Luxury holidays in Paarl

On the winelist of South Africa’s Western Cape, Paarl tends to get overlooked for the choice picks of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. But it has treasures aplenty to uncork – vaunted heritage vineyards, for one, startlingly beautiful scenery in the Paarl Mountain Range and Drakenstein Valley (adding scenic hikes to your to-do list), and growing gastronomic excellence. Take in Taal Monument, which celebrates Afrikaans becoming SA’s official language, frolic with alpacas, try wine pairings with a difference (nougat, panna cotta, biltong), and drink yourself giddy – you’ll get a taste for Paarl in no time.
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When to go

Summertime is from December to February, although if you’re not a fan of scorchio weather, avoid January, usually the warmest month.

Getting there

  • Planes

    The nearest airport is Cape Town, about an hour’s drive away.

  • Automobiles

    Part of Paarl’s charm is its wide-open spaces and get-away-from-it-all retreats, so a car will be very useful for exploring beyond your suite.