The Light House Boutique Suites

A renovated family home, admittedly one of impressive proportions and design, the hotel has roomy living spaces, with several beautifully furnished sitting areas – expect embroidered carpets, tasteful art and comfortable sofas. Individual dining tables are lit by hanging candelabras. In the garden, shaded picnic tables and reclining chairs are placed around the swimming pool. There are many cosy corners in which to relax with a book from the well-stocked shelves or, in cooler weather, to snuggle beside a fireplace.

Five refined suites are furnished with bespoke pieces. All have extra-length, king-sized or twin beds, Egyptian-cotton linens, pleasant sitting areas, writing desks, a minibar and aircon. The bright Afro-Chic suite has a cowhide rug on the floor; Bedford Manor suite's romantic four-poster bed is ideal for honeymooners; The Hamptons suite is in cool beachside blue; the Mayfair and Manhattan suites offer city-chic sophistication. En-suite bathrooms are tiled floor-to-ceiling with marble and have deep bathtubs, large showers and twin basins.

Most people come to Paarl to visit the area's vineyards, but there's plenty more to see as well. Wander the streets to admire the impressive Cape Dutch, Edwardian and Victorian architecture. Or pop in to one of the many craft shops to see experienced crafters blowing glass, making furniture, sculpting or painting. Visit the soaring Taal ("language") Monument and its surrounding nature reserve, and climb the great granite boulders that give the town its name (which means "pearl" in Afrikaans).