A Winelands Retreat Designed for Mindful Living

Nestled among tranquil olive groves, with sweeping views of the Simonsberg mountains, the luxurious Olijvenkraal Winelands Lodge pays homage to the slow rhythm of farm life.

WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS

Defined by a philosophy of slow, conscious living, Olijvenkraal Winelands Lodge offers guests the rare luxury of a true escape. Created to be experienced with intention, the lodge brings together thoughtful interiors and the calm of the countryside to form a restorative and deeply personal Winelands retreat.

“The aesthetic reflects the rugged beauty of the Paarl and Franschhoek mountains,” says interior designer Lisa Bellamy, who carefully curated the retreat’s look and feel. “Every finish is a deliberate nod to the local environment. It is a study in ‘quiet luxury,’ where functionality meets an understated, festive spirit that celebrates the art of living well.”

The lodge features a communal entertainment area – The Clubhouse – with a bar, lounge and pool, and six private luxe suites, each spanning an ample 60 sqm and designed to cater for every comfort. Balancing intimacy with space, the suites include luxurious amenities, generous minibars, private patios with outdoor showers, and indoor lounge areas complete with attention-grabbing fireplaces. “The double-sided fireplace serves as a sophisticated focal point within each suite, providing a visual link between the bedroom and the lounge. The placement allows the warmth and glow of the fire to be enjoyed from both sides while maintaining an essential sense of privacy,” says Lisa.

Thoughtful design maximises indoor-outdoor flow, with large openings that frame views of the olive groves and wildlife – including free-roaming springbok, ducks and geese – just beyond. “We focused on verticality and versatility, using high-end materials to blur the lines between the interior and the natural deck environment,” explains Lisa. “Increasing the ceiling and glazing height was a critical move to maximise natural light and volume. By utilising bi-parting glazing systems, we achieved a space where the sash sections move independently. This allows for precise control over ventilation and gives the guest the option to have the space fully open to the deck or partially closed, depending on the weather.”

Every element of Olijvenkraal’s interior and exterior, from the material finishes to its colour palette, has been thoughtfully crafted to reflect the lodge’s immediate setting. To achieve visual harmony and ensure the lodge blends into the groves, Lisa selected a green exterior palette that allows it to sit harmoniously within its natural surroundings. “Throughout the lodge, we utilised the quiet hues of olive leaves to create a seamless connection with the environment,” she explains. “The use of timber furniture on the deck reinforces an earthy aesthetic and strengthens the connection to the surrounding landscape,” she adds.

The Clubhouse was designed with relaxation in mind. “The entertainment area needed to be a multi-functional, inviting space – accommodating summer parties with sliding glass doors, while remaining a cosy retreat for long winter days,” says Lisa. Its bar and lounge open onto generous outdoor spaces, with views that stretch across the estate. “To maintain the views, the bar was designed as a focal point that doesn’t obstruct the vista. For added flexibility, the curved sofa is on castors, allowing it to be easily moved for large gatherings. Additionally, shutters provide privacy for the outdoor braai and dining area without obscuring the view of the groves or the visiting wildlife.”

Wining and dining also form an integral part of the Olijvenkraal experience, where guests are invited to slow down and savour the flavours of the farm. At FYRE Restaurant, open-fire cooking takes centre stage, with seasonal menus complemented by curated on-site wine tastings. Rooted in a deep connection to the land, each culinary offering reflects the character of the Winelands, allowing guests to indulge in an immersive farm-to-table experience without ever needing to leave the estate.

“At Olijvenkraal Winelands Lodge, we created a space where the materials don’t simply decorate; they tell the story of the olives and the wine itself,” says Lisa. Between sweeping views, thoughtfully crafted interiors, and the slow rhythm of farm life, the lodge offers a retreat where guests can reconnect with the land and with themselves. | olijvenkraal.co.za

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