Ultimate Guide To Africa February 2015 | Page 40

Feature destination T he Franschhoek Country House and Villas is a charming gem in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley. This five-star hotel mirrors the French charisma that has made this town such a historically important spot for three centuries. Every feature of the hotel has been carefully crafted to give guests a genuine sense of being part of Franschhoek’s French heritage. The cobbled streets, fountains and old stone buildings make the establishment one of the most appealing, and finest, in the country. Four room types are available at the Franschhoek Country House and Villas. Many features are standard to all, including complimentary WiFi Internet access and air conditioning. The De Luxe Rooms are renovated portions of the historic manor house, and come complete with en suite bathrooms, lounges and private balconies, as well as all of the amenities one would expect to find in a hotel of this standing. The Luxury Rooms, as well as being more spacious, have underfloor heating, a private patio and a supremely comfortable lounge area. A delightful fireplace completes the picture. The Garden Cottages, which are child friendly, extend over two floors. Private patios and balconies mean that there is more than enough space for the whole family to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings. Finally, the Villa Suites are the newest and most luxurious offerings in the hotel. Each villa covers 100 m², and has a spacious lounge, dining room, fireplace, and two private balconies. To top off the retreat experience, the in-house spa offers a range of massage and beauty treatments. Full body massages, reflexology, body wraps, and facials are just the beginning – the hotel has also developed a number of signature treatments for both women and men. The spa is intimate and welcoming, and guests are assured 40 of a wonderful experience in the hands of professionally trained therapists. The hotel also boasts the award-winning Monneaux Restaurant. One of the country’s most acclaimed restaurants, the Monneaux provides exceptional fare at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Lunch taken on the fountain terrace is a delightful way to pass the afternoon, while dinner in the elegant manor house dining room makes it clear why the restaurant has won numerous awards over the years. For private dinners, the hotel’s underground cellar has a suitably exclusive feel to it. Surrounded by some of the very best South African wines, many made in the Franschhoek Valley, as well as a number of equally fine wines from overseas, guests can expect the same level of service and exquisite cuisine enjoyed by diners in the restaurant above. If exploring more of the region’s culinary pleasures is on your list of things to do, the hotel staff will book wine tastings and make reservations at restaurants around Franschhoek on your behalf, and the free shuttle service will take you there. Should you wish to combine business with pleasure; the Franschhoek Country House and Villas is the perfect venue. The conference facilities include all the best technology needed to make a meeting or event successful, impressive and memorable. Data projectors, high speed Internet access and televisions are just some of the features available in the opulent boardroom. The hotel staff will also gladly make any special arrangements needed for your function. Any visit to the beautiful Franschhoek Valley is guaranteed to be made even more remarkable by staying at the Franschhoek Country House and Villas. For more information visit www.fch.co.za.