Entry into Cape Lodge is down a gently curved private road through the estate vineyard. Once past the pretty rows of vines there’s natural forest to the left and a beautiful rose garden and pool to the right. You’ll park under cover, directly in front of reception.

You’re likely to be greeted by name as you walk in. This privately owned hotel has just 22 beautifully appointed rooms and one residence, plus a helicopter landing pad. You’ll be invited to enjoy tea, coffee and house-baked muffins in the lounge, a stately room a little further down the hall furnished with leather sofas and coffee tables adorned with daily newspapers, magazines and books.

Cape Lodge’s lakeside restaurant has been held in high esteem for many years. The focus is on exceptional and fresh regional produce prepared using French techniques. There are regular cooking masterclasses, long-table lunches and guest-chef dinners that welcome outside patrons as warmly as in-house guests. The restaurant is just one reason visiting celebrities choose Cape Lodge. Privacy is another.

You’ll park your car close to your spacious room, be it a garden room, garden deluxe or lake-view suite. The concierge will point out features such as drinking rainwater, underfloor bathroom heating, fluffy bathrobes, umbrellas and entertainment system instructions. The bathroom consumables are made with olive oil by local artisan producer Vasse Virgin and smell divine.

But it’s when you crawl into the big luxurious bed that you’ll start wishing your stay never ends.