Consummate comfort in The Constantia

Although the 1971 painting has the lush California Hills as its backdrop, Table Mountain and the established, landscaped acreage of The Constantia more than makes up for the dreamy world Hockney created in his pool series.

Accommodations are equally fitting. All suites, even the smallest, are vast with feature beds often dissecting the space with the bathroom's open wet area (loos are private), directly behind.

Our Premier Suite number 5 is the only one in the main house and because of the one-storey elevation, commands a view over the pool, gardens and mountains that is painfully beautiful. The only downside of this suite is that it is also nearest to Peddlers. On the night we were there, we could hear the distant hum of revellers.

Acres of space

A feature of every Last Word property is a sumptuousness of space. In the shower area, there is a 5m-wide mosaic on the wall that spans the width of these two massive lampshade-style shower heads. An oval tub is in the centre of the wet area and the cleverly placed heated towel rails (and the under floor heating throughout) provide a cushion of warmth while soaking.

Although there a round dining table, there isn't a desk so I used the make-up section in the bathroom for my computer. This was not ideal as the plugs were under the cabinetry and hard to get to. Despite it all being open-plan, I prefer my electronics in less steamy climes. Wifi is free.

Each suite is decorated individually but all in a pared-down, smart but unfussy way. The restaurant serves the most sensational breakfast with croissants and Danish pastries that are made and baked on site. Coffee here too, is an art. Other meals are available by request but if you didn't want to dine at the fine Constantia winelands restaurants, you could walk next door to Peddlers.

Walks around the area are charming. It is a few steps away from Sillery Walk and I'm sure they'll arrange horses to ride from the nearby stables. This is the mink and manure lifestyle at its best (but everything is included once you're there so you won't be astonished by a mini-bar bill.) As there are only eight suites in the vast property, you'll easily convince people who visit you there that this is your own home... We did.

The Last Word Collection is represented by Mantis. Premier suite available from R4150. Call +27 (0) 21 7946561 or see www.theconstantia.com, www.thelastword.com.