Grand elegance that never feels ostentatious is the order of the day here, with rooms that feature towering ceilings lined with timber beams and private patios that look onto the water fountains and lavender gardens. Go one up and opt for a Garden Cottage for vineyard views and free-standing baths or, to really spoil yourself, the Villa Suites make for a truly special stay, with granite-and-marble luxuries, fireplaces, private lounges and sprawling balconies.
Al fresco lunches – if you don't opt for the likes of a mountain picnic or vineyard tasting – focus on fresh, light fare, delightfully taken under the shade of the fountain terrace's pepper trees at the acclaimed Monneaux Restaurant. Come evenings you can expect contemporary takes on Cape classics, the likes of seafood risotto, salmon sashimi and beef fillet with chocolate soil on the menu. The five-course tasting menu provides further indulgences, with delights such as steamed sweet chilli mussels with garlic bruschetta and bacon-wrapped duck confit with sweet potato gratin expertly matched with fine, local wines.
Alongside taking advantage of the on-site spa's signature treatments and swimming pool, you'll want to make time to explore. With food and wine such a draw, many activities are, unsurprisingly, centred around the oenophile, with an enormous number of wine farms and top-rated restaurants just moments from the hotel. But, there's plenty of adventure, too, with everything from mountain hiking and bike rental to hot air ballooning, horse riding and zip lining on offer, as well as excellent golf courses and spas nearby. You could even head beyond Franschhoek and discover the delights of Cape Town, or vineyard excellence of Stellenbosch and Paarl.
