THE ALPHEN in CAPE TOWN: Opulence and Glamour in Constantia Wine Valley

It offers the idyllic scenery of a winelands escape, but is just 20 minutes from the middle of Cape Town.

Set in an 11.5-acre landscaped garden with ancient oak trees, the multi-facetted Alphen Hotel (www.alphen.co.za, 00 27 21 795 6300) is a preserved 1753 Cape Dutch Manor House. A national monument dating to the late-17th century, it has hosted the likes of Mark Twain and Captain Cook, and its role in the Cape history is a colorful one. If these whitewashed walls could speak, they'd no doubt tell stories of the political intrigue and hedonistic parties for which the property was known.

Carefully restored and re-decorated by Cape Town's leading restaurateur, Paul Kovensky, today's guests enjoy contemporary plush interiors, exceptional facilities, unrivalled food & drink and the finest hospitality – all within the charming setting of a bygone era.

With fabulous interiors by renowned Cape Town designers Antoni Associates, the Alphen features 19 individually designed suites, as well as a deli, a fine-dining restaurant, a beautiful garden bar, a spa, a conference and business centre, and an outdoor pool. The goal was to provide both hotel guests and the local community with a venue for relaxing, socialising, dining, celebrating and conducting business.

Not your traditional five-star hotel, a modern and playful twist has been added to the décor and design while preserving the rich backdrop of history. Old and new aspects are juxtaposed to dramatic effect, and part of the décor is an extensive private collection of antique furniture and art, combined with specially commissioned oversized, contemporary new works. The result is an explosion of fun, glamour and surreal fantasy.

The opulent suites express a hedonistic luxury with a hint of tongue in cheek, and with all the trimmings expected of a five-star property: his and her bathrooms, rain showers, three-tier mini-bars, Lavazza pod coffee machines, multi-media entertainment systems, in-room business services, king-sized beds and private terraces, to name a few.

Though small in room numbers, the Alphen has a big presence - its restaurants and bars are already established as a hot-spot for well-heeled locals and Cape Town's elite. Food and beverage operations include:

la Belle Bistro & Bakery: a venue with deli and retail section, specialising in light meals, breads, patisseries and salads. Offers indoor and outdoor seating under ancient oak trees.

5 Rooms restaurant: provides a warm atmosphere for evening dining, with its dark, rich colours, heavy fabrics, dramatic décor and cosmopolitan cuisine.

The Rose Bar: a garden bar and terrace overlooking the extensive, re-designed, landscaped garden, with water features and pool.

Only 20 minutes from Cape Town International Airport and Cape Town city centre, The Alphen's wine-route location puts guests not only close to some of the Cape's most oldest wineries, but also close to some of the Cape Peninsula's best beaches–including trendy coastal enclaves such as Kalk Bay and Hout Bay.

For further information and special offers please visit www.alphen.co.za.