Paul continues his trip around South Africa inspecting accommodation for Real Africa and exploring the wonderful scenery of the Western Cape, the Garden Route and finally the Winelands.
FRI 23 MAY
After breakfast and a site inspection we said our goodbyes and travelled the short distance to L’Ermitage the first of our site inspections for the day.
L’Ermitage
This is a nice property offering beautiful standard rooms and large villas (one even has a hot tub). Most of the properties on site are run by L’Ermitage however some of the villas are also privately owned. It has a lovely atmosphere and as you enter the premises you feel like you are in a traditional French courtyard. When booking this lovely property it is very important to request rooms with a good view as these would really make your stay special. The rooms are situated over two floors and all have private access. The downside to this place is that in some of the rooms is there are no doors on the bathrooms and some of the bathroom amenities such as the bath can be seen from the bedroom. This narrows down the options as it is not ideal for friends only couples. There is plenty of parking here for those on self drive itineraries. The hotel has a swimming pool which is next to the restaurant where lunch and dinner can be taken (this restaurant specialises in Sushi). By reception you will find the breakfast restaurant. I would recommend this property for honeymooners and couples.
Akademie Street Boutique Hotel & Guest House
Wow…..we loved this property which is made up of several cottages and rooms within a small complex style arrangement. Some of the rooms are suitable for families, some have private pools and three rooms share one large pool that can also be used by other guests. There are wonderful pieces of art in the rooms and public areas. I would recommend Twyfeling A or B as these rooms were very light and airy. The parking is on the road but in a safe area. The property is also close to town for visiting restaurants and close by for wine tasting. I would highly recommend this property for honeymooners and it was our favourite place we visited in Franschhoek as it was very much our personal style.
Franschhoek Country House & Villas
This is a beautiful looking property with an outdoor terrace area which houses the restaurant that can offer lunch and dinner but not breakfast. The rooms are situated in well-kept gardens. There are two swimming pools in the gardens, one is heated and the other is kept at a constant temperature. The Villa Suites are stunning with patio areas, a large lounge and bedroom. I would recommend the Villa Suites over the standard rooms. Breakfast is taken in a separate dining room for all guests.
Wedgeview Country House
This has always been one of my favourite places to stay in SA and it holds a special place in my heart. It has recently changed hands so I was wondering what it would be like – but I needn’t have worried. The work that has been done on this property since we last visited 6 years ago is amazing……we loved it! The rooms look the same however the bathrooms have been re-done and are modern and a good size. The main swimming pool area matches up with most 5 star properties and is well maintained with sun loungers fanned around the gardens. There is a new area by the pool that houses a pool table and honesty bar and additional seating. The views are awesome over the vineyards and mountains. There is a new spa which can be used by guests and a bar area in the main house. Upstairs in the house is an area that can be used for a small conference venue. They can cook a meal for guests if given notice and they offer a cheese and charcuterie plate with a choice of soup every evening if guests do not wish to travel into Stellenbosch. I would recommend this property for all clients even families.
We finally made it to Hawksmoor House in time for a sundowner. This was our final property!
Hawksmoor House
This property is part of the Lion Roars chain. It is a delightful working wine farm. The main Manor House is approximately 300 years old and is a wonderful restored Cape Dutch building. The rooms are all individually named. We stayed in the Green Room which is in the main house. The rooms are stylishly furnished with some nice modern bathrooms. Several rooms/buildings are situated in the grounds. We particularly liked the White Room, Grey Room and the Milk Room. Edge House is also ideal for either two couples or a family. The guest house has a swimming pool that is very sheltered and warm. There are lots of lavender bushes throughout the gardens and on a good day from the terrace you can even see all the way to Table Mountain! The property can arrange dinner by prior arrangement and the food is good, simple country cooking. Breakfast and dinner are taken in the main house on the large antique table. The downside with this property is the distance from Stellenbosch which is approximately 20-25 minutes however it is on one road! I would recommend booking clients dinner for the first night but clients must be advised that it is good but simple country style cooking, not fancy haute cuisine! I would recommend this guest house for all clients however they must be advised of the distance to Stellenbosch.
SAT 25 MAY
Heading Home
After one of the best breakfasts during our stay we said goodbye to this wonderful property and we headed into Stellenbosch for an early lunch. We had lunch at the @Apprentice which was brilliant and highly recommended. After lunch we travelled on the N2 to the airport. On arrival at the airport we dropped our car off at the car rental depot and made our way into the terminal building. We checked our entire luggage through to London and made our way to the Domestic Departures Lounge.
We flew from Cape Town to Joburg where we had to change planes to connect to London. On arrival at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport we followed the signs to Terminal B departures you then need to go down one level (following the Gate letter) to security. Once through security you are in the main departures lounge.
The return flight on South African Airways was the most comfortable aircraft we have ever flown on long haul. It was an Airbus330-200 series – I can highly recommend it!
Posted by Paul Hickey-Fry