A stay at La Residence was my first introduction to the Royal Portfolio – a collection of boutique hotels, luxury lodges and private residences across four different locations in South Africa – and the start of a love affair with a collection that covers a range of locations.
Across all four, you’ve got the perfect combination of city and culture (The Silo), winelands (La Residence), whale-watching and that seaside country house experience (Birkenhead House), and, last but not least, the African bush (Royal Malewane). Although all properties are completely unique, the standard is consistent throughout, and their strapline of enjoying the perfect stay really is very well deserved.
If you’re looking for a relaxing break in the Franschhoek Valley, not too far from Cape Town, you couldn’t go wrong with La Residence. It’s a property I still refer to as one of my all-time favourite hotels of anywhere in the world.
Hotel
This luxury hotel is set in a private 30-acre estate in one of the prime winelands areas of South Africa. From driving into the hotel and dropping our car at the main entrance, we knew we were going to be in for a very special experience.
It’s an expansive, open property, and as soon as you walk through the high ceilinged entrance, there is the wow factor everywhere – whether this is in the design, furnishings and art; the views to the vineyards surrounding or the large lake or mountains in the background; it all just has such a wonderful ambience. Not to mention the staff who are second to none.
Room
With 16 suites in all, spread across both the hotel building and the separate vineyard suites, literally just a couple of minutes’ walk through the elegantly manicured estate grounds, they’re all vast in size and all uniquely designed (and named).
On our first trip we had one of the superior suites, the Maharani on the first floor with dual aspect both over the large pond and to the mountains, with two balconies. This suite is also known as the Elton John suite, who has been a guest in the past. On our second visit we were in one of the ground floor luxury suites (Hibiscus) near to the main pool and with views across the large terrace and private garden area to the Franschhoek mountains.
Both were fantastic – as soon as you enter you’re wowed by the space, again the art, design and fittings, but also the open views from everywhere you look just give that sense of calm and relaxation. The bathrooms are huge, too, and some of the most indulgent I’ve seen anywhere in the world, and with a full complimentary mini bar and snacks, you’re never left hungry or wanting. Did I mention there is a cupcake trolley in the main hall, where a different variety is made fresh daily for you to help yourself to, any time?
Food and drink
There’s the one main restaurant where you can take breakfast, lunch and dinner (also an outside covered loggia adjacent to the main hall with extra tables and seating); and there’s also the Terrace Room down at the vineyards suites as an option for lunch or drinks throughout the day.
Breakfast was a lavish affair with a full buffet served on the antique furniture in the main hall, with lots of additional options made to order. We tended to not have a full lunch with such an extensive breakfast, and dinner was always exceptional with a custom designed menu to take into account any dietary requirements or preferences. If you’re peckish in the afternoon, there’s also a full afternoon tea served too. Sunset drinks on the terraces were also a real highlight.
Spa and wellness
There’s one double treatment room here, and it’s possible to have treatments in your suite or in the Tea House, a raised platform area near the main pond, with a full selection of massage, facials, hand/feet treatments with add-ons, or some more complete spa packages.
There isn’t the full selection of spa facilities, but there is a very well-equipped gym overlooking a courtyard. As well as there being lounging options on either your balcony or terrace, there’s a swimming pool in the centre with lots of loungers, views to die for, and a well serviced trolley with complimentary mineral water, soft drinks and wine.
To do
The historic Franschhoek centre is literally only a five-minute drive away (or a twenty-minute walk) and here you have a fantastic selection of shops, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, bars and all necessary services. The views are stunning from the entire property, and it’s also one of these places where you don’t actually feel you need, or want, to leave.
What feels like such a short drive from the bustle of Cape Town, whether you’re a wine fan or not, you can’t but appreciate the clear air and mountainous views, not to mention all the fabulous wineries (and wine train) on the doorstep to visit, whether for wine tasting or a picnic. Babylonstoren, Boschendal and the Warwick Wine Estate all come highly recommended from me.
In a nutshell
The staff through all the Royal Portfolio properties are exceptional, but with La Residence being such a boutique intimate hotel and the views/landscape here; it all adds to such an exceptional experience.
Factbox
Getting there: The nearest airport is Cape Town (CPT) for international and domestic flights, which is less than an hour’s (very easy drive) to Franschhoek and La Residence.
Address: La Residence, Elandskloof Private Road, Elandskloof Farm, Franschhoek
Phone: +27 (0) 21 876 4100
Email: info@laresidence.co.za
Website: theroyalportfolio.com/la-residence
Photography courtesy of The Royal Portfolio/La Residence.
