Deals of the day
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Cliveden House
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Palazzo Navona Rome
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Located in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley on a private 30 acre estate, La Residence sets the benchmark for luxury accommodation in the Cape Winelands.
La Residence is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz vineyards, olive groves and plum orchards, with a spectacular mountain backdrop and breath-taking views of the undulating countryside. Be transported to a world of exquisite beauty, opulence and complete tranquillity at this luxury Franschhoek hotel.
Glittering Indian chandeliers hang from the vaulted ceiling, original artwork and huge mirrors grace the walls, while the furnishings of Liz Biden are colourful, stylish and comfortable.
Elegant antiques and exquisite flowers create a feeling of refinement and sophistication while space and personal service are the ultimate luxuries. The 11 Suites at the hotel are ideal for couples while the 5 Vineyard Suites offer privacy and space for families and groups of friends.
ACCOMMODATION
Each room at La Residence has been uniquely designed by Liz Biden. Each has its own colour scheme and design inspiration – from the exotic Tibetan Suite with its oriental antiques and rich orange tones to the blue and yellow Chambre Bleu with its Provençal antiques, velvets and silks.
LUXURY SUITES
A picture of opulence and comfort, this 85m² double room features stunning mountain and vineyard views. This air-conditioned and luxurious room has a seating area and is equipped with a flat-screen TV and DVD player. The lavish private bathroom is fitted with a large bath and shower.
DINING
In the heart of South Africa’s wine country, the experience at La Residence is focused on fine wine and delicious cuisine. Executive Chef Lennard Marais oversees the dining experience at La Residence. His cuisine emphasises fresh, local ingredients, many of which are grown on the estate.
Because the cuisine is such an integral part of the experience at La Residence, our guests will often sit down with the chefs to discuss their preferences and dietary requirements with menus being tailored accordingly. The chefs at La Residence are of the highest calibre, dedicated to ensuring that every meal is unforgettable.
Breakfast at this Franschhoek hotel is a lavish affair. All manner of cereals and fruits are on offer, as well as a scrumptious hot breakfast menu and continental breakfast selection including cold meats, fruits, cheeses and delicious pastries.
Lunch is fresh and flexible. The chef presents a seasonal, à la carte lunch and dinner menu that is alive with flavour.
Night-time dining at La Residence is always something to look forward to. Begin with an apéritif in the loggia while watching the sunset over the dam, or sit beside the fire for cocktails and canapés by candlelight.
The dining area at La Residence is known as the Great Hall – resplendent with dazzling chandeliers, black and white Victorian tiles and vast fireplaces. Outside, the Persian Alley offers a delightful setting for alfresco meals, overlooking the lush green lawn and palm fronds.
And, of course, no lunch or dinner would be complete without a carefully selected wine from the extensive wine list. Our wine stewards are on hand to offer advice or guide you through a food and wine pairing where we will select a wine that complements the flavour profile of the dishes you have chosen.
THE CHEF’S TABLE
Kindly note that due to Covid restrictions the Chef’s Table experience is unavailable until further notice. At the Chef’s Table in the Great Hall guests will enjoy a completely interactive evening with one of our celebrated chefs. An evening perfectly curated to your preferences and interests.
The experience begins with a leisurely stroll through the La Residence gardens. During the summer months, the abundance of black figs, ripe pomegranates, juicy plums, green artichokes and fragrant herbs will leave you spoiled for choice as you select the freshest seasonal ingredients for your feast.
The four-course meal complete with amuse bouche, palate cleanser and petits fours will be prepared in front of you while the chef talks you through the ingredients, cooking techniques and flavours. All that remains is for you to enjoy your meal accompanied by a perfectly paired selection of wines by our wine steward.
DINING FOR NON-RESIDENTS
La Residence is open to the public for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner subject to availability and by prior reservation. Breakfast can only be booked through the hotel for non-residents.
For the more adventurous, La Residence is now offering an exclusive number of Country Picnic Baskets to be enjoyed each Saturday and Sunday afternoon on the lawns surrounding our tranquil pond with views overlooking the Franschhoek mountains and 30 acre estate.
Included in the picnic basket is a delicious selection of seasonal produce, freshly baked goods and locally sourced charcuterie, spreads and preserves.
Couples, friends and families can enjoy a lovely selection of local wines and iced beverages that pair perfectly with our wide-selection of picnic treats and the natural beauty of the surroundings.
THE SPA ROOM
The Spa Treatment Room at La Residence in Franschhoek allows guests to indulge in an array of pampering treatments. La Residence has two in-house spa therapists who provide treatments in either in the tranquil, air-conditioned double treatment room or in the privacy of your own suite or balcony.
