That sinking feeling when you realize that midyear has arrived, and you have yet to book your winter getaway! Fear not lovelies, because I have you covered.
If you are looking for a soul-restoring escape that nurtures your body, mind, and soul, consider a Wellness Retreat Weekend at Brookdale Estate.
The five-star luxury Brookdale Estate Manor House is set in a lush valley in the Paarl Winelands. Surrounded by sprawling vineyards and majestic mountains, the European-inspired Villa redefines serenity and is a haven of privacy.
The Wellness Retreat allows you to be immersed in peace, finding inspiration and a real connection with the natural environment. My recent stay was a much-needed reminder that it is okay, and necessary, to slow down, breathe and just be.
Going with the flow is easy when your time at Brookdale includes oodles of pampering, self-care, time for rest and relaxation, along with culinary delights and creativity. This was my second stay at Brookdale, and I was eager to share Brookdale’s magic with my dear friend Bev.
The scenic drive from Cape Town only takes about one hour, yet you feel as if you have stepped into another world when you arrive at Brookdale. A place where time seems to stand still. The winding path from the entrance of the estate to the Manor House is simply breathtaking, with scenery that is downright swoon worthy!
Enchanted by the idyllic setting, one feels cocooned from the outside world. Welcome to your serene sanctuary, where the ever-gracious Brookdale team instantly make you feel at home with service that is both warm and attentive.
Six beautifully appointed guest suites ensure that the Wellness Retreat is an intimate affair. The Manor House at Brookdale deservedly won the Best of Wine Tourism Accommodation Award category for 2024, so a highly memorable and world-class stay is guaranteed. There is an incredibly good chance that you will have booked your return visit before you even depart!
Each Suite is unique and features a harmonious blend of modern touches with classic Cape Dutch architecture. The spacious Suite is the epitome of luxury, boasting an elegant and chic interior – your personal haven for the duration of your stay.
With beautiful vineyard and mountain views and a blissful bathroom, you may find it hard to leave this peaceful space at times. The Suite contains all the creature comforts you need. Personal favourites include the heavenly bed, the deep bath with fragrant artisanal Wild Olive bath products and plush bathrobe.
For those who wish to Netflix and chill, the smart TV that pops up at the end of the bed is a winner. The snack and beverage selection are out of this world, with a wide range of herbal teas and coffee pods, plus a high-end Smeg kettle and Nespresso machine. The range of award-winning Brookdale Wines and craft gin and vodka are also available to sip and savour.
The magnificent Manor House rightfully belongs in the pages of the finest interior design magazines. Elegantly considered in every detail, you will find inviting spaces that include lavish living rooms, a spacious dining room and a sunny breakfast room with a fireplace for chilly winter days.
The outdoor areas have multiple terraces that display dreamy views of the verdant wine valley and dramatic mountains, beckoning you to explore the estate. The beautifully manicured gardens, pool house and terrace centre around the shimmering swimming pool. There are stunning spaces to breathe in the fresh country air, sit back and relax. It is here that one can truly reconnect with nature, enjoying languid strolls amongst the vines. Relaxing with a glass of wine while taking in the gorgeous views is a very important part of your wellness weekend. 😉
So, what can you expect as you embark on your Wellness Retreat at Brookdale? There will be time to unwind, recharge and rejuvenate, taking you on a nurturing sensory journey that will leave an everlasting impression.
Relax mode begins with a 60-minute in-room spa treatment. Never underestimate the healing power of a heavenly massage. The spa therapist managed to work out all the tension and stress from my body, so much so that I was still floating on Cloud 9 at dinner time. What a perfect start to the weekend!
Brookdale is known as a world-class gourmet destination and thanks to the culinary genius of Executive Chef Gary Coetzee and his Sous Chef Jaylon, your tastebuds are in for a tantalizing treat. Sumptuous, healthy meals are included with all meals freshly prepared. Your weekend package includes a delicious daily breakfast, 3-course dinners, and a 2-course lunch.
