La Residence

La Residence is a short distance from the centre of Franschhoek in the heart of the Cape Winelands.

There is just a handful of spacious suites here, spilt between Luxury and Superior Suites, and they are housed in two wings either side of the main hotel building. They are all uniquely designed in their own colour and décor themes, with plush beds and antique furnishings, and high ceilings hung with ornate chandeliers.

We love the Blue Room, which has a sprawling terrace looking out over the hills, although one of the Superior Suites, frequented by Elton John, is also a popular option.

The food here is superb and a real feature of any stay at La Residence. The Great Hall’s chequerboard marble-floored main dining room is truly breathtaking for dinners, whilst the outdoor terrace is ideal for long lunches.

The cuisine makes the most of fresh, local ingredients, including produce grown on the estate, and is accompanied by fine wines from the region. Enjoy a drink as the sun sets over the dam, or cosy up by the fire for cocktails and canapés by candlelight.

The pools and spacious gardens are wonderful areas to relax in, and you can also indulge in the spa, whilst a stroll around the duck pond and through the surrounding vineyards is a great way to work off the delicious food.

Wineries are found everywhere you look in Franschhoek and guests can tour these with a guide, under their own steam or on the quaint Franschhoek Wine Tram - or take a thrilling helicopter tour from the hotel around the Winelands - a memorable and scenic way to go wine tasting! You can also enjoy horse riding and borrow a complimentary bike to explore. 

The village, a short complimentary transfer away, is home to a variety of smart boutiques, artisan cheese and chocolate producers and art galleries.