Signature treatments include the Swedish Massage to relax muscles and stimulate circulation as well as the tension releasing Deep Tissue Massage to ease stiffness.
When the weather is good, massages and other spa treatments can also be enjoyed outside in the Tea House overlooking the dam. There is no finer indulgence to round off a day exploring the winelands than a full body massage.
For those keen to keep in shape while on holiday, there is a fully-equipped gym at the hotel. And for those requiring a healthy meal plan, our team of award-winning chefs will gladly oblige with a special healthy meal plan designed around your dietary requirements.
EVENTS
Franschhoek is without doubt one of the most beautiful destinations in South Africa and La Residence is the ideal Franschhoek venue for sophisticated birthday celebrations, afternoon teas, private lunches and dinners, executive events or intimate weddings.
Our expert events team has many years of experience in planning spectacular events for our discerning guests. The purpose built Vineyard Venue is ideal for up to 40 guests.
Weddings
There are few wedding venues in the world that can rival the beauty, style and grace of La Residence. Set among 30 acres of vineyards and plum orchards with exquisite views of the mountains and Franschhoek Valley, La Residence provides a haven of opulent accommodation, exceptional service, fine dining and natural beauty.
Our team can cater exclusively for a maximum of 150 wedding guests and our 11 rooms can accommodate up to 22 guests while our vineyard suites can accommodate an additional 20 guests. We offer various wedding packages and can tailor your event to suit all requirements.
The Vineyard Venue
The Vineyard Venue is an intimate private event space at La Residence that can accommodate up to 40 guests. This magnificent and opulently decorated winelands venue includes art by Pierre Carl Vermeulen and Ayanda Mabula and overlooks blossoming plum and peach trees as well as the Wemmershoek mountains from the wrap-around verandah.
FRANSCHHOEK
Franschhoek is known as South Africa’s Culinary Capital with over 60 restaurants in the charming town that has a distinctly French heritage. Franschhoek (‘French Corner’ in Dutch) is a picturesque village where the laid back café culture has a distinctly French charm.
The first French Huguenot settlers arrived in South Africa at Franschhoek in 1688 and their influence lives on, for this is a destination undeniably devoted to the creation and enjoyment of good food and wine.
Many of the original French Huguenot refugees were given land by the Dutch government in a valley called Olifantshoek (“Elephants’ corner”), so named because of the elephants that crossed into the valley to calve.
The name of the area soon changed to le Coin Français (“the French Corner”), and later to Franschhoek, with many of the settlers naming their new farms after the areas in France from which they came. La Motte, Champagne, La Cotte, Haute Cabrière, La Provence, Bourgogne, La Terra de Luc and La Dauphine were among some of the first established farms — most of which retain their original Cape Dutch farmhouses today.
Full of character, Franschhoek is distinguished by its fine colonial architecture, numerous gourmet restaurants, art galleries and curio shops. Despite its diminutive size, Franschhoek boasts an incredible range of snug cafés and stylish restaurants with every style of food on offer.
From traditional English pub food to classic French bistro fare and from superb wood-fired pizzas to contemporary Indian cuisine – there is something for every palate.
THE HUGUENOT MONUMENT
The French heritage is commemorated by the Huguenot Monument which stands at the end of the town. The museum nearby chronicles the history of the first settlers, with each of the original Huguenot farms having its own fascinating story to tell.
The Cape Dutch architecture in much of the village is unspoilt, as restrictions have been placed on the extent of renovations and new construction in order to preserve the spirit of the original settlers to the area.
In 1904 a 27 km train line was built between Paarl and Franschhoek to serve as an alternative to ox drawn carts for farmers wanting to get their produce to market.
Steam locomotives operated along the route until diesel locomotives took over in the 1970s and then, in the 1990s, as the need for rail transport decreased, service along the railway line was discontinued.
The branch line was reinstated in 2012 by a private operator which now operates as the Franschhoek Wine Tram.
A VIBRANT CULTURE
Within the vicinity of the village there are more than 40 wine estates, many of which offer classical concerts, art exhibitions and jazz evenings alongside cellar tours, tutored wine tastings and award-winning dining experiences.
Wine-making has an illustrious 300-year old history in the Franschhoek Valley. The oldest family-owned wine farms are worth visiting for their architecture and beautiful vineyards alone.
Whether you are a connoisseur with your own cellar or an enthusiastic newcomer to the wonderful world of wine, wine tasting in Franschhoek offers a unique and diverse experience for oenophiles.
