TheLAB: High-tech, eco-friendly accommodation in the Robertson Wine Valley

The recently-opened theLAB Guesthouses at Rosendal Winery offers a perfect base from which to spend a leisurely wine-soaked weekend.

TheLAB has converted the old Rosendal heritage farm buildings into slick and contemporary spaces, yet has maintained the Cape Dutch charm of the original structures. A variety of rooms are offered, and the guest house also includes a conference area, spa and pool – all overlooking picturesque scenery.

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High-tech wizardry 

However, what sets theLAB apart from other accommodation options in the area is its commitment to being as eco-friendly as possible as well as the inclusion of high-tech room automation.

Want to close the blinds, dim the lights or start up the coffee machine? All you need to do is ask. It took us a few tries to get the phrasing down for the voice command, but soon our requests of “close blinds” etc. were responded to with a friendly “okay!”.

Eco ethos 

The eco-friendly initiatives include refillable water bottles for guests, solar-powered rooms and Jacuzzis, a finely-tuned recycling system, friendly-to-nature toiletries, electric car charging stations and the option of hiring electric scooters.

I would highly recommend a hire of the e-scooters. Once you get the hang of it, you can wiz around the surrounding Klaasvoogds West region, even stopping off for wine tastings along the way. Luckily these roads are fairly free from traffic, so you feel quite safe and at ease on the scooters – even as a two-wheel beginner.

The kitchen is still in the process of being set up, however, a simple buffet breakfast (included in price) and dinner is provided to all guests. While the outside bar on the pool deck allows guests to help themselves to beer, wine and G&Ts on tap through an honesty system.

For a unique stay that combines classic charm with high-tech features and wrapped in an eco-friendly ethos, head to theLAB!

For more info or to make a booking go to www.thelab.africa/robertson. TheLAB also has guesthouses in Franschhoek and Cape Town.

*Ruth Cooper was a guest of the LAB.