La Residence - Cape Winelands, South Africa

About this Chic Retreat

Before you ask, yes we have been lucky enough to stay at La Residence (affectionately known as 'La Res')! We arrived in the heat of the day after a rather long walk from the centre of Franschhoek to be welcomed with the most refreshingly delicious glass of Champagne and beer. We felt like we were being welcomed home after years of being away. Some of the best service we have ever had at a small luxury hotel. The dining hall and living room resembles a country manor hall with chequered marble flooring (from India) with large walk-in fireplaces (one is cleverly hidden behind a picture and only comes out during the cooler months). There is a spectacular 4 metre chandelier in the hall which leads onto terraces full of roses - perfect for an al fresco Summer evening. The Manager, Edward, is charming and quite obviously loves what he does - not surprisingly, this boutique hotel is quite stunning and his service matches it in every way. Soon to be added will be a tennis court, paddocks and spa.

Accommodation

La Residence has 11 stunning suites. They are all so gorgeous it really is impossible to choose between them. The en-suite bathrooms are palatial, the beds huge and the art & antiques mesmerising. All have been selected and created with impeccable taste by the passionate owners. Nothing at this luxury boutique hotel has been left to chance. The honeymoon suite has a super king size heated four-poster marble bed with a bathroom the size of the bedroom. Every suite opens onto a terrace or balcony with magnificent views of the mountains, hills and vineyards. The Tibetan suite has hand-picked Oriental antiques and hand-painted screens; the French room is where Christian Lacroix stayed and the pink room was one of our favourites with a wonderfully extravagant use of colour.

Activities

The infinity pool looks across the vineyards and olive trees to the mountains and other activities include wine tastings, cheese tasting and trout fishing. For those looking for a wine tour with a difference, hop on a horse and visit a few of the Vignerons de Franschhoek. The upstairs library at La Residence overlooks the lake and has a wonderful selection of books to suit all tastes. The views are so beautiful from here guests often dine a deux under the stars.

Dining

The menu at La Residence is set (with a choice of each course) and the recommended wine for each course is served. The food is fresh, imaginative and delicious. There is a charming lady who serves you at breakfast who has one of the biggest, sweetest smiles and softest voices asking what you would like (anything is possible).

Rates

Rates are per room per night on bed and breakfast basis which include local beverages, full mini bar, teas & coffees and laundry.. Full Board rate is available and is an additional R1000 on top of the B and B rates. No children under 12 unless the entire house is booked.

Rates (ZAR)

Room

Jan 2010

Feb 2010

Mar 2010

Apr 2010

May 2010

Jun 2010

Jul 2010

Aug 2010

Sep 2010

Oct 2010

Nov 2010

Dec 2010

Jan 2011

Feb 2011

Mar 2011

Apr 2011

May 2011

Jun 2011

Jul 2011

Aug 2011

Sep 2011

Oct 2011

Nov 2011

Dec 2011

Room:

Superior Room

Jan:

7750

Feb:

7750

Mar:

7750

Apr:

7750

May:

7750

Jun:

7750

Jul:

7750

Aug:

7750

Sep:

7750

Oct:

7750

Nov:

7750

Dec:

7750

–

Room:

Luxury Room

Jan:

7450

Feb:

7450

Mar:

7450

Apr:

7450

May:

7450

Jun:

7450

Jul:

7450

Aug:

7450

Sep:

7450

Oct:

7450

Nov:

7450

Dec:

7450

–

Room:

Entire House

Jan:

73200

Feb:

73200

Mar:

73200

Apr:

73200

May:

73200

Jun:

73200

Jul:

73200

Aug:

73200

Sep:

73200

Oct:

73200

Nov:

73200

Dec:

73200

–

* Rates in ZAR

Cancellation policy

8 to 4 weeks before arrival - 25% of total accommodation fee. * 4 to 2 weeks before arrival - 50% of total accommodation fee. * 2 weeks before arrival - 100% of total accommodation fee.