You’ll learn about the wine-making process and gain an understanding of what makes South African wine so special as well as the differences between new world and old world wines.
STELLENBOSCH AND PAARL
Stellenbosch and Paarl are a short distance from Franschhoek and are well worth exploring for a complete Wine Country experience. Different terroirs lend themselves to different wine styles and varietals while Stellenbosch also has several top-rated restaurants.
Some of our favourite Stellenbosch and Paarl Wine Estates and Restaurants include Tokara, Thelema, Delaire Graff, Babylonstoren, Glen Carlou, Cavalli, Overture, Rust en Vrede, Terroir and Jordan.
WHEN TO VISIT
Franschhoek has something to offer all year round. Peak season is during the summer months from November until April when temperatures soar above 30 degrees celsius.
During the winter months, temperatures drop to an average of about 18 degrees while visitors enjoy crackling fireplaces, red wine and the many festivals hosted in the valley.
ART AT LA RESIDENCE
Whimsical interiors with classical inspiration are accompanied by beautiful, predominantly South African, artwork. Founding owners of The Royal Portfolio, Liz and Phil Biden, have always had a passionate relationship with art.
This appreciation is shown in the beautiful collection of art and interior ornaments across The Royal Portfolio properties. Art is deeply ingrained into each property’s character, reflecting Liz and Phil Biden’s keen and adventurous eye for the beautiful.
Drawing inspiration from her travels around the world, Liz has acquired a unique and varied collection of art and interior artefacts. Local artists are often commissioned, giving up-and-coming African artists exposure to the international guests staying at each property.
EXPLORING THE ESTATE
La Residence is set on a 30-acre estate in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley among orchards and vineyards and against a backdrop of magnificent mountains.
FARM LIFE
Tango and Twist, the miniature horses, are just two of the characters that you might bump into at La Residence. Keep an eye out too for the springboks, guinea fowl and strutting peacocks.
THE VINEYARDS
La Residence is set among Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz vineyards from which we produce our own wines – the two single varietals and a refreshing rose.
THE HERB GARDEN & PLUM ORCHARDS
One of our chefs will gladly show you around our herb garden and the plum orchards where many of our daily ingredients are grown.
WINE TASTING
Not only do we produce our wines from the La Residence estate, but we have an extensive wine list showcasing South Africa’s most distinguished wines.
Resident guests can taste the iconic wines of the Cape in the comfort of La Residence. Either be guided by our suggestions or compile your own tasting ‘menu’ from our comprehensive wine list.
And what better way to conclude a tasting than with a stroll through our own vineyards where we grow Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz grapes on our 30-acre farm. On 2 January 2011 our maiden 2010 vintage was bottled.
We grow two varietals at La Residence – Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. And we produce three wines – the Owner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, our red blend called the Nicole Alexandra (80% Cab and 20% Shiraz) – named after Liz and Phil’s two daughters and our Rosemary Jane Rose which is named after Matt’s wife Rosie (made from our Shiraz grapes). Our winemaker is DP Burger from nearby Glenwood.
Our first vintage was 2010 so guests can enjoy a wonderful vertical tasting in our wine cellar. Our expert sommelier, Ricardo Roux, will tailor wine tastings to our guests’ interests and palates and loves to showcase regional expressions of South Africa’s finest wines.
We have a house wine list which is included in the rate for guests as well as a reserve wine list. Our wine list recently won the Diner’s Club Diamond Award.
There are many wine estates in and around Franschhoek with fabulous tasting rooms and restaurants – we offer 8 Ways of Wine Tasting at La Residence, including our fabulous helicopter wine tours where guests can sample and compare wines from two different regions (cool and warm climate) on the same trip – not to mention the incredible scenery along the way.
HONEYMOONS
Surrounded by verdant mountains and vineyards, La Residence is the ideal honeymoon destination. Relax in style after your wedding and celebrate the start of a new life together.
La Residence was voted the No. 1 Hotel in the World in the Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards in 2013 and South Africa’s Best Boutique Hotel by House and Leisure magazine in 2015.
La Residence has perfected the balance between luxury and comfort and there can be few more romantic destinations in the world than the Franschhoek Valley. The surrounding mountains turn a shade of cerise pink in the evening as guests enjoy a stroll through the vineyards before a wine tasting and dinner in the Great Hall.
La Residence is surrounded by some of the world’s top-rated wine estates. For newlyweds a day of wine tasting is considered mandatory – lolling from one picturesque farm to the next and sampling some of South Africa’s most distinguished wines along the way.
