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Photo of La Residence, Franschhoek

“A visual feast, everywhere you look the eye falls on some exotic antique or painting. Each unique suite is decorated in the colours and fabrics of a maharajah's palace, a miniature Versailles or a Moroccan harem. Utter indulgence continues right through to the dining and the award winning spa.”

“A visual feast, everywhere you look the eye falls on some exotic antique or painting. Each unique suite is decorated in the colours and fabrics of a maharajah's palace, a miniature Versailles or a Moroccan harem. Utter indulgence continues right through to the dining and the award winning spa.”

Hotel Review

Unbridled luxury, La Residence is the jewel in the crown of The Royal Portfolio's fine collection. A purpose-built hotel, that sits in the Franschhoek Valley as though it's been there for generations. Each of its 11 rooms, plus five vineyard suites, are decorated in a unique style and vibrant colour. Owner Liz Biden has chosen every fixture and fitting and travels the world collecting exotic objets d'art. Opulence abounds in the form of chandeliers from India, four-posters from France, Tibetan dressers, and antique mirrors. The main house, with its vaulted wooden ceilings, monochrome tiles, and open-fires is strictly adults only. A sense of tranquillity pervades, with peacocks strutting across the manicured lawns. On the other side of the property, in the five villas, families (and little ones) are allowed and have their own pool and dining area. As you'd expect, dining is superb. Choose from the seemingly endless wine list and capacious cellar. A daily changing menu is available, try local favourite, Springbok, and a death by chocolate cake to finish. A picturesque twenty-minute walk into Franschhoek town, where there are some world-class restaurants and vineyards. The hotel provides complimentary shuttles into town.
 

Written by Megan Lambert

Recommended For

  • Riding
  • The hotel concierge can help you arrange a riding excursion. Wine tasting on horseback is even possible!
  • Spa breaks
  • Home to an award winning spa with signature treatments such as the 'Pinotage Body Polish'.
  • Cycling
  • This area is popular for cycling and bikes are available for guests to hire.
  • Golf
  • Pearl Valley Golf course is just a short drive away.
  • Romantic Break
  • Divine villas with exotic decor and huge bathrooms.
  • Wine tasting
  • Surrounded by vineyards you are spoilt for choice.
  • Restrictions on children
  • Children above the age of 12 are permitted.
  • Family Suites
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace
  • Wedding license
  • Eco
  • Designer
  • Secluded setting
  • Colonial
  • Sit-out Terrace
  • Good wine list
  • Wellbeing
  • Spa
  • Restaurant
  • Artworks
  • Chic
  • Gym
  • Antiques
  • 5* Luxury
  • Disabled access
  • Gourmet
  • Luxury
  • Four poster beds
  • Romantic
  • Free wifi
  • Views
  • Conference facilities

Facilities

  • Restrictions on children
  • Children above the age of 12 are permitted.
  • Swimming Pool
  • Outdoor pool.
  • Airport transfer
  • Surcharge.
  • Family Suites
  • Sauna/Steam
  • Outdoor dining
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace
  • Fireplace
  • Wedding license
  • Bar
  • No pets
  • Parking
  • Bath robes
  • Safe
  • Hairdresser/Beauty Salon
  • Meeting Room
  • Massage
  • Library
  • Bicycle hire
  • Sit-out Terrace
  • Good wine list
  • Spa
  • Restaurant
  • Garden
  • Gym
  • Sitting Room
  • 24 Hour room service
  • Disabled access
  • Suites
  • Private villas
  • Concierge
  • Satellite / Cable TV
  • Four poster beds
  • Wifi
  • Free wifi
  • Views
  • Air conditioning
  • Business Centre
  • Conference facilities

Activities

  • Riding
  • The hotel concierge can help you arrange a riding excursion. Wine tasting on horseback is even possible!
  • Cycling
  • This area is popular for cycling and bikes are available for guests to hire.
  • Golf
  • Pearl Valley Golf course is just a short drive away.
  • Wine tasting
  • Surrounded by vineyards you are spoilt for choice.

Map & Location

What's Nearby

Other Reviews

Best Hotels in Franschhoek Near Cape Town

You might check in to La Résidence, situated on a 30-acre estate, expecting old-world glamour. You'll find that in spades, to be sure, but jazzed up in a distinctly modern way: unexpected splashes of orange, chartreuse, or lemon, or perhaps a boldly patterned rug. Many rooms boast Asian paintings and antiques—a testament to owner Liz Biden’s unique design flair. The result is an opulent French chateau with an Oriental twist.

Originally published by Travel + Leisure (view article)