I am sure I am not the only one that continuously dreams about escaping at the moment, especially after the year we had! We are all desperate to celebrate for 2020 is soon coming to an end. With the reality of not being able to travel much internationally, we have to discover the beauty of what South Africa has to offer. If it’s your first time in the Western Cape this summer, nothing can prepare you for the romantic, charming, sunny and fragrant setting of a weekend away in Franschhoek.
The beautiful Franschhoek is only an hour’s drive away from Cape Town. It’s always a pleasure when a trip lives up to its expectations, and boy did my latest trip to this beautiful town embodies every French fantasy and daydream I have probably had for this year! From enjoying wine to fine dining and dreamy mountain ranges and endless fields of lavender, it is genuinely the ultimate layback, a romantic weekend you did not think you need.
To make your itinerary planning a little easier, I’ve put together my ultimate guide to Franschhoek with all the can’t miss spots that I absolutely love!
– WHERE TO STAY –
L’Ermitage Franschhoek Chateau & Villas
Describing itself as a ‘sanctuary for the soul’, L’ermitage Franschhoek Chateau and Villas is situated near Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve in Franschhoek.
As you enter L’Ermitage, you are greeted by quaint cobbled streets, fountains, archways, lanterns and a swimming pool, a variety of villas and the beautiful chateau where we stayed.
Every elegantly opulent suite in the chateau is individually styled in luxuriously rich textures, exquisite décor and custom furnishings, with crisp linens to create an inviting and relaxing atmosphere. Our King Luxury Suite (known as the Chardonnay Suite) has its own private balcony that overlooks a beautiful lake overshadowed by the majestic mountain range that offered beautiful sunset views of Franschhoek.
The self-catering unit facilities in the suite ensured the freedom of a relaxing, uninterrupted afternoon, and it was the perfect way to start our weekend in Franschhoek.
I loved that our room was super spacious, with its own flat-screen TV, dressing room and a huge bathroom that had a stunning bath with a view. The location is gorgeous, and the setting for breakfast is AMAZING!
L’Ermitage Franschhoek Chateau & Villas are currently running a romantic couples special that is valid on weekends until 12 December.
The Lavender Farm Guest House
After spending time at L’Ermitage Franschhoek Chateau & Villas, we headed out to one of the most picturesque guest houses I have been to. The Lavender Farm Guests House is a mere 1,3km from the village centre of Franschhoek and is encapsulated by a 3 hectare purple Lavender field and Mountains that seem to extend as far as the eye can see.
We checked into our Luxury Suite which has its outdoor pergola-styled verandah of grapevines and wisteria overlooking the farm’s manicured green lawn area and beautiful lavender field.
The Luxury Suites The Lavender Guest House are spacious and elegant and tastefully decorated. It has a stunning en-suite bathroom with a large walk-in shower.
After a day of sightseeing and wine tasting, it is the perfect venue to relax at their beautiful pool area with views to die for or have a sunset picnic with a backdrop of lavender and the majestic views of the Franschhoek mountains.
I highly recommend this property if you are looking for a touch of Provence and romance in the heart of Franschhoek.
Book your stay at The Lavender Farm Guest House before 16 December and get 15% discount when you quote “LorindasWorld”
– SUGGESTED EXPERIENCES FOR A ROMANTIC WEEKEND IN FRANSCHHOEK-
Wine Tasting at Babylonstoren:
It is no secret that Babylonstoren is by far, my favourite wine farm in South Africa. I have been sharing about it since moving to Cape Town in 2015.
I often visit Babylonstoren for a relaxed Wine Tasting experience and garden tour, which is perfect if you want to fit in other activities in and around Franschhoek.
The Tasting Room is open daily – from 10h00 to 17h00 in winter and 10h00 to 18h00 in summer.
The cost of wine tasting starts at R70 p.p. for seven wines (Flagship wines can be added to your tasting at an additional cost: Chardonnay R20, Nebukadnesar R30 and Sprankel R40). They also have amazing platters made from the best farm produce. I recommend you try the Cellar Masters Platter.
Lunch at La Motte:
From the moment you entered La Motte, you are whisked away into another world. The meals are exquisite: beautifully presented, delicious and with excellent service.
The Cape Winelands are blessed with some of the finest restaurants South Africa has to offer. After many visits to La Motte in the last five years, I can honestly say that it is still one of the best lunch experiences you will ever encounter.
Treat yourself at Santé Wellness Spa & Retreat:
Santé Wellness Spa & Retreat is the ultimate sanctuary for anyone who wants to recharge and rejuvenate. Sante’s Day Spa does not just offer a spa experience with their unique treatment methodologies, signature therapies, but they are also providing an exquisite healthy cuisine experience. Santé believes that nourishing the body through lovely food is an integral part of their offering and part of their overall wellness experience.
Dinner at Protégé:
Protege is the best restaurant in Franschoek, in my opinion, and I have dined there three times this year! It serves small tapas-style plates with a fine-dining feel with Asian, French and Italian influences that can be detected in the cuisine that is created by Jess van Dyk. The Protégé Umami Oysters and Champagne Poached Oysters are by far my favourite dishes.
