Infuse Some Old-World Charm Into Your Holiday Photos
Tucked away in the historic heart of Graaff-Reinet, our hotel is a timeless celebration of Karoo heritage. From stately Cape Dutch architecture to the dappled walkways and velvet-toned lounges, every corner invites you to pause, soak in the atmosphere, and yes, capture the moment!
Whether you’re a seasoned content creator, a passionate photographer or a happy holiday snapper with a fabulous eye, Drostdy Hotel is every creative’s dream location! While we stand by the fact that every corner of our hotel and grounds is worthy of a photo moment, there are a few spots that undeniably lend themselves to the aesthetic of your Instagram grid. With backdrops this layered and rich, we’re all turned into instant stagers and stylists!
Here are some of the most Instagrammable spots at the Drostdy Hotel Graaff-Reinet; each with its own distinct mood, texture, and story.
1. Stretch’s Court: Cobblestones, Colour & Character
There’s something deeply charming about Stretch’s Court; a narrow, cobbled lane that links 31 of our hotel’s beautifully converted rooms; once labourers’ quarters, now individually styled guest suites.
Each room’s door is painted in a cheerful, unexpected hue like turmeric yellow, robin’s-egg blue or dusty pink, offering a delightful pop of colour against the whitewashed walls. Towering trees planted in an avenue form a loose canopy overhead, dappling the path in soft light.
This is the perfect place for a casual walking shot: Head turned over your shoulder, linen dress swishing, a dog trotting alongside you. Morning and late afternoon light are particularly kind here. Think: Vintage European alley meets Karoo elegance!
2. Poolside Elegance
And speaking of elegance, three tranquil swimming pools are located among the rooms and gardens at Drostdy Hotel Graaff-Reinet, each one inviting and camera-ready in its own way. The waters are a steely, silvery blue, turning sun-flecked by midday.
Framed by striped green-and-white loungers and pops of foliage, this is where you will channel full poolside glamour. Wide-brimmed hats, linen robes and sunglasses, Aperol in-hand, a novel cracked open beside you…
Whether you’re floating in the water or reclining with a midday cocktail, the whole setting feels like a still from the pages of a luxury travel magazine.
Pro tip? Frame the shot from behind a book or a hat brim, catching the shimmer of the water in the background.
3. Lover’s Lane: Romance Is Alive & Well
It’s called Lover’s Lane for a reason. This leafy, domed walkway is one of our hotel’s most Instagrammable spots, and a natural aisle for weddings, where vines curl upward and the canopy filters dappled sunlight onto the flagstone pathway.
It’s cinematic, intimate, and unmistakably romantic. The kind of spot where you might steal a kiss at golden hour, or clink wine glasses with your best friends.
If you’re planning wedding content or just want a snapshot that says: “We escaped somewhere special,” this is your stage.
4. The Cape Dutch & Victorian Façade
Graaff-Reinet is proclaimed the fourth-oldest town in South Africa and arguably one of its most photogenic. The Cape Dutch façade of the Drostdy Hotel, with later Victorian updates, pays homage to that heritage in the most elegant way.
With its gables, whitewashed walls, and symmetrical perfection, our building front is made for grand vacation shots that make a statement! No props needed, just your presence and maybe a thoughtful glance sideways.
The symmetry alone is a dream for anyone with an eye for clean lines and timeless style. Historic doesn’t have to mean stuffy. Here, it’s all about texture and tone.
Have fun playing with the light at different times of day and don’t forget to get a good pan of the street for your Instagram story.
5. The Library & Cigar Lounge
By day, our library and lounge is the ultimate cosy nook; bookshelves stacked with old volumes, plush armchairs, dark wood finishes, and elegant pops of colour that feel both curated and comfortable. By night, it shifts into something deeper, moody, and intimate, with the glow of firelight bouncing off whisky tumblers.
This is your rainy-day retreat or your “slow morning with coffee” setting. Shots here might include an open book on your lap, steam rising from a cup of coffee, a neat pour of whiskey, a softly-lit face or the flicker of a fireplace nearby.
Aesthetics are all about atmosphere – and this area has plenty to spare!
Noteworthy Mentions
Here are a few honourable mentions of spots in our hotel that are equally worthy of your camera roll!
- De Camdeboo Restaurant: Dark wooden beams and furniture paired with crisp white linens, intimate lighting, and a seamless transition to an elegant garden terrace.
- De Wijnkamer: Rich oak shelves display premium South African wines amid soft, ambient lighting and polished wood counters – a refined, cosy space.
Staying With Us
Beyond its photogenic corners, the Drostdy Hotel is all about curating the perfect guest experience – impeccable service, serene gardens, beautifully appointed rooms, and our unbeatable location in one of South Africa’s most historic towns make us more than just a pretty place to stay, but a destination in our own right.
Booking your stay is simple. Get in touch with our Reservations Team at reservations@drostdy.co.za or fill out our online enquiry form to secure your dates.
Come for the architecture, stay for the soul, and snap a few unforgettable photos while you’re at it!