It is mainly the hidden and unknown treasures that give the best pleasure once it is discovered. These gems are usually spotted when one venture into travelling, locally or internationally. One of the gems that fit the criteria is the Majeka House and Spa. It lies, hidden in Paradyskloof, a charming suburb in Stellenbosch.
The Majeka House and Spa was initially a family home and self-effacing guesthouse that gradually transformed into the most promising boutique hotel in the Cape Winelands area. Karine Dequeker, the owner of the venue who manages the hotel alongside her husband, Lloyd van der Merwe, gives us a bit of background on the venue, “elegance and simplicity, the concept has always been to retain the feeling of Majeka as a home. Since opening in 2008 the property has grown with our clientele, and we now have a wonderful mix of international travellers and local guests.”
The Makaron Restaurant at the hotel aims at attracting pleasure seeking travellers with a passion for design. The entrance is graced by a Gregor Jenkin steel table with designer lighting by Porky Heffer. The lights enhance the remarkable table of steel and French oak by James Mudge, a prominent, distinctive craftsman.
Peter Goffe-Wood availed himself as the chef consultant to apply his professional curation skills. His approach includes tranquillity and exclusivity, working hand-in-hand with the head chef, Lucas Carstens, to incorporate seasonality and produce a locally-based menu of refined bistro-chic fare.
Dequeker advocates for the brand-new-face offering at Makaron stating that it is “Approachable, inventive and honest. It’s still refined cooking, but without too much fussing with ingredients.” Carstens adds on, “We try to keep the dishes interesting, and there will always be something special on the menu.”
The Restaurant provides the guests with the perfect reason to consume enchanting comfort food during autumn and winter. The showstopper is of course, the always-changing Sunday Roast lunch, which is served every Sunday. One week could see whole roast rib-eye served up in generous slices, the next a juicy roast chicken or a shoulder of lamb slow-cooked to excellence. Irrespective of what Carstens’ meal mood for that particular week is, the guest can sure look forward to family-packed meals served with the finest side dishes. Of course, Makaron offers options for vegetarians too.
Majeka truly is a gem and the hospitality is ranked five stars, led by Esmé Groenewald, who has curated a wine list celebrating the best of the Stellenbosch vineyards.
Majeka House & Spa is situated at 26-32 Houtkapper Street, Paradyskloof, Stellenbosch. Served daily, A ‘Makaron Lite’ Menu is available from 11:00 until 21:30 whilst Dinner is served from 18:30 until 21:00. For bookings call +27 21 880 1549 or e-mail reservations(at)majekahouse(dot)co(dot)za.
