Framed by towering mountains and surrounded by vineyards, Sun International’s Golden Valley Casino and Hotel has unveiled its glamorous new look. After an extensive makeover, this Worcester landmark is ready to welcome visitors with a blend of countryside charm and five-star style – a reflection of the broader Western Cape in motion, where reinvention and renewal are shaping destinations across the province.
The refurbishment began in March 2025, when Sun International’s five-star Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town closed for major renovation. Before work began there, some of its elegant furnishings and fittings were transferred to Golden Valley. Rather than overwhelming the property, these additions blend seamlessly with the new design, creating a charming mix of Victorian elegance and warm country comfort.
Rooms with Country Charm
The adjacent 97-room Golden Valley Hotel has undergone a stylish transformation. Elegant mahogany cabinets, Victorian-style writing desks, and rich wooden bedside units complement king-size two-poster beds dressed in crisp white linen and autumn-hued quilts.
The breakfast area is just as impressive. A double-volume ceiling and tall French doors open onto a sparkling pool and the mountains beyond. A blue and gold carpet adds a sense of grandeur, while a grand piano and marble-topped tables complete the setting. Guests enjoy hearty continental or English breakfasts here while taking in the valley views.
Casino Life
Next door, the Cape-Dutch styled casino remains at the heart of the complex. With 173 slot machines and four live tables, it offers plenty of opportunities for guests to try their luck. Flanking the floor is the lively SunBet Sports Bar, where live sports are broadcast daily and value-for-money pub lunches are a firm favourite.
Dining is another highlight. Kuipers Restaurant serves a hearty weekend buffet, with generous portions of comforting Cape dishes and traditional favourites that keep visitors coming back. Golden Valley also knows how to keep the fun going into the night — from live entertainment and promotions to Thursday night karaoke sessions.
Relaxation & Leisure
Golden Valley is much more than a gaming destination. Many visitors simply enjoy unwinding on a lounger beside the sparkling pool, cocktail in hand, with the majestic mountains providing the perfect backdrop. Whether you’re looking for excitement on the tables or serenity in the sunshine, the complex strikes a balance between entertainment and relaxation.
Explore Worcester & the Breede Valley
Golden Valley is the perfect base to explore the Breede River Valley — a region that is as rich in experiences as it is in scenery.
Wine Lovers – The Breede Valley is South Africa’s largest wine-producing region, stretching almost 130 kilometres. Visitors can enjoy intimate tastings on family-run farms or discover internationally acclaimed vintages. Worcester is also home to the KWV House of Brandy, the largest copper potstill distillery in the world, producing up to 380,000 litres of brandy daily.
Coffee Connoisseurs – Worcester is known as South Africa’s “Care Capital Town.” Innovation for the Blind, an NPO supporting the blind and visually impaired, produces its own special coffee blend now sold in Shoprite Checkers stores across the Western Cape. Visitors can sip this blend at their welcoming coffee shop, where every cappuccino helps support skills training and meaningful employment.
Adventurous – Outdoor enthusiasts are spoilt for choice. The Breede River is a hub for canoeing and rafting, while Quaggaskloof Dam is popular for watersports. The surrounding mountains offer kloofing, 4×4 trails, and excellent hiking. At Golden Valley itself, Wild X Adventure offers quad biking and mountain bike rentals for thrill seekers – keeping the Breede Valley, quite literally, in motion.
Slower Pace – Brandvlei Dam is a tranquil fishing spot, and behind Golden Valley lies the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden, home to the largest collection of succulents in South Africa. It’s a must-see for nature lovers.
Visit Arts and Glass at the Barn, where master glassblower David Reade demonstrates the rare craft of glass sculpting, and explore the Worcester Art Gallery, which showcases works from talented local artists.
Golf Enthusiasts – The Worcester Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course designed by Gary Player, lies at the foot of the Brandwacht Mountains. Its manicured greens blend beautifully with indigenous Karoo vegetation, with aloes and boulders doubling as distance markers.
A Destination Reimagined
Golden Valley Casino and Hotel’s makeover has transformed this Worcester landmark into a true countryside retreat. From its elegant rooms and buzzing casino floor to its poolside relaxation and nearby adventures, it now offers something for every kind of traveller.
Whether you’re here for a night of entertainment, a weekend wine-tasting getaway, or an outdoor adventure, Golden Valley delivers a little bit of everything — with Sun International’s signature hospitality at its heart. Worcester’s jewel in the valley is ready to welcome the world.
For more information visit www.suninternational.com/golden-valley/
