BloomEstate
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Hotel Details
Location
Swellendam
South Africa, Africa
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Key Highlights
- ✓The service at BloomEstate is a standout feature, largely driven by the exceptional hosts, Calvin and Cheré.
- ✓Exploration:** The location serves as an excellent base for exploring the Robertson Wine Valley, engaging in whale watching, visiting Cape Agulhas, or hiking in the Langeberg mountains.
Expert Review: BloomEstate
BloomEstate in Swellendam, South Africa, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives high praise for its tranquil atmosphere, contemporary design, and exceptional hospitality. Guests frequently describe it as a luxurious Zen-inspired retreat, offering a perfect blend of modern comfort and natural beauty.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus for BloomEstate is overwhelmingly positive, with guests often rating it as "Exceptional" or "Very Good." The sentiment is one of deep relaxation, appreciation for thoughtful details, and a feeling of being genuinely welcomed and at home. Many consider it a magical and luxurious stop along the Garden Route.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently laud several aspects of BloomEstate:
- Design & Ambiance: The fusion of state-of-the-art fittings and contemporary furnishings with a Zen minimalist aesthetic is a major draw. The property boasts four modern buildings set amidst neatly cut lawns, towering trees, and lavender beds, inspired by Cape Dutch architecture but with a distinctly modern twist. The leafy, lawned garden is frequently mentioned as a safe haven conducive to relaxation.
- Service & Hospitality: The personal and attentive service from the hosts, Calvin and Cheré, is a recurring highlight. Guests appreciate their warmth, helpfulness with planning activities, and the feeling of being instantly at home.
- Tranquility: The peaceful and quiet setting, tucked away behind high walls in a leafy suburb, provides a true sense of escape and relaxation.
- Amenities: The saltwater swimming pool, covered outdoor Jacuzzi (though currently not in use according to one source), and various sunbathing terraces are highly valued. There's also a separate guest lounge with an "honesty bar" and a treatment room for wellness and beauty services.
3. Room Quality
The 7 guest bedrooms at BloomEstate are described as cool, contemporary, chic, and exceptionally comfortable. Rooms are spacious, bright, and individually designed, often themed after seasons and elements with matching colors and unique wallpaper.
- Comfort: Guests praise the comfortable, extra-length king-size or twin beds, often featuring alpaca throws and high-quality percale linen.
- Design & Features: Expect sleek, modern furniture, including iconic pieces like Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona chairs and Eileen Gray's circular tables. Each room is well-equipped with amenities such as a Bluetooth speaker, Smart TV, and free Wi-Fi.
- Bathrooms: Bathrooms are large, functional, and stylish, featuring plain white mosaic tiles, underfloor heating, freestanding bowls, a bathtub, and a walk-in shower. Complimentary Karoo Lavender toiletries are provided.
- Outdoor Access: French doors in each room open onto a private patio beneath a stylish loggia, offering garden or mountain views.
4. Dining Experience
The dining experience at BloomEstate primarily revolves around its "high treat" breakfast.
- Breakfast: Served in the main house overlooking the subtropical garden, breakfast is consistently rated as excellent and delicious by guests. It features a different gourmet dish each day, beautifully presented, and includes freshly squeezed orange juice, South African, and European delicacies made from fresh local ingredients. Continental, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available.
- Lunches & Dinners: While BloomEstate does not offer a full dinner service, light lunches (such as seasonal salads, open sandwiches, or local cheeses) can be prepared by Cheré and served on the lounge terrace, by the pool, or on a bedroom terrace. Picnic hampers complete with maps and binoculars can also be arranged. For dinner, guests are encouraged to explore the numerous excellent restaurants within walking distance or a short drive in Swellendam, including La Sosta for Italian cuisine.
5. Service & Staff
The service at BloomEstate is a standout feature, largely driven by the exceptional hosts, Calvin and Cheré.
- Personalized Hospitality: Guests frequently highlight the personalized and attentive service, noting that the hosts are personally present to welcome them, offer recommendations for local restaurants and activities, and ensure every detail is considered.
- Helpful & Friendly: Reviewers consistently describe Calvin and Cheré as incredibly kind, friendly, and helpful.
- Attention to Detail: Small touches like a tea menu, sweet treats on pillows, and fresh lavender in bathrobes contribute to the feeling of being pampered and cared for.
6. Location & Accessibility
BloomEstate is ideally situated in a peaceful, leafy suburb of Swellendam, a charming town known for its Cape Dutch architecture and as a natural stopover on the Garden Route between Cape Town and Plettenberg Bay.
- Accessibility: Swellendam is about a 2-hour and 40-minute drive from Cape Town International Airport. The property is tucked away behind high walls, offering a serene environment.
- Nearby Attractions: It's a short 5-minute drive to attractions like the Drostdy Museum, Marloth Nature Reserve, and Bontebok National Park. Swellendam Golf Club is also nearby, approximately 3 km away. Many local restaurants are within walking distance or a short stroll.
- Exploration: The location serves as an excellent base for exploring the Robertson Wine Valley, engaging in whale watching, visiting Cape Agulhas, or hiking in the Langeberg mountains.
7. Value & Pricing
BloomEstate is considered excellent value, offering a high level of comfort for the price. While specific pricing can vary by season and room type, rates start from approximately $178 (GBP 103). The personalized service, luxurious setting, and quality amenities contribute to guests feeling that it is well worth the cost. Special offers, such as discounted rates for longer stays or packages including massages and national park entry, are sometimes available.
8. Common Complaints
While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points have been noted by guests:
- Limited Dinner Service: The absence of a full dinner restaurant on-site means guests need to venture out for evening meals, although there are several good options nearby.
- N2 Highway Noise: Some guests have reported hearing a faint rumble from the N2 coastal highway when sitting out in the garden.
- Terrace Seating: The terraces outside the rooms sometimes lack tables and chairs, though patios with benches are available.
- Unfenced Pool: For families with young children, the unfenced pool and absence of a dedicated kids' pool might be a consideration, although children are welcome and there's plenty of space in the gardens.
