Set against a South African mountain backdrop is La Residence, a haven filled with fragrant flowers and fine wine. Patrolled by the resident peacocks who exhibit their iridescent feathers around the boutique hotel’s uniquely curated spaces, each twist and turn from the Great Hall is a showcase of grand antiques and bouquets that tower towards sparkling chandeliers.
Hotel
La Residence is an exceptional place of beauty, opulence, and relaxation. A private retreat that feels more like staying in the private home of your most glamorous friend than any kind of hotel, the manicured garden leads the eye to the cerulean swimming pool. This quiet poolside is lined with buttercup yellow parasols and a large ice bucket filled with champagne and soft drinks which guests leisurely help themselves to.
This theme continues throughout with endless surprises from the devoted team. On arrival, it was chilled glasses of the estate’s rosé wine, a private wine tasting between the vines as the sun dropped beneath the horizon, champagne left beside a freshly drawn bubble bath, and a private candlelit dinner for two. Suitably sensational, other activities include helicopter wine tours, allowing you to take in the breath-taking landscape of Franschhoek from above or even by a horse-drawn carriage.
Rooms
La Residence is a boutique hotel that can accommodate up to 22 people across a stunning collection of luxury and superior suites, many including rolltop baths and French doors that frame the heavenly vista beyond. With each a unique colour scheme and design, choose from the Tibetan suite, dressed in exotic antiques, to the blue and yellow chambre bleu with its Provençal antiques, velvets and silks.
We spent two nights in the 48 square metre maharani suite. A blend of silks and smooth marble, this suite is a canvas of warm hues ignited by red Indian antiques and yellow décor. With a view of the vines that sweep towards the terracotta property admired from its two balconies, the distinguishing factor of our suite is that it’s said to be Elton John’s favourite. With a signed photo in the corner on the antique writing desk, this suite is one of the most luxurious I’ve stayed in. Certainly fit for pop royalty, guests are invited to bite into the sweet plums that filled a large, polished sliver bowl from the surrounding orchards.
On the other side of the La Residence estate are the vineyard suites. A fun and sociable alternative to the central hotel we resided in, these open plan spaces cater perfectly to families and larger groups looking to not disturb the hushed guests that surround The Grand Hall. Each with private gardens and three of the five with swimming pools, they offer added privacy whilst enjoying the facilities of the five-star hotel.
Food and drink
Unlike a conventional hotel, the exceptional team tell us there are no restaurants at La Residence, but instead one dining room. And a very special one it is.
In keeping with the region of Franschhoek (which is considered the culinary capital of South Africa), exquisite, homemade dishes are devoured in this dazzling dining room that fills The Grand Hall and on the Persian Alley that runs along the lawn. Frosted with crystal chandeliers, gleaming black and white tiled flooring, and vast fireplaces to ensure an equally exquisite experience year-round.
Many of the ingredients are garden grown from the herb and vegetable garden and carefully paired with La Residence’s wine collection (exclusively available only to guests). Lavish breakfasts are stacked high with fruits, fresh juices, and hot dishes. These notably included fresh avocado on toast topped with sweetcorn or pink pickles and croissants filled with scrambled egg.
Of course, wine tasting is a big part of the experience at La Residence. Along with a sunset tasting between the vines, on one exceptionally hot day, we were pleased to be ushered down into the cool of the wine cellar for a comprehensive tasting of the estate’s full collection.
Spa and wellness
Book treatments with La Residence’s in-house spa therapist that are carried out in either the double treatment room or in the privacy of your suite (which you may well not want to leave!). Indulgent spa packages include the 150 minute ‘Gold Package’ which starts with a full body massage, moving onto an express facial and luxury manicure or pedicure. Meanwhile, the African inspired 120 minute ‘Kalahari Cocoon’ treatment also includes a full body massage, a mud clay body wrap with a relaxing scalp massage and body exfoliation. These are the ticket if you’re looking for a pampering spa experience.
There are also a variety of familiar treatments from a hot stone, and aromatherapy massage to anti-ageing facials for those looking to freshen up before their next glass of wine.
A few twists from The Grand Hall and across a European-style courtyard that leads onwards to the garden, it’s also worth noting that La Residence has under its sleeve an impressively large gym. Filled with cardio equipment and free weights, it is perfect for guests looking to detox from Franschhoek’s unequivocal decadence.
Surrounding area
Discover the area by hopping on The Franschhoek Tram. Weaving the famous wine producing region, it’s a fun way to visit the vast choice of wine related activities on offer. From tastings to cellar tours and vineyard lunches, the ten different lines pass through a collection of the finest estates across the valley of vineyards.
Considered the cultural centre point of South Africa’s Dutch heritage, the tram is the perfect way to learn about the Huguenots who made the valley home over 300 years ago. They brought with them their passion and knowledge for winemaking to transform Franschhoek into the place it is today.
In a nutshell
This Royal Portfolio property is a true diamond set in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley. Taking the concept of luxury to a new level, the incredible attention to detail from the team, who intrinsically understand each and every guest, puts this property in a league of its own.
Factbox
Address: Elandskloof Road, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
Phone: +27 21 876 4100
Website: theroyalportfolio.com/la-residence