Whether it be by helicopter, on horseback, on a bicycle or on Harley Davidsons – there is something to suit every couple.
DAY TOURS
Franschhoek has a lot to offer any visitor – from chocolate tasting to teeing off on one of South Africa’s most picturesque golf courses.
FISHING
The Wemmers River is packed with wild brown trout and rainbow trout. La Ferme rents out fly fishing equipment for you to use in the river or in one of their trout dams.
CHOCOLATE TASTING
Indulge in the ‘chocolate experience’ at Huguenot Fine Chocolates, a local boutique chocolaterie.
MOTOR MUSEUM
This is a must for any car enthusiast. The museum is on L’Ormarins wine estate and houses an impressive collection of over 100 collector’s cars.
GOLF
There is a wealth of world-class golf courses to choose from in the Cape Winelands. Pearl Valley Golf course is host to the South African Open Championship three years running.
CYCLING AND HIKING
Whether you’d like a lazy pedal through the village or a strenuous hike up Mont Rochelle, La Residence is filled with quaint architecture and is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Hiking and mountain biking are wonderful ways to work up an appetite for the exceptional local gastronomy.
HELICOPTER WINE TOURS
Take off from the helipad at La Residence and explore South Africa’s most celebrated wine regions in fine style.
We have carefully crafted three distinct routes which will allow you to sample and compare the diverse expressions of South Africa’s top varietals while soaring over majestic landscapes.
ROAD TRIPPING WINE TOURS
Our La Residence tour guide will expertly craft an itinerary based on your specific wine preferences. Explore the diverse and beautiful Franschhoek Valley or go further afield to Stellenbosch, home to some of the oldest wine estates in the country.
You’ll be guided by a local expert and wine aficionado who will share knowledge of the area and of the wines themselves.
WALKING WINE TOUR
Together we can create a bespoke route according to your interests and tastes incorporating any number of estates that are within walking distance of La Residence as well as a lunch or dinner in one of over 60 restaurants in the area. And if you run out of steam, never fear, we’ll send a driver to collect you.
WINE TASTING BY BICYCLE
Take a leisurely pedal through the lazy Franschhoek streets. Some of the most acclaimed wineries in South Africa are situated within a 2km radius of La Residence and are easily accessible by bicycle. We will provide all of the necessary equipment.
WINE TASTING ON HORSEBACK
Take a scenic ride through vineyards, forests and over mountains on purebred Arabian horses with expert guide Pieter Hugo – a South African Team Endurance Rider.
This experience is ideal for advanced and novice riders alike. The total riding time is around 2 hours 30 minutes, with 30-45 minute stops at the Rickety Bridge Winery and Mont Rochelle Wine Estate.
WINE TASTING ON A HARLEY
What better way for the adventurous at heart to explore? Roar through one of the most picturesque wine valleys in the world on the back of one of these iconic motorcycles.
Enjoy the complete freedom as you glide down estate roads on the back of a Harley-Davidson, through mountains and vineyards with the wind in your hair.
THE FRANSCHHOEK WINE TRAM
Guests will stop and spend time at some of South Africa’s oldest and most distinguished wine estates: Rickety Bridge, Grande Provence, Dieu Donné, Haute Cabrière and Chamonix. A stop at the Huguenot Museum can also be slotted into the day’s activities.
THE GOURMET CAPITAL OF SOUTH AFRICA
Franschhoek is affectionately known as the gourmet capital of South Africa with many of the country’s top rated restaurants in close proximity.
To journey through the Cape Winelands is to go on a culinary journey through some of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes. Meander from estate to estate sampling fine wines and local, artisanal produce. Indulge in a private, Anthonij Rupert wine tasting at the Manor House before dining at some of the finest restaurants in the country.
An interactive cooking lesson can be arranged at the nearby Leopard’s Leap wine estate while guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy vertical and horizontal wine tastings in the La Residence vineyards and to enjoy a farm tour through the orchards, vineyards and herb gardens of the estate.
A trip into the nearby Franschhoek Forest often rewards the adventurous with a fine haul of wild mushrooms. For the less adventurous, take a stroll into the village and enjoy a tour of Huguenot Fine Chocolates before returning to La Residence for a chocolate and wine pairing.
The French influence in Franschhoek is abundant and clearly apparent in much of the cuisine. Several top restaurants are located in either the quaint town centre or on the surrounding wine estates.
Recommended restaurants include The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Francais, Pierneef at La Motte, The Kitchen at Maison, Foliage and Bread & Wine at Môreson.
