The Arabella Golf Club lies on the south-western coast of South Africa, 90 kilometers from Cape Town International Airport. Located on the R44, in Kleinmond (between Cape Town and Hermanus), Arabella is a destination that caters to all tastes, offering a coastal country estate and a relaxing haven known for its golf course and award-winning spa.
The Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa offers modern rooms with private balconies and a range of amenities including 2 outdoor pools, a spa, and a golf course. Guests praise the resort for its beautiful views, well-maintained golf course, and attentive staff. Overlooking the Bot River Lagoon and within easy reach of the coastal towns of Hermanus and Pringle Bay, yet just a 90 minute drive from Cape Town airport, Arabella Hotel Golf & Spa is well placed to say the least.
During my trip to Cape Town, South Africa, I had the opportunity to experience some top-quality golf courses, including Arabella. The experience was incredible, to say the least.
Here's a detailed review of what you can expect from this prestigious golf estate.
The Course Design and Layout
Peter Matkovich, who designed the Arabella Golf course, ensured that the 18 holes encompass the Mountain backdrops, lagoon frontage and forests on the estate near Kleinmond. Since opening in December 1999, the course has received rave reviews from a wide cross-section of media, professional golfers and aficionados of the game.
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Arabella is ranked among the best golf courses in South Africa and the best in the Western Cape. The layout keeps you thinking.
Holes 8, 9, 17 and 18 bring Bot River lagoon into play, so I would definitely make sure you have plenty of golf balls. The 7th is a par 3 which borders a nature reserve. Here, I ripped a 7-iron with a slight draw - close to a hole in one but, alas, it did not drop.
The 18th hole has been voted the best finishing hole in South Africa. The long, snaking par 4 neighbors the estuary’s shoreline meaning a slice off the tee here will result in a reload. I hit a driver off the tee, followed by a flush 3-wood to reach the green in two.
Course Conditions
On arrival, you walk into a huge open plan reception, the glass from floor to ceiling allowing you to look out over the golf course and the river that it neighbors - Bot River Lagoon.
I was asked to leave my clubs at the door and they would be taken down to the short game area. This left me time to wander the vast halls of the hotel and clubhouse, before heading to the short game area, where I had a few putts on the bent grass greens. After acknowledging that they meant business, I went to the chipping green and holed two chip shots back-to-back - a good place to leave it and head to the 1st tee.
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The greens were fast, which is a common characteristic of golf courses in South Africa. If South Africa is on your golf bucket list, then make sure your putting is up to scratch, because the greens will test you.
While challenging even the most capable players, the course remains extremely playable for holiday and beginner golfers, ensuring that playing here once will never be enough!
Arabella Golf Club | Western Cape, South Africa
The Hotel and Spa
All rooms are of a good size, whilst the suites feature smart separate living areas plus hot tub baths with a view. Modern in style with neutral palettes decor features traditional accents such as sheepskin throws and indigenous woods. With either a lagoon or sea vista to choose from you won't be left in a room without a view!
Once I finished my round, it was just a short walk back to the hotel where I dropped my clubs off in my room and went straight to the spa.
The spa is divine - a must visit - and much better value for money. Try The African Rain Forest experience or simply spend an afternoon letting off some steam... in the steam room.
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Dining Experience
A veritable feast is served each morning for breakfast and much of the food is locally sourced (we love the "Fynbos' honey). Jamani restaurant provides the usual South African favorites (plenty of red meat and grills) with a modern twist. Whilst the food is tasty, the menu, along with the wine, is overpriced by local standards.
Jamani restaurant provides a family-style lunch experience with complimentary drinks and a 3-course meal.
Customer Reviews
Reviews indicate that Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa is a scenic and relaxing resort with excellent service and comfortable accommodations. Guests praise the friendly staff, delicious food offerings, and beautiful views from the rooms.
However, some guests have reported issues with service during large corporate events and inconsistencies in spa treatments.
Tips for Visitors
- Consider visiting during weekdays for potentially faster service compared to weekends.
- If playing golf, bring your own clubs if possible to avoid incomplete sets for hire.
- For a more personalized experience, interact with Patrick who has shown dedication to improving guest experiences at Arabella Hotel.
- When dining at Jamani restaurant, arrive early to enjoy a complimentary drink before savoring a family-style lunch featuring starters, mains like slow-cooked lamb and line-fish, and decadent desserts.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kleinmond, 90 km from Cape Town International Airport |
| Golf Course Designer | Peter Matkovich |
| Hotel Amenities | Outdoor pools, spa, modern rooms with balconies |
| Restaurant | Jamani Restaurant (family-style lunch experience) |
| Spa | Offers treatments like the African Rain Forest experience |
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