South Africa Safari-Franchhoek

We were really privileged to start this trip in the business class lounge at Heathrow for Virgin. It was most impressive as it was like a 'club' with its own spa with free treatments! There were also restaurants and even a pool table. The flight was over 10 hours and immigration was very quick and friendly in Cape Town.

The first stop was the wine lands which was a one hour bus journey from the airport.

The Residence in Franschhoek was amazing. The brochures do not do it justice! It definitely has the wow factor. It is a very quirky hotel with lots of detail in the rooms and the most amazing views of the vineyards and mountains. A perfect haven and retreat to get away from the world. The rooms were beautifully decorated and we stayed in the two bedroom villa which was pink on one side and light green on the other. No room is the same in this hotel but they are all large and are decorated with French antiques and Picasso styled paintings in bright colours. There are chandeliers everywhere and the bathrooms were just awesome.

The attention to detail is second to none. The plan was we would go into Franschhoek and explore but to be honest we didn’t want to leave so we all agreed after a delicious lunch served (naturally) with wine that we would chill out at the hotel and take in the breath-taking scenery and enjoy our surroundings.

At 4pm afternoon tea was served by the main pool and it would have been impolite to refuse. I have taken a photo (the chocolate cake remained untouched). We had our own pool so sat in the sun for a short while before getting ready for dinner.

We had a sumptuous meal hosted by Ed the manager who was very entertaining and again plenty of wine was served. We sadly were only staying at this hotel for one night but it left a lasting impression as the service was spot on, the food was amazing and the rooms were just so quirky and different to anywhere you will stay. Loved it!