A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of being invited to Grande Roche Hotel in Paarl for a one night stay at the hotel and dinner at their restaurant headed by chef Kevin Grobler. 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Grande Roche Hotel. This is a remarkable milestone for owners Hansie and Theresa Britz – Paarl residents who bought the property in 2019 just before two turbulent years of the Covid-19 pandemic – who are thrilled to once again welcome guests and locals to a re-energised Grande Roche Hotel.
The expansive hotel is set amidst a breathtaking backdrop of the iconic Paarl mountains, bright green vineyards and a charming country-feel of fresh Boland air and tranquility. The thatched roof suites are comfortably laid out within sculptured lawns and walkways. I stayed in one of the garden suites that features a living area, bathroom with shower and bath, and generous bedroom with king size bed.
After taking a stroll on the grounds, I took a dip in the invitingly azure pool and sipped on a crisp gin and tonic. Later I made my way to the restaurant for a multi-course wine paired dinner by chef Kevin Grobler – previously head chef at JAN Restaurant in Nice and Delaire Graff Restaurant in Stellenbosch. Kevin’s food approach is holistic – he values his choice of local producers as much as staying seasonal, and finds inspiration in being sustainable with a zero waste policy. You can see Kevin’s ethos reflected in his menu, where many of the ingredients are used from top to tail. Find more information about chef Kevin’s menus here.
Take a look at my experience in pictures below.
Staying at the Grande Roche left an air of tranquility around me – it offers privacy, serenity, quietude, pristine surrounds and impeccable service. The food is a true reflection of sustainability in the kitchen, along with local flavours, restrained simplicity and a celebration of the reigning season.
Thank you Kevin Grobler and the team at Grande Roche Hotel & Restaurant for a splendid experience – this destination is the true pearl in the crown of the Boland.
To celebrate the hotel’s 30th anniversary Grande Roche is offering two fantastic accommodation packages for guests to experience all that the hotel has to offer.
Grande Roche 30th Anniversary Package #1:
One night’s accommodation for two guests in a Terrace Suite [breakfast included]
Sunset canapés and signature cocktail of the day
A four-course gourmet dinner experience at the Restaurant at Grande Roche
A bottle of selected Under Oaks estate wine to be enjoyed with dinner
Priced at R5 450.00, based on 2 persons sharing
Grande Roche 30th Anniversary Package #2:
One night’s accommodation for two guests in a Terrace Suite [breakfast included]
Sunset canapés and signature cocktail of the day
A 4-course gourmet dinner experience at Grande Roche Restaurant
A bottle of selected Under Oaks estate wine to be enjoyed with dinner
A 60-minute couples’ massage
Priced at R6 950.00, based on 2 persons sharing
Both packages may be extended upon request, with additional nights booked at a cost of R3 850.00 per night, including accommodation and breakfast.
Valid from 1 March 2023 – 30 June 2023 and subject to availabilitity. Terms and conditions apply.
Contact the Grande Roche here.
