Located deep in the semi-rural Constantia valley, the hotel is on big grounds and has sprawling private residences as neighbors. It is extremely private and secluded. The original owner of the Relais & Chateaux-affiliated hotel, the late Liz McGrath, established the impressive nine acres of gardens that surround the hotel. From the tree-lined driveway, which curves past a tennis court and terraced rose garden, several white-washed Cape Dutch-era hotel buildings come into view, including the original manor house, stables and wine cellar. The gardens are a profusion of fragrance and color throughout the year.