The Crème De La Crème of Luxury

The impressive Leeu Collection in Franschhoek comprises a large part of this picturesque village in the winelands. Leeu Estates, Leeu House, Le Quartier Français, Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, Marigold Restaurant, and Tuktuk Microbrewery are all part of this remarkable brand.

The flagship property of the Leeu Collection, Leeu Estates, was not only named the leading Wine Country Hotel 2017 in South Africa at the World Travel Awards Africa, but also appeared on Condé Nast Traveller’s Hot List as well as Travel + Leisure’s It List this year.

This exclusive boutique hotel and winery is an elegant hideaway, situated among lush, landscaped gardens dotted with magnificent sculptures by some of the best artists in the country, and sprawling fynbos and vineyards. With the striking Dassenberg as a backdrop, this property ticks all the boxes and more with luxurious accommodation options, top-class gourmet cuisine, a world-class spa, award-winning winery, and views to die for. It is the crème de la crème of sophistication, exclusivity, and class with a relaxed, warm, and inviting atmosphere.

The 19th century, lovingly restored Manor House lies at the heart of the 100-hectare farm, and consists of six luxuriously appointed rooms and suites. The rooms and suites are spacious and light with a calming colour palette, creating a tranquil hideaway. Walls are decorated with beautifully curated artworks and the décor in the rooms consist of bespoke furniture pieces, wool-and-sisal carpets, and lush textured linen. Each room has an en suite bathroom complete with marble counter tops, rain showers, heated towel rails, and underfloor heating. All the amenities one would come to expect from five-star luxury are included, such as high-definition televisions, superb coffee and tea making facilities, a mini-bar, lavish robes and slippers, and fast Wi-fi access. The luxurious Manor House also has a living room, dining room, and reading room filled with books. The artworks that dot the spaces were carefully curated to enhance the overall sophisticated atmosphere.

Two additional rooms for guests lie adjacent to the Manor House, and four are located in spacious cottages on the grounds surrounded by pomegranate and plum orchards, oak trees, and vineyards.

Long, leisurely meals are encouraged at The Dining Room at Leeu Estates, where group executive chef, Oliver Cattermole, and his team prepares delicious, innovate cuisine. Having worked in some of the finest establishments around the world, the dishes created by Chef Oliver are highlighted by vibrant international flavours using only the finest locallysourced organic and ethically-farmed ingredients. For starters, tuck into the roasted asparagus served with Stellenbosch goat’s cheese, egg yolk jam, and smoked panko with bonito flakes. For mains, the Karoo lamb skilpadjie with edamame, bacon, artichokes, peas, and lamb gravy is a decadent option. For dessert, the lemon tart with sumac and garden mint provides a perfect end to a perfect meal.

All-day dining can also be enjoyed al fresco on the terrace or in the sunny Dining Room – a beautiful space that opens up onto the manicured gardens. Here, the renowned breakfast buffet is served every morning from 07h00 to 11h00 and offers homemade granola and pastries, seasonal fruit, freshly squeezed vegetable and fruit juices, and a range of infused teas. Hot breakfasts are also available made using delicious organic eggs, and pasture-reared pork in the form of bacon and sausages, all sourced locally from farms in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Dining at Leeu Estates is an absolute treat and is an entire experience on its own.

Not only do guests get to indulge in utmost luxury in all forms at Leeu Estates, but they also get to experience what life is like on a working wine farm. Head to the Wine Studio for a truly immersive wine experience run by the Mullineux & Leeu team. This boutique tasting studio allows guests to sample some of the best wine in the country: the handcrafted premium Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines. This partnership between Leeu and the talented husband and wife team, Chris and Andrea Mullineux, has been an exceptionally successful one. While grapes for the Mullineux and Kloof Street wines are sourced exclusively from vineyards in the Swartland, Leeu Estates is also home to a number of newer vineyards. Vineyards are planted to varieties that are a true expression of the soils and conditions of the area, and the wines are subsequently award-winning.

Set amongst the vineyards, tall glass doors lead into the serene foyer that welcomes you to Leeu Spa. Flooded with natural light and featuring elegant yet minimalist décor with wood and stone finishes, this world-class wellness sanctuary provides guests with a range of authentic, holistic treatments inspired by the rich heritage and traditions of Africa. Treatments are separated into the categories: I Am Connected, I Am Grounded, I Am Majestic, I Am Mindful, I Am Resilient, I Am Virtuous, and I Am Beautiful. Each category provides guests with a range of bespoke treatments that will ease their bodies, inspire their minds, and leave them feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. A state-of-the-art gym is also situated in Leeu Spa with sprawling views of the mountains and manicured gardens.

When founder of the Leeu Collection, Analjit Singh, first encountered Franschhoek, he was completely spellbound by the natural beauty of the valley. Replacing the “business of life” with the “pleasures of life”, Singh has created a sanctuary like no other – one that epitomises this pleasure and enables others to experience it in the most immersive, memorable way.

For more information, please visit www.leeucollection.com.

The flagship property of the Leeu Collection, Leeu Estates, was not only named the leading Wine Country Hotel 2017 in South Africa at the World Travel Awards Africa, but also appeared on Condé Nast Traveller’s Hot List as well as Travel + Leisure’s It List this year.