Best hotels in The Franschhoek Valley

A sublime Winelands sanctuary with jaw-dropping interiors and more than a touch of French grandeur, La Residence is an ideal getaway for wine buffs in search of some seclusion (and a whole lot of luxury). Overlooking the spectacular Franschhoek valley with its rows of perfectly tended vines and towering mountains, the chateau-style estate wins every prize for an Instagram-worthy location – there’s even peacocks strutting around the exquisite grounds! And with Franschhoek village, South Africa’s gastronomical capital, only a 5 minute drive away, there’s a host of mouth-watering delights on the doorstep. We dare you to drag yourself away…

Slap bang in the heart of the stunning Cape Winelands, Babylonstoren is one of the oldest working farms in South Africa. With an emphasis on sustainability and organic produce, the owners are bringing an elegant and very contemporary twist to the old adage ‘farm to table’ and boy, do they do it well. From the award-winning restaurant and vineyard to the home-grown spa, every aspect of a stay here is led by the bountiful gardens and hubbub of edible delights within. And then there’s the cottages; white-washed Dutch gables transformed into sanctuaries of graceful simplicity and sophistication, worthy of a visit in themselves.

Tucked within a boutique estate that's devoted entirely to the art of Cap Classique, this exclusive-use villa puts you in the heart of Franschhoek with your own chef, butler, and very generous pours of some of South Africa's finest bubbles. Award-winning designer Etienne Hanekom has worked his magic on the interiors, and the result is a refined sanctuary that feels every bit as polished as the wines in the cellar. Blending sessions, vineyard picnics, and helicopter flights are all on the cards – though simply sinking into the heated pool with a glass of Blanc de Blancs works too.

You'll find La Clé in the enchanting Franschhoek Valley amidst plum orchards and sprawling gardens. Surrounded by imposing mountains in a valley threaded with vineyards, the area is an ideal destination for nature lovers with a taste for wine; keen gastronomes will also be delighted with the town's competitive foodie scene and top-notch restaurants. The lodge itself is a five-bedroom home with traditional, Cape Dutch inspired architecture, and can either be booked exclusively or on a per-room basis. The estate is also home to four other private villas that also offer unique accommodation options. Peaceful gardens between the properties give you space to wander and plenty of privacy during your stay.

The newly founded Leeu Collection is taking the Winelands by storm, and we can see why. Inside the walls of Leeu Estates, just outside Franschhoek, you'll find decadent accommodation in a selection of pretty cottages and elegant houses, top-notch fine-dining and an impressive art collection, all surrounded by stunning gardens and overlooked by the towering Dassenberg Mountains. And that's not all - there's an award-winning spa, heated infinity pool and contemporary wine tasting studio and, if you can drag yourself away, complimentary transfers into nearby Franschhoek village. We can't think of much else that would make it better...

Tucked away in Franschhoek, just off the main road, is La Rive, a tranquil haven in this fair heart of the Cape Winelands. The thatched villa marries colonial English and traditional Dutch/Afrikaans heritage beautifully in its design, with all mod cons for convenience. The warm and homely atmosphere, large and lovely interiors – and 5 bedrooms – make this the perfect retreat for a family or group of friends. For the duration of your stay, the villa, its gardens and pool (perfect for lazy dips after wine-tasting tours) and staff are for your sole use. Welcome to the Winelands!

The stylish, intimate and comfortable Akademie Street Boutique Hotel and Guesthouse is situated on a leafy road in Franschhoek, one of the most stunning valleys in the world, and the food and wine capital of South Africa. With just six unique cottages and suites set on a beautiful property, you can be assured of personalised service from the family-owned and managed, five-star, luxury guest house and boutique hotel, rated the best small hotel and the best luxury hotel in the world on Tripadvisor.com. This is the ideal place to relax in luxury, while still enjoying the home-away-from home feeling.