Review: Moya’s Vineyard, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Western Cape, South Africa

Approaching from Hermanus on the famed Hemel-en-Aarde Road, the discreet little signpost to Moya’s Vineyard entrance belies the majestic scene at the end of the driveway. Sheltered from the winds by established lanes of conifers, the farmstead confidently nestles above the valley floor, claiming its environment with sensible style and considered rural elegance.

The welcome

Modelled after the classic Mediterranean country manor and framed by the Babilonstoring Mountains as a backdrop, we were instantly transported to a near Felliniesque dream of Tuscany. The two-storey house, with its adjacent barn, is set on a terraced lawn-scape with naturalist gardens, gifting their heady perfume of rose and herb to arriving guests.  

At the front door, the estate manager Nikki beamed a heartfelt welcome, ushering us towards some waiting refreshments – iced tea and home-baked bread still steaming under their linen blankets. The treats had to wait, though, as we took the time to absorb the scene before us, becoming acquainted with our home for the next few days. 

The rooms

My visit to Moya’s Vineyard was planned with a group of close South African friends to share a weekend of connection and tribe-building. As such, this farmhouse was the ideal accommodation – able to host 20 overnight guests in comfort, keeping social gatherings and entertainment in mind.  

The sleeping quarters at Moya’s Vineyard provide comfort, restfulness, and convenient elegance. The entire top floor of the main manor is dedicated to two spacious king suites – each with room for a cot-bed if required, while ensuite bathrooms with large pedestal tubs and intimate views of the valley and garden offer cleansing for mind, body, and soul.

The Barn, named for its partial use as an actual farm workspace, is largely dedicated to one king suite, a kitchen, and living space on the ground floor. Two charming hall rooms are set in the loft above – each with four single beds that could be arranged into doubles – slightly more practical but generous in hospitality, serving as a retreat for adults or an escape for children.  

All the rooms are appointed with every necessary vanity and comfort. The linens are luxurious. The textiles are richly tactile, and the decor is organically toned. The flooring is carpeted, and the large windows are draped with enough weight to allow for a sleep-in despite the morning sun, if one so wishes.

The bathroom

While much is to be said about the various bathrooms, in some cases a picture paints a thousand words, and in this case I’ll simply leave you with the image of the Victorian-claw bath in the master suite.

The location

“Heaven on Earth” is the direct translation of Hemel-en-Aarde, and it rings true in every sense. Just a 90-minute drive from Cape Town (with an obligatory pitstop at Peregrine Farm stall), the valley is most renowned for its award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Moya’s Vineyard is perfectly situated as a base for exploration in the valley. While in-house activities such as vineyard walks, boules, picnics, and sundowner bars can all be arranged by hospitality manager Nikki and her team, outbound excursions to the surrounding area for wine tastings, horse riding, mountain biking, whale watching, family beach days, golf, or tennis can also be coordinated with various destinations. If you do not plan to dine at the house, the selection of highly rated restaurants in the valley will cater to the refined tastes of any gourmand—you will be spoiled for choice.

Lazy road-tripping along the Hemel-en-Aarde Road is a “must-do activity” in itself. In addition to sampling the many world-class offerings from cellars along the route, the utterly spectacular natural beauty revealed behind each bend and climb will compel you to make frequent stops to step out of your car, onto the earth, and soak in the heavenly scenery.

The facilities

More stories

Recharge at these eye-catching boutique escapes in Brisbane

December 2, 2024

Dream destination weddings at Four Seasons Maldives

October 4, 2024

New Livingstone Junior Suites at The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara

October 22, 2024

The 100 best new and renovated hotels in the world

September 29, 2024

Set within a 45-hectare private wine farm, Moya’s Vineyard offers a variety of spaces and activities for guests to enjoy. With spectacular views across the valley and the towering oceanscape of Hangklip in the distance, the wrap-around veranda invites you to lounge in the sun, savour a drink, or set the table outside for alfresco dining like never before. Wide-open manicured lawns provide ample space to play and tumble.

The massive hearth in the commons room adds warmth to the spacious area for lounging and relaxing before dinner, while the 20-seater dining room table invites conversations and laughter long after dessert has been served. A quiet study set apart from the living area can also be used to video call loved ones or catch up on work emails (if you really can).

Other nice touches

Although full catering or a private chef service is available, those who enjoy hosting will fall in love with the kitchen hall at Moya’s Vineyard. Equipped with every modern convenience imaginable and inspired by the “provençal classique” style, the kitchen is a dream come true for any foodie. This space often becomes the focal point for impromptu gatherings while the food is being prepared. Spices and seasonings are abundantly provided, but do explore the grounds, where a well-established vegetable garden offers a variety of fresh herbs and table greens to ignite your culinary creativity.

The farm preserves enough natural habitat for small fauna to thrive. Frogsong fills the air with a delightful chorus each evening. A Cape duiker dashed through the olive grove early one morning, moving with the grace of a gymnast. If you are a birdwatcher, you are in luck: the farmstead’s gardens attract many feathered friends to tick off on your list. Cape sunbirds jostle for space with bees at the sweet-smelling Silvias, planted right next to the veranda. Robins and thrushes appear briefly for a quick greeting before zooming off again. Cape kestrels circle the vines and orchids, hunting for their prey from above. After dusk, a young Cape eagle owl even entertained us with its comical hops while hunting for worms or lizards on the lawn.

The cost

Rates are seasonally dependent, starting at R20000 per night (sleeping up to 20 people), residential butler, housekeeper and host, welcome snacks house staples and ammeneites.

The best bit

The estate is also home to two mountain dams, each adorned with lotus and bulrush, offering the young and adventurous a chance to take a refreshing dip or paddle when the sun beckons them. Both dams also make for the perfect setting for picnics, which the staff can easily arrange and set up for you.

The final verdict

Yes, Moya’s Vineyard is visually striking—timeless design, luxury, and convenience are perfectly balanced within its environment. Yes, the hospitality experience is exceptional—almost any request can be fulfilled by Nikki and her team. Yes, the surrounding area possibly ranks among the most breathtaking in its views and experiences across Africa—it truly feels like Heaven on Earth. Yes, guests have the flexibility to choose how to experience their stay—whether fully self-catered or indulging in complete pampering, and then some…

All this is indeed true, but what Moya’s Vineyard provides is a safe space, an almost dream-like bubble where friends and family can gather for connection and quality time. It fosters bonding unobtrusively, with genuine attention to detail and utmost care: the solid foundation for togetherness. 

Disclosure: Our stay was sponsored by Moya’s Vineyard.

Jared Ruttenberg

Jared Ruttenberg is a travel writer from Cape Town, South Africa. He enjoys connecting people and experiences through words, images and social media.