Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa

Start your day with a hearty breakfast, overlooking the beautiful gardens - the home-made toasted muesli is a particular favourite. Spend the rest of the day reclining by the swimming pool or pop into the on-site Camelot Spa, and if you don't want to miss out on the sunshine, enjoy your treatment in the outdoor massage garden. At dusk, retreat to the Terrace Bar and Lounge for pre-dinner drinks against the changing colours of the mountains, before heading to Dish restaurant for a fine-dining feast using unique ingredients from the local farms.

Although the hotel feels very personal, there are actually 79 rooms and 18 villas! Rooms range from 'Standard' to 'Deluxe' but every single one is beautifully decorated. Think calming, neutral tones, tasteful art on the walls, and contemporary four poster beds - and always fresh flowers. Most of the en-suite bathrooms have gleaming glass rain showers, whilst the Deluxe rooms, Suites and Villas all have the added feature of a luxurious bathtub, perfect for long bubbly soaks in the evening.

With so many beautiful vineyards on the doorstep, it would be a shame not to visit. The only decision you have to make is by which mode of transport, with choices including bicycle, tram, horse and of course, a trusty car. There are some superb hikes through the mountains offering up splendid views of the valley, or if that sounds a little too active, wander through the pretty village of Franschhoek instead, stopping for coffee and croissant as you go. How very French!