Our 3-course dinner on Friday evening was so delicious, with perfect Grilled Venison Loin that still makes my mouth water when I think about it!
Start your day with a Continental selection and made to order options. But pace yourself because there is much to feast on. The dishes are so divine that you will want to try them all. Believe me, I tried!
Brookdale strives to utilize as much locally sourced seasonal produce with low food miles. Their herb and vegetable garden provides some of the produce used at the Manor House and The Bistro at Brookdale.
On Saturday morning, we joined Executive Chef Gary Coetzee in the Manor House kitchen for a fun and interactive Cook-Along experience. Here he shared some tricks of the trade while creating heavenly dishes for the 2-course lunch. Gary and his Sous Chef Jaylon whipped up delicious dishes while cracking jokes and sharing anecdotes.
After indulging in a very enjoyable lunch, unleash your inner artist during a Paint and Sip session led by a professional artist. I have no issue with the sip part (ha!), but painting is not really my thing. My artistic “talent” extends to drawing stickmen and that is it, so I had my doubts about this activity.
Glorious weather continued throughout the weekend, so we sat outside on a large terrace, tasting the popular Mason Road wine range while painting a beautiful vineyard and mountain scene. With the assistance of Tashai Simons from Paint & Sip and her partner-in-paint, Natasha, I managed to create something that resembled Tashai’s painting.
Not Van Gogh by a long shot, but the afternoon was great fun and proved that one is never too old to learn something new. Tashai and Natasha were a hoot and had us in stitches in between sipping and painting. Make sure to bring your masterpiece home with you!
Dinner that evening was another mouthwatering 3-course feast filled with incredible flavours, colours and textures, complemented by sublime Brookdale wines.
All good things must end, but not before you experience a meditative Kundalini yoga class. Our yoga instructor, Patwant, took us through a 90-minute session to help balance mind, body, and soul. Enhanced by sound healing which assists in releasing blocks, stimulating circulation, and reducing tension, my first introduction to Kundalini yoga was a cathartic experience. I highly recommend it.
Feeling refreshed and invigorated after our yoga session and breakfast, Bev and I took a leisurely stroll through the vineyards to The Bistro and Brookdale’s wine cellar. I have yet to dine at The Bistro and cannot wait to return to Brookdale for this very reason.
The Wellness Retreat was all about appreciating each moment, allowing for a much-needed respite from the daily grind. A rejuvenating, mindful journey where you get to live each day at a more gentle pace, daydream, be inspired and bask in the healing power of nature.
The thoughtfully curated activities captivated all the senses, allowing us to immerse ourselves in tranquility, unparalleled views, and spectacular surroundings. The relaxed ambience was convivial with elements of fun that made for a truly exceptional experience at this blissful country estate in the Paarl winelands.
Now it is your turn to take a well-deserved break! Brookdale Estate is hosting the next Wellness Retreat from Friday, 9th to Sunday, 11th August 2024. It is the perfect place to celebrate National Women’s Day on 9 August. Grab your bestie or special someone and treat yourself to a weekend of wellness and pure bliss at the exquisite Manor House.
Forget about ordinary. Embrace the extraordinary at Brookdale Estate for the ultimate experience of rest and rejuvenation. If you cannot wait until August, book your luxury stay now and enjoy the finest in hospitality, sublime food and wine and tranquil serenity.
Wellness Retreat Price: R 9 950 pp per room sharing. Includes meals as specified and non-alcoholic beverages. Excludes alcoholic beverages and gratuities.
Website: www.brookdale-estate.com
Email: reservations@brookdale-estate.com
Mobile: 087 057 4508
Until the next adventure!
Yours in Luxury Travel, Food, Wine & Wellness
Nadine xoxo
Disclaimer: FIVESTAR PR invited me to review the Wellness Weekend Retreat at Brookdale Estate. All views are my own and based on firsthand experiences. A big thank you to Yvonne and Gary Coetzee for your genuine warmth and exceptional hospitality. You and your amazing team made us feel so welcome.
