“Here are our top boutique retreats to experience when visiting the picturesque Winelands, personally selected by our team for their exclusivity, uniqueness and of course their individual WOW factor!”
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At Travel Concepts, we are passionate about offering the ultimate in luxury! So, when it comes to curating our list of the Cape Winelands elite – we take great consideration as well as apply a high level of expectation to every applicant!
Here are our top boutique retreats to experience when visiting the picturesque Winelands, personally selected by our team for their exclusivity, uniqueness and of course their individual ‘wow factor’!
Boschendal Wine Estate & Cottages – Franschhoek
As one of the oldest wine farms in the Cape, Boschendal Estate has had a wonderful injection of new life! For an authentic country-chic stay, their brand-new farm-style cottages that are beautifully appointed in traditional-meets-modern South African farmhouse design. Boschendal’s flagship Rhodes Cottage even offers space for up to 10 guests as a complete retreat for a private stay. The beautiful ‘Werf’ restaurant heroes their “farm-to-table” approach, offering organic fresh produce straight from the garden and their Farmshop and Deli serve wonderful meals under old oak trees or by a cozy fireplace, once you have browsed through the plethora of home-made jams, preserves & olive oils!
Why we love it: Boschendal has it all. A fantastic getaway for families; romantics; foodies and adventurists. You could even get married at Boschendal’s striking Olive Press venue – another country-chic calling card!
La Cle Des Montagnes – Franschhoek
La Cle des Montagnes is one of Franschhoek’s best-kept secrets. Four spacious and privately positioned villas not only come with their own private gardens and swimming pools – but also with their own personalities! Interior designer, Sarah Ord fashioned each villa to tell its own story: from stylistic elements reminiscent of a Victorian farmhouse, to interiors inspired by the French heritage of Franschhoek; whilst another is a complete contrast with plenty of avant-garde colour. And besides being a masterpiece of sophisticated winelands style – the villas are a short stroll from the heart of this gastronomic village where you can really soak in the pavement café lifestyle.
Why we love it: Besides being insanely beautiful and comfortable, the villas come with an in-house butler who not only serves breakfast and drinks but can also do all your shopping, set up a barbeque and generally makes your stay a complete spoil!
Transformed from an ordinary Cape Dutch house into a luxurious 12-room boutique hotel, Leeu House is an exciting new addition to Franshhoek’s quieter upper end of the café-lined Huguenot Street. Manicured gardens and an impressive collection of local art and sculptures literally greet you as you arrive and while everything here is extremely elegant and refined, Leeu House remains completely unpretentious and relaxed. Guests can make use of all the facilities at both properties, including the modern spa, high-tech gym and wine tasting of the resident Mullineaux wines.
Why we love it: Although classic in design, the rooms come with plenty modern con’s such as USB outlets on either side of the bed, heated bathroom floors or even an iPad on request! A foodie’s dream where not only does their dinner offering tantalize the most sophisticated palate but their breakfast menu sails into fine dining waters!
Delaire Graff Estate – Stellenbosch
Delaire Wine Estate, perched on the Banhoek Pass, offering ‘out of this world’ views over the valley. It is truly one of the most exclusive and dramatic hotels in the Western Cape – offering the ultimate in luxury. Their designer lodges, fine dining restaurants, beautifully manicured gardens paired with curated art pieces and bespoke wine lounge never fails to impress.
Why we love it: It is hard to narrow down exactly what it is that we love about Delaire without mentioning all this luxurious boutique hotel has to offer. We will however just sum up our love affair with this Estate down to its world – class views and flawless luxury!
The Homestead at Oldenburg Vineyards – Stellenbosch
A very stylish, spacious and comfortable private villa offering splendid views over the secluded Banhoek valley. The beautiful eat-in kitchen offers lofty proportions, chic décor, state of the art appliances and the gorgeous, large windows that incorporate natural light into the designer space. With emphasis on ‘homeliness and charm, this villa has an amazing balance between stunning and impressive interiors and personal history with its Cape Dutch roots.
Why we love it: This dreamy villa offers high class details and finishes that any globe – trotter will appreciate but at the same time a warmth that leaves you feeling relaxed and comfortable! The beautiful private swimming pool is a real treat in the summer – not to forget the resident owl that will be sure to pay a special visit during your stay.
This unique estate is our MD’s favourite winelands retreat! Babylonstoren has the largest and most beautiful edible French vegetable garden on earth, exquisite cottages that combine South African and Scandinavian architecture and interiors, taste beyond compare. The simple farmhouse styled cottages are not overdone, perfectly complemented with chic finishes.
Why we love it: We must mention the famous Babel restaurant, where your food is always beautifully colour – coded and vibrant, offering seasonal ingredients from their extensive growing garden. The baby hedgehogs roaming around in the garden, the oversized hanging ‘bird’s nests’ for your children to climb in, the intricate mosaic walkways that will take your breath away…need we say more?
Grand Dedale Country House – Wellington
The elegant Cape Dutch Country house of Grand Dedale is almost hidden away in the tranquil valley below the Bainskloof Pass in Wellington. Offering a luxury spin on ‘country living’, this superb estate is a favourite for our team! With stunning and peaceful surroundings, 5-star service and six beautifully appointed, tastefully designed rooms.
Why we love it: We love Grand Dedale for its “style in solitude” wow factor. Angelo & Tina, the managing couple pride themselves on their welcoming approach and always go above and beyond for their guests. When staying at this beautiful estate, we recommend a great book to get stuck into, your bathing costume, a pair of hiking boots (if that is your thing) – everything else will be taken care of… in style!
To let us recommend, design and personalise your exclusive stay in the Cape Winelands, please contact our team on info@travelconcepts.co.za
