Hidden beneath the foothills of the Franschhoek Mountains and surrounded by a 30-acre estate brimming with vines, fruit trees, flowers and herbs, La Residence has the dreamiest setting. It is flamboyantly decadent and one of a kind, especially for South Africa, where most hotels are a little more austere. An eclectic mix of inspirations, from a Maharaja’s palace to the Palace of Versailles, means that no two guestrooms are the same, and there’s fine art and antiques wherever you look.
The panoramic views from the swimming pool are to die for, and if you want to head out and explore, there’s a complimentary vehicle on call to whisk you around — or hop on a bicycle to take it all in.
Top suite: Three-bedroom Vineyard Suite from $1,750 per night
If you do one thing: Drink all that glorious wine, of course. Book a tasting in La Residence’s private cellar for a night you might forget.
Contact: Edward Morton, general manager, reservations@trp.travel, +27 216 715 502, theroyalportfolio.com