The Forum Embassy Hill is a historic heritage venue and wedding destination at 89 Southern Cross Drive, Bel Ombre, Witteboomen, Constantia, Cape Town, Western Cape, part of The Forum’s collection of Cape Town event spaces. Built in 1952 as a private family home for the Hamilton Russell family, Embassy Hill later served as the Embassy of the Netherlands for 40 years before being reimagined as a refined venue for weddings, conferences, and corporate events. The Forum Embassy Hill sits within the Constantia Wine Valley, about 15 kilometres south of Cape Town’s city centre, with 360-degree views of False Bay and Table Mountain.

History and Setting

The Forum Embassy Hill’s heritage architecture blends timeless elegance with modern comfort, reflecting its origins as a private residence before its 40-year role as the Dutch Embassy. The property is surrounded by manicured gardens with views over both mountains and the ocean, and overlooks False Bay, Cecilia Forest, and the scenic Constantia Nek. Located just 25 to 30 minutes from Cape Town’s city centre, The Forum Embassy Hill is adjacent to the Constantia Wine Valley and within easy reach of the Cape Peninsula’s other major attractions.

Venue Spaces and Capacity

The Forum Embassy Hill offers 7 meeting and event spaces across the heritage house and its grounds, giving hosts a wide range of settings for both intimate and larger occasions.

• 4 conference and event spaces, seating up to 200 guests
• A small team meeting room for up to 10 guests
• Acres of landscaped parkland for outdoor events
• 2 large garden spaces, including a top lawn and a pool area
• A conservatory and boardroom with a warm, familial character unique to a converted private house
• Light-filled breakaway spaces for conferences
• Overall capacity of up to 140 guests across the gardens and conservatory setup

Each of the four rooms in the main house has its own distinct character, created with tactile materials and a South African design sensibility, giving The Forum Embassy Hill a warm, residential feel that distinguishes it from a conventional hotel or conference centre.

Weddings

The Forum Embassy Hill specialises in bespoke, luxury weddings inspired by each couple’s own love story, combining the property’s historic architecture with contemporary interior design. Its seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, along with panoramic mountain and ocean views, makes it a popular choice for both local and international couples planning an intimate, personal, and effortlessly stylish celebration.

Conferences and Corporate Events

The Forum Embassy Hill’s distinguished venue spaces are designed for high-profile exhibitions, corporate presentations, and intimate board meetings. The property offers full technology support and on-site parking, along with award-winning catering and décor styling, making it suited to organisations wanting a venue with real character rather than a standard conference room. The Forum Embassy Hill has also received a Lilizela Award in the Western Cape Meetings, Exhibitions & Special Events category.

Catering and Accommodation

All catering at The Forum Embassy Hill is offered in-house by an expert team of chefs, with Halaal and Kosher menu options available on request. The venue includes 4 luxury en-suite accommodation suites, giving couples or corporate guests the option to extend their stay on the property itself, away from the hustle and bustle of central Cape Town.

Getting There and Contact

The Forum Embassy Hill is at 89 Southern Cross Drive, Bel Ombre, Witteboomen, Constantia, Cape Town, Western Cape, 7800/7806, within a secure private estate in the Constantia Valley.

• Phone: +27 87 066 3888
• Email: em*********@*********co.za
• Website: theforum.co.za/venues/embassy-hill

Best For

The Forum Embassy Hill suits couples planning a luxury, heritage-set wedding in Constantia, corporate clients hosting exhibitions, product launches, or board meetings for up to 200 guests, and groups wanting an overnight stay in one of the property’s 4 luxury suites. Reviewers consistently praise manager Marelize by name for her kindness and helpfulness from initial enquiry through to the event itself, alongside staff who are described as exceptionally polite, professional, and friendly from the parking area through to service on the day. Booking well in advance is recommended given the venue’s high demand and prestigious reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is The Forum Embassy Hill located?
A: The Forum Embassy Hill is at 89 Southern Cross Drive, Bel Ombre, Constantia, Cape Town, Western Cape, 7806. It sits about 25 to 30 minutes from Cape Town’s city centre, within the Constantia Wine Valley.

Q: What is the history of The Forum Embassy Hill?
A: The Forum Embassy Hill was built in 1952 as a private family home for the Hamilton Russell family, and later served as the Embassy of the Netherlands for 40 years. It has since been reimagined as a heritage wedding and event venue.

Q: How many guests can The Forum Embassy Hill accommodate?
A: The Forum Embassy Hill’s 4 main conference and event spaces can seat up to 200 guests, while its gardens and conservatory setup can accommodate up to 140 guests. A smaller team meeting room seats up to 10 people for intimate gatherings.

Q: Does The Forum Embassy Hill offer accommodation?
A: Yes, The Forum Embassy Hill has 4 luxury en-suite accommodation suites on the property. This allows couples or corporate guests to stay overnight without leaving the venue.

Q: Does The Forum Embassy Hill cater for Halaal or Kosher requirements?
A: Yes, all catering at The Forum Embassy Hill is provided in-house by an expert team of chefs, with Halaal and Kosher options available on request. This makes the venue accessible to a wide range of cultural and dietary needs.

Q: Is The Forum Embassy Hill suitable for corporate events?
A: Yes, The Forum Embassy Hill hosts high-profile exhibitions, corporate presentations, product launches, and board meetings alongside its wedding business. The venue has full technology support, on-site parking, and has won a Lilizela Award for meetings and special events in the Western Cape.

Q: What views does The Forum Embassy Hill offer?
A: The Forum Embassy Hill offers 360-degree views of False Bay and Table Mountain, along with views over Cecilia Forest and Constantia Nek. Its gardens and pool area take in both mountain and ocean scenery.

Q: How do I book The Forum Embassy Hill?
A: You can enquire about booking The Forum Embassy Hill by calling +27 87 066 3888 or emailing em*********@*********co.za. Given the venue’s popularity, booking well in advance is recommended.

For more heritage and wedding venues in Constantia and the Southern Suburbs, browse our Cape Town event venues directory, or explore all Western Cape event venue listings on Event Venues SA for venues across the province.