbie-Lee. “If you’ve been before, we look forward to welcoming you ‘home’, showcasing our beautiful enhancements and, of course, ensuring you enjoy a lovely stay where you can finally relax and reset your senses.”
