If you’ve been limiting your wine-focused travels to Bordeaux, Napa, and Tuscany, it’s high time to switch gears and book yourself on a trip to South Africa. But not just anywhere in South Africa – you want to go to Franschhoek. Dubbed South Africa’s gourmet capital, the beautiful town of Franschhoek is packed with high-end wineries and restaurants. There’s even a train, the Franschhoek Wine Tram, to take you from one wine estate and tasting venue to another. And because a day trip to Franschhoek isn’t nearly enough time to take advantage of all the tasty offerings of the area, you need to find yourself a solid place to stay. The good news is that you won’t have any trouble finding a spot in this neck of the woods – luxurious hotels are abound. We selected the six best Franschhoek Wine Valley hotels where you can rest your head in between glasses of reds, whites, and rosés.
Leeu Estates
Address: Dassenberg Rd, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
Hard to pronounce, but easy to love, Leeu Estates (Leeoo) has everything you’d expect from a luxe hotel – and then some. We’re talking amazing views, award-winning dining options, and spacious rooms packed with upscale amenities like underfloor heating, marble bathrooms, fireplaces, and more. But the icing on the cake at this renowned hotel is the spa and the wine studio. The spa offers vinotherapy treatments such as grape body wraps and facials, so as to immerse you fully in the Franschhoek Wine Valley. The wine studio offers three different tutored tasting options, so you won’t even have to leave the premises to indulge.
Leeu House
Address: 12 Huguenot St, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
Less than two miles away from Leeu Estates is Leeu House. It offers the same high level of service, accommodation, and dining as its sister property, but it’s a less rural option. Because it’s located in the center of the town of Franschhoek, you don’t get to be in the heart of the vineyard. But worry not, you still benefit from grand mountain views. The outdoor pool and the gardens are the ultimate spots to relax, play croquet, or enjoy a glass (or two) of wine. The conservatory is the only onsite dining option but when it’s that good, you really don’t need another.
Sterrekopje Healing Farm
Address: Excelsior Rd, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
While Sterrekopje Healing Farm is in the heart of the Franschhoek Wine Valley, its mission is more about wellness than it is about oenology. The concept behind Sterrekopje Healing Farm is to provide guests with a chance to reset by being immersed in nature. For example, you can participate in the farm’s daily harvest and therefore connect with the food you’ll be eating during your stay. You can also tend to the beehives, partake in the baking of bread, and more. The property includes a yoga yurt for your daily practice, and a bath house to where you can get massages, hypnotherapy, and sound bath sessions to name a few of the rituals on offer. There’s even a workshop where you can let your creative juices flow by taking painting or pottery lessons. Of course, all of this is done in a luxurious setting – each room and suite is unique and gorgeously decorated to inspire rest, relaxation, and creativity.
Babylonstoren
Address: Klapmuts – Simondium Rd, Simondium, 7670, South Africa
The main attraction at Babylonstoren is the garden. Not only is it immense, but it’s also beautiful and bountiful. So bountiful, in fact, that it supplies two restaurants. Babylonstoren’s garden, which you can tour every morning at 10 AM, consists of 15 separate areas where head gardener, Alex Bosman, and his team grow vegetables, fruits, nuts, citrus, berries, olives, herbs, flowers, and tend to chickens, ducks, and bees. There’s even a prickly pear maze. In total, there are more than 300 varieties of plants growing on the property. Spring (September, October, November) is a great time to stay at Babylonstoren to see the garden in all its glory. Besides the garden, Babylonstoren offers many types of accommodations to guests, our favorite being the garden cottages, although they are all decorated in a similar, pared-back fashion. A real greenhouse serves as the main restaurant for a total immersion into the world of gardening. Of course, there are wines and a working cellar, both of which you can tour. And yes, tastings are included.
La Residence
Address: Elandskloof road, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
Located on 30 acres of land and surrounded by vineyards and mountains, La Residence is home to a working farm, orchards, vegetable gardens, resident animals, and, of course, world-class accommodations and fancy dining options. One of the best things to do at La Residence is to book a private, candlelight dinner in the property’s underground cellar. You’ll get to test out some of the best South African wines in utmost privacy. If you prefer an above-ground food and beverage experience, opt for the daily afternoon tea. Indulge in the savory and sweet bites along with a glass of Méthode Cap Classique (MCC), South Africa’s premier sparkling wine. The staff at La Residence can assist you in securing e-bikes so you can explore the surrounding vineyards at your leisure, but if you prefer a helicopter excursion, it can be arranged too.
La petite Ferme
Address: Pass Road, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
La Petite Ferme is a luxury boutique hotel perched high above the vineyards that make this region so famous. While there’s a variety of accommodations on offer at La Petite Ferme. The vineyard suites, set in the middle of vines, offer the best views and the most privacy. Because La Petite Ferme is a working vineyard, you’ll get to taste made-on-site wines. To do so, book one of the daily wine tastings and make sure to also order a few of the delicious bites of the menu. And, of course, you can purchase any of the wines you taste on site. If you prefer something more substantial, head over to the restaurant where the farm’s wine is served and paired with delectable concoctions.
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FAQs
Q: What does Franschhoek mean?
A: Franschhoek means ‘French corner’ in Afrikaans, one the many languages of South Africa.
Q: How far is Leeu House from Leeu Estates?
A: Leeu House is just a few minutes’ drive (less than two miles) from Leeu Estates.
Q: Are wine tastings available at Babylonstoren?
A: Yes, you can tour the vineyards and the cellar at Babylonstoren and partake in wine tastings during the experience.
