Nestled in the serene streets of Upper Wynberg, Palm House Boutique Hotel and Spa offers a peaceful retreat just a stone’s throw from Cape Town’s natural splendor, yet away from the city’s hectic pace. Positioned near the wooded slopes of Table Mountain and a short drive from the esteemed Constantia vineyards, Palm House has long been a staple of this historic neighborhood.

Originally a grand residence, it has been transformed into a charming boutique hotel filled with personality. Following a recent change in ownership, Palm House has undergone a revitalization, enhancing this distinguished suburban gem with the elegance and sophistication it merits.

That new energy comes courtesy of Max Jong and Shelagh Wood, who became custodians of this historic gem in mid-2023. Dutch-born Jong is a successful entrepreneur who divides his time between the Netherlands and Cape Town, while Wood is a proud Capetonian who operates several businesses within the complementary realms of wellness and hospitality.

When the pair took ownership of the property, they realised that although the ‘bones’ of this elegant home were solid, the hotel needed “a complete aesthetic overhaul,” explains Wood. “We placed enormous energy into curating a new look for Palm House to ensure the feel of the property, that almost indefinable character, was just right.”

While retaining key elements of the original house – note the wood-panelling around the lobby fireplace, the hand-crafted sweeping staircase and first floor landing – the refurbishment entailed a floor-to-ceiling reboot that paid homage to the original while infusing the hotel with a sense of elegant modernity. That meant new herringbone floors that echoed the originals, graceful chandeliers with a subtle sense of grandeur, bespoke wallpapers from a specialist décor atelier, and hand-picked artworks. The result? An aesthetic that brings both sensory delight and a sense of home comfort.

“It was important for us to position Palm House as a real home-from-home for travellers,” adds Jong, a seasoned traveller with an innate understanding of luxury hospitality. “Whether you’re coming down from Johannesburg for meetings once a week, or jetting in from abroad for the summer, we created a space where people can step through the doors and immediately feel at home.”

That cross-over appeal for leisure and corporate travel extends to the selection of elegant guest rooms and suites, which are set both within the main house and within the spacious Palm House gardens.

Decorated with a sense of approachable luxury, the collection of Garden Suites – available in one- to three-bedroom configurations – are ideal for multi-generational travellers and those looking for a sense of space and privacy. Each offers their own private lounge and sitting area, while private patios step directly onto the wide lawns that lead to the swimming pool terrace.

Stepping through the striking pillared entrance of the century-old main house – a proclaimed National Monument, designed by a protegé of Cape architect Sir Herbert Baker – the casual charm of the Garden Suites is replaced with a sense of contemporary opulence. Here original pressed ceilings blend effortlessly with hand-picked artworks, bespoke wallpapers and richly furnished bedrooms, most offering wonderful views across to Table Mountain. And if it’s views you’re after look no further than the Deluxe King Suite, which offers a spacious lounge and expansive private terrace overlooking the hotel gardens.