Described as a ‘modern Versailles in miniature’ and awarded a near perfect score by Conde Nast Traveller, it’s clear to see why La Residence in Franschhoek has been voted one on the best hotels in world.
Lush gardens, a gorgeous lake and five vineyards surround the hotel itself.
And there’s plenty of pretty places to sit and enjoy a glass of wine.
The beautiful sienna walls have a natural yet luxe feeling to them…
And are perfect for striking a fashion blogger pose… That’s my white Theory dress, ideal for swanning around in Vineyards on a hot day.
Conde Nast wasn’t the only publication to give La Residence high accolades; the Telegraph has also voted it one of the 50 best and it made the Tatler top 101.
Our room, the Tang Suite, was every bit as palatial as the exterior. The bed had a soft, sage green velvet headboard and it was draped in red silk.
I also loved the beautiful antique Chinese wardrobe… which doubled up as….
Literally the best all-inclusive mini bar ever!! I don’t think I’ve ever arrived at a hotel and had five bottles of wine that I’m free to consume… plus crisps (rosemary and rock salt I might add), chocolate and biscuits…I have to say it took real restraint not to pack a bag of stuff as sustenance for our upcoming road trip. I modestly took a few packets of crisps with me.
I loved the fact that the bar also included full coffee and tea making facilities as well as limes and cocktail tools. At La Residence you can pay a bed and breakfast rate that includes local beverages or go full throttle and enjoy full board. We decided not to do the latter as there were so many incredible restaurants in the surrounding area to enjoy.
And best of all was the bathroom…
The restaurant is reserved for guests of the hotel only and the white tables clothes and soft lighting coupled with the lavish surrounding felt incredibly cosy and romantic. Before we made our selection from the menu, the chef came out to ask if we were happy with everything and if we’d like any changes, which I thought was a lovely and personal touch.
The simple food fit in with the relaxed feel of the place and was all very tasty. We chose starters of grilled prawns served with figs and salad, along with sweet melon and prosciutto. Main courses were sole with a potato gratin and malay spiced cauliflower for me; beef medallions with rosemary potato fondant and mixed veg for Mr S. The ingredients are beautiful and fresh, many of which are plucked from the estate’s own garden and then prepared by Chef Lennard Marais who previously worked at The Table Bay Hotel and Ellerman House.
After dinner in the balmy night, we sat out on the terrace finishing our wine and taking in the gorgeous views.
Breakfast is really special at La Residence and we sat in the gorgeous courtyard admiring the gardens and the infinity pool while we munched on hot buttered toast and piled our plates from the beautiful and small but perfectly formed buffet. There’s an a la carte menu too for hot breakfasts but in the glorious hot sun I was content with salmon and fruit from the buffet.
Though you may find it a little extravagant, a stay at La Residence not only feels like a night at a palace, but you’ll be treated like royalty too.
La Residence
Elandskloof Private Road
Elandskloof Farm
Franschhoek
South Africa
