Clouds Estate

It’s all about the views at this luxurious private villa and hotel residence. The dining area has an inside or outside option, complete with roll-back glass doors and a wooden deck overlooking the sprawling lawn and stunning Hottentots Holland mountain rage. The swimming pool is off to the left with the same view and offers plenty of seating options. For cosy winter evenings, settle into the lounge, light the fire and watch the mist descend over the mountains.

There are seven guest rooms which all have view-facing beds, and five private villas with all the mod cons from smart TVs to a Nespresso machine. Expect Charlotte Rhys toiletries and high-end hair dryers too. Of the guest rooms, we like Room 7, which is a corner suite (double the views) with a jacuzzi on the terrace (hello romantic weekend!). Villa 8 is the nearest to the swimming pool and Villas 10 and 11 are interleading, and perfect for families.

Go explore some of the award-winning wines of the region: Delaire Graff for the art, views and gourmet dining (complimentary transport via golf cart), Tokara for it’s delicious olive oils (and wines of course!) and Haute Cabriere for its easy-drinking chardonnay-pinot noir. The town of Franschhoek is a bustling and pretty place with fabulous gift shops, boutiques, galleries and coffee shops. Feel like staying in? Enjoy a meal on the terrace complimented by one of the estate’s wonderful wines.