THE Cellars-Hohenort Hotel, in partnership with Glamtrails, has introduced an inspiring new guest activity that begins with an immersive, guided walking experience and concludes with a classic high tea treat at the hotel. Led by accredited mountain guide, author and Glamtrails’ owner, Tim Lundy, walkers will enjoy captivating scenery and stories of local history, and the fauna and flora of the region. They will experience Kirstenbosch’s famous scented garden, learn some of the history of the garden at Colonel Bird’s bath, and view rare and endangered cycads while enjoying panoramic views along the way. The excursion ends on a sweet note with The Cellars-Hohenort pulling out all the stops with a decadent high tea.
Situated in leafy Constantia, the five-star Cellars-Hohenort hotel is perfectly positioned with convenient access to the world-renowned botanical garden. The Glamtrails excursion begins with a complimentary transfer from the hotel to Kirstenbosch, from where Lundy will lead the way to the scented garden to share information about the wide range of fragrant plants used in everyday life.
The walk continues to a natural spring that was turned into a freshwater pool by Colonel Christopher Bird, the British Deputy Colonial Secretary, in the early 1800s. Winding down a gentle slope, the next stop is the Dell, which contains some of the plant life that existed during the time of dinosaurs. Go back in time and walk through the ancient plant species Cyclades, admiring some life-size dinosaur models, before continuing to the Protea and Erica gardens. From here, the path climbs up around the gardens towards the dam for some spectacular views before heading to Kirstenbosch’s Rycroft Gate and out of the gardens. The walk crosses Rhodes Drive and continues through the Secret Forest on the way to The Cellars-Hohenort, taking a detour for guests to view the magnificent, manicured gardens of the hotel.
The Glamtrails route covers 4km and should take around one hour and 30 minutes. Although it is not a strenuous walk, a basic fitness is required, along with comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen.
Once back at the hotel, the legendary Liz McGrath Collection hospitality awaits with a refreshing welcome drink, followed by a decadent four-course high tea, served against the backdrop of Table Mountain. Begin with the savoury selection that includes tea sandwiches, followed by a second course of caramelised onion tart, smoked salmon mousse cornets and goats’ cheesecake. Buttery scones are the next highlight, served with strawberry jam and Chantilly cream, before the grand finale of irresistibly decadent delicacies such as walnut carrot cake, key lime pie and mini-milk tarts, Included is a choice of 11 loose-leaf teas, as well as Lavazza coffee. Each tea blend is meticulously curated by master tea blender, Mingwei Tsai, who has also created a unique Cellars-Hohenort blend of Nigiro tea, incorporating the spicy fragrance and bronze/apricot colour of the Liz McGrath Rose.
The Cellars-Hohenort Glamtrails excursion is available by prior booking during November, December and January at a cost of R1285 per person. Children aged 12 and older are welcome at R915 per child.
