The New Spier Hotel Unveils Exclusive-Use Villas

The addition of two exclusive-use villas with private heated pools and outdoor entertainment areas completes the Spier Hotel’s transformation. Tucked between wild Cape Gardens and the historic Eerste River, these elegantly appointed homes combine the luxury and space of a private residence with all the advantages of a hotel stay.

The three-bedroom Garden and Riverside villas feature bespoke interiors by Cape Town-based interior designer Jacques Erasmus, who took his cue from the owners' personal preference for private homes rather than hotel suites when they travel.

Erasmus followed a 'less is more' philosophy for the interiors, in keeping with the hotel's quietly luxurious, pared-back ambience. Contemporary handcrafted furniture, commissioned for each space, sits comfortably with antique finds, rustic wooden benches and stools, and heirloom pieces from the family's private collection. Vintage 1930s pressed glass light fittings, handwoven rugs, textured throws, tasselled cushions, books, ceramics, and potted plants add to the richly layered patina of an inviting home. 

Garden Villa is decorated in earthy tones of rust, taupe, caramel, and cream, with outdoor living spaces that have a lush, private courtyard feel. In contrast, Riverside Villa is named for its proximity to the river, its calm, green-hued palette inspired by the water, trees, and birdlife. 

"These are homes designed for travelers who value the luxury of complete privacy when exploring the world," comments Erasmus. "A villa provides flexibility – you're able to dictate every aspect of your stay."

Architect Paul Luck of Lightspace created generously proportioned spaces that flow seamlessly outdoors into walled gardens. These gardens form part of DDS Project's Danie Steenkamp's fynbos-rich rewilding project throughout the hotel gardens.  

Each villa comes with a dedicated service team, including a private chef, for the ultimate tailored service – ideal for longer stays, remote working, or celebrating special occasions such as family reunions or milestone birthdays. 

The ground floor of each home features an open-plan dining room, a lounge with fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, guest cloakroom, and an en-suite kin-sized bedroom. From the bedroom, lounge, and kitchen, French doors lead onto a deep verandah, the garden, and a heated pool, providing an authentic slice of South Africa's relaxed approach to living and outdoor entertaining. Garden Villa has a pergola-covered outdoor lounge with fireplace, dining area, and built-in barbecue, while Riverside Villa has an outdoor dining table and fire pit with mountain views.

In both villas, two en suite bedrooms are located upstairs – one with a king-sized bed and the other with twin beds. These rooms are interleading if required. All bedrooms have spacious bathrooms with deep free-standing tubs and walk-in showers, featuring cabochon flooring with decorative inlay patterns. "Something as utilitarian and simple as a bathroom floor can become a work of art," comments Erasmus. 

"The owners have a deep respect for handcrafted furniture and artisanal craftsmanship," remarks Erasmus. The human hand is evident in many of the bespoke details. Internal walls have rounded edges and are lime-washed, showing deliberate imperfections. A small metalwork studio produced decorative table legs hammered by hand, mirrors, and side tables. The pure linen curtains were naturally dyed and butter-washed for a lived-in look. From curtains to cushions, artisanal touches such as blanket stitching and cross-stitch were inspired by 300 years of Cape embroidery tradition. 

Artist Ingrid Bolton designed bespoke bed throws for all the bedrooms using an almost forgotten technique. Erasmus explains: "Sprigs of indigenous slangbos and wild olive, both grown on the farm, were arranged on cotton silk in a beautiful pattern. The fabric was then tightly rolled up and steamed so that the natural tannins in the plants transferred onto the fabric. For guests, it will feel like you're sleeping under the fabric of the garden!" 

Art is just as much a focal point in these homes as it is throughout the hotel. Erasmus worked closely with the owners and the Spier Arts Trust to curate artworks, choosing from an extensive contemporary collection that the family has assembled over many years. 

These private homes represent the evolution of the Enthoven family's understated, considered approach to country hospitality, closely connected to the land and the restorative, life-affirming benefits of being immersed in nature. Says Erasmus: "These are spaces that honor tradition while serving modern needs – homes that feel both timeless and immediate." 

About Spier:

Established in 1692, Spier is one of South Africa’s oldest and most celebrated family-owned working wine farms. Across all its areas of its involvement, from land to community, and art to entrepreneurship, the business employs a long-term, intentional, regenerative model. This connected, collaborative and systemic approach is part of Spier’s DNA.  

 The Spier label has become a symbol for top terroir-driven wines, and the winery produces multiple ranges of award-winning wines. Spier has twice been named South African Producer of the Year by the International Wine & Spirit Competition.  

Spier’s excellence in winemaking is matched by its love of growing and making good food. Most of what you’ll eat or buy on the farm is homegrown or sourced nearby.  

Art, like food and wine, is best when shared, which is why Spier is such an enthusiastic supporter of African artists and their creations. The Spier Art Collection, housed throughout the farm is one of the largest collections of contemporary South African art in the country.  

Pioneering environmental and social initiatives have added to Spier’s reputation for doing things differently. Spier’s Growing for Good initiatives, which aim to make a long-lasting positive impact empower communities to make positive social and environmental change.  

Spier is a WWF Conservation Champion and a member of the Wine Industry Ethical Trade Associations (WIETA). Spier is FSSC 22000 and organically certified and vegan-friendly. The Hotel is Fair Trade Tourism accredited. The business aims to reach a net zero-aligned carbon footprint by 2030. 

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