Top 5 South African Winelands boutique hotels

For many who love wine and food it is Italy or France which call them in year after year – the Winelands in South Africa has so many benefits – firstly it will be far more economic even with the long haul flight to book a winelands tour in South Africa because of the current rand gbp exchange rate, the prices of the luxury Winelands boutique hotels are second to none. You can stay in the best for less in this stunning area. On that note, secondly the area is so beautiful it will take your breath away, and boasts some of the finest wine and food in the world. Some of the restaurants in this area, which are also economical, would blow 90% of London’s restaurants out of the water. Here are a few of the top Winelands boutique hotels: Le Quartier Francais Le Quartier Francais has nine en-suite Auberge Rooms, three Grande Rooms, three Petite Garden Suites and two deluxe Auberge Suites (with private pools), which open onto a rose-filled central courtyard and swimming pool. There are four suites, The Four Quarters, overlooking a private pool. There is also a complimentary full mini-bar, Nespresso machine and a Wifi. The three Petite Garden Suites look out onto their own secret corner garden. Large sliding doors open onto a private patio. They come fully equipped with all the facilities, a writing desk, DVD player, Nespresso machine and a mini-bar. Bathrooms have granite work tops, walk-in showers and double basins. The Four Quarters suites have a courtyard in between them with a pool in the middle. They feature a walk-in dressing room, full complimentary mini-bar, DVD player, full satellite TV with two extra-large plasma screen TVs in the lounge and bedroom, a separate lounge area with fireplace, full complimentary bar, tea/coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi. They only sleep two. The Grande room is the same as The Four Quarters except it doesn’t have a courtyard with a pool in the middle. During the stay you can explore the village’s shops, galleries, the chocolaterie, chacuterie or enjoy wine tasting, fly-fishing, horse riding and golfing – the real highlight of staying at Le Quartier Francais is to have access to the world famous Tasting Room, which must be booked in advance. Babylonstoren Babylonstoren is a magical farm that has been renovated and features a garden full of fresh products used in their restaurant. Babylonstoren also contains a spa with a massage service and Turkish bath which is truly spoiling. Each of the air-conditioned apartments still has historic details, such as wooden farm doors, fireplaces and thick stone walls. They are also equipped with modern kitchens, designer bathrooms and cable TVs. Free Wi-Fi is provided. A fresh breakfast is provided daily and guests can order a packed lunch to explore the area on a bike, borrowed for free from Babylonstoren. There is an indoor pool as well as an outside pool with a sun terrace that have views of the mountains. The large grounds also include an old cellar, wheat store and dove cote. This amazing boutique hotel offers such wonderful service, food and scenery that guests often find they never leave the farm. Grand Roche The Grande Roche has three types of accommodation, Studio suites, Duplex Suites and Terrace suites. The four studio suites are situated in the restored coach and carriage houses of the historic estate. They contain a spacious lounge and bedroom and each has its own semi private garden terrace with a view of the Drakenstein Mountains. The ground floor of each of the Duplex Suites has a spacious lounge, where extra beds can be made up to accommodate families. Upstairs the large bedroom has twin or king beds with views across the gardens. The Terrace Suites have thatched roofs, shutters and vines over the private outdoor terrace. Mont Rochelle Mont Rochelle has 16 rooms and six suites, all of which have great views of the mountains, vineyards and the Franschhoek Valley. Many of the ground floor bedrooms have french doors leading out to the gardens – the Cabernet Rooms in the new wing have the terraces overlooking the valley. For families or those wanting extra space, the Pinotage Suite has a separate sitting room with a sofa-bed. The Reserve Suite also has its own walled garden with Jacuzzi, while the Classic Suites have private plunge pools. Activities include cycling, fishing, food and wine, golf, hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, private guided tours, spa, swimming, wine tasting. La Petite Ferme La Petite Ferme is one of the best Winelands properties, not least because it is owner run making the atmosphere one of ‘one big happy family’ – you feel at home as soon as you arrive and the lovely mown lawns, with breathtaking views, mean that you can often spend a happy afternoon simply relaxing in this boutique hotel. From here you can also get to all the best vineyards and restaurants. Rose Hipwood is Managing Director of The Luxury Safari Company. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.