Southern Africa • Stay • Sip and stay: top 5 vineyard hotels in Franschhoek
If you’re dreaming of a vineyard getaway in Franschhoek, you’ve come to the right place. There’s something magical about staying right in the heart of the Cape Winelands, surrounded by rolling vines, fresh mountain air and the promise of a glass of world-class wine at sunset. We love that these vineyard hotels offer more than a stay, they offer an immersive experience where you can explore the vineyards, savour farm-to-table cuisine and relax in absolute luxury. Let’s dive into our top picks of the best places to sip and stay in this stunning valley.
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Babylonstoren is a historic Cape Dutch farm that dates back to 1692. Set at the foot of Simonsberg Mountain, this estate is renowned for its gorgeous gardens, which are inspired by the Company’s Garden in Cape Town. The beautifully restored Cape Dutch cottages have rustic charm and the interiors offer modern touches, featuring thick whitewashed walls, elegant gables and cosy fireplaces. When staying at Babylonstoren we recommend enjoying a farm-to-fork dining experience at Babel, the on-site restaurant, where the menu is guided by what’s in season. We also love that the farm offers activities like guided garden tours, bread baking and wine tastings.
Read the full article on Babylonstoren.
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Photography courtesy of Babylonstoren
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Grande Provence, with its 330-year history, blends heritage with contemporary luxury, offering you the chance to stay in the beautifully restored Owner’s Cottage or the secluded La Provençale Villa, surrounded by olive trees and vineyards. We enjoyed the Owner’s Cottage, where you wake up to the view of the mountains and your own private pool just steps away. While staying at Grande Provence explore South African art at The Gallery and pop in at the on-site restaurant to enjoy a hearty meal and sip on some of the best wines Franschhoek has to offer.
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Photography courtesy of Grande Provence
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La Residence is a standout in Franschhoek, offering a blend of luxury and comfort on a 30-acre estate surrounded by vineyards and mountains. The property has only 16 suites, making it feel exclusive and intimate – a great pick if you prefer privacy. The interiors are bold and eclectic, with each suite individually designed, featuring rich textures, colours and antiques sourced from around the world. We love the pool at La Residence and the peacock-dotted gardens are perfect for a sunset stroll. La Residence also offers experiences like private wine tastings and art tours, we highly recommend taking advantage of these add-on services while staying at this hotel.
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Photography courtesy of La Residence
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Photography courtesy of Leeu Estates
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Mont Rochelle is Sir Richard Branson’s answer to luxury in the Cape Winelands and it doesn’t disappoint. Offering 360-degree views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains, Mont Rochelle blends relaxation with a sense of adventure. The hotel features a variety of accommodations, from the cosy Shiraz Rooms to the spacious Cap Classique Suites, which include private terraces and plunge pools. Spend your days wine tasting, hiking the surrounding vineyards or horseback riding for a unique perspective of the area. When it’s time to refuel, head over to Miko, the on-site restaurant that serves up delicious farm-to-fork dishes, paired with – of course – fantastic Mont Rochelle wines.
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Photography courtesy of Mont Rochelle
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