A little timidly, we pulled up to a rickety Toyota.
Within seconds it was gone and we were handed perfectly chilled glasses of rosé.
La Residence in Franschhoek is located on 30 acres of private land surrounded by vineyards.Entrance to the grand hall of the magnificent La Residence
“Welcome to La Residence!” said our bubbly and cheerful host, Abre, with a smile.
From the outside, this magnificent retreat in the heart of South Africa’s winelands is reminiscent of a Provençal mansion, but when Habre leads us into the grand hall, it feels more like an English stately home. It looked like the inside of a mansion.
It was an awe-inspiring sight with crystal chandeliers, an expansive fireplace, and beautiful black and white marble tiles beneath grand beamed and thatched vaulted ceilings.
Still amazed by the luxurious surroundings, we were shown to our room. His is one of the hotel’s 16 luxuriously decorated suites.
The hotel’s Armani Suites – ultra-luxurious rooms with a ‘modern classic’ twist Luxurious bathrooms with separate bathtubs and walk-in showers – the hotel has 11 suites and 5 Vineyard Suites there is
From an exotic Tibetan suite decorated in orange and maroon to a French boudoir with Provençal antiques, each suite is unique and lovingly designed by owner Liz Biden, who previously worked in the fashion industry. It was designed.
One of the rooms is called the “Elton John Suite” because it was designed to suit the Rocketman singer’s style and tastes.
We were assigned the Armani Suite. An ultra-luxury room with a “modern classic” twist, with an impressive painting of a ballerina on the wall.
There are huge Persian rugs, sofas, plush armchairs, and comfy beds that make you fall into a feather bed.
And there’s a palatial bathroom with a separate bathtub and walk-in shower, piles of fluffy white towels and luxury potions.
Indulgent guests (myself included) also have the option of having their clothes washed, then perfectly folded and boxed, wrapped like a gift and returned.
A series of French windows open to offer stunning views of the hotel grounds, lake, mountain landscape and fields of springbok and sable antelope.
Beautiful pool area with a dramatic mountain backdrop
Twelve years ago, when Liz stumbled across the area while walking her dog, the breathtaking views inspired her to convert the former plum garden into a luxury hotel.
La Residence is set on 30 private acres surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz vineyards, olive groves, and plum orchards, with a dramatic mountain backdrop.
Relaxing by the infinity pool in blissful tranquility, with only peacocks and expensively groomed guests for company, it’s hard to believe that La Residence is less than an hour from the hustle and bustle of Cape Town.
Service is impeccable, staff friendly but not pushy, which can be a difficult balance to strike.
Just 45 minutes from Cape Town, this stunning hotel offers breathtaking views
Away from the poolside, delicious food and drinks are available.
Breakfast includes a varied buffet as well as cooked breakfast options.
The lunch menu is designed to make guests feel ‘at home’ and features a delicious variety of popular dishes.
Dinner, served in the magnificent Great Hall, is a fancier setting with a four-course menu prepared by Chef Leonard Marais.
Sir Elton John has a suite at this stylish hotel Credit: Xposure Serves a mouth-watering buffet breakfast – hot menu options also available Luxurious hotel set in the vineyards with majestic mountain backdrop Peacocks on the hotel grounds, surrounded by fields, olive groves and plum orchards
La Residence is ideally located just a short walk from Franschhoek town centre, and is perfectly placed to explore the surrounding vineyards.
The hotel offers guests the opportunity to do this by helicopter.
Sadly, we had to choose the less luxurious ‘wine tram’. Stop at several vineyards along the designated route and watch as tourists go from timid to tipsy over the course of a cheerful afternoon.
When I checked out, I looked through the guest book and saw autographs from Lionel Richie, George Clooney, and others.
At that exact moment, the Toyota for-hire was returned and I was brought back to reality.
travel facts
room
16 suites including 5 Vineyard Suites.
Fee
Double rooms from £563.92 (ZAR10,289) (15% incl. tax). Rates include breakfast, free minibar, house wine and local drinks.
directions
The nearest airport is in Cape Town, a 45-minute drive away.
The kids
The main hotel hotel accommodates children ages 10 and up, while the five Vineyard Suites accommodate children of all ages.
