Travel
THE charming town of Franschhoek is one of my favourite places to visit outside the city centre.
Not only is it home to some of South Africa’s top vineyards, it also offers an impressive array of world-renowned restaurants and activities. It provides a tranquil escape for when you are looking to get away from the bustling city without going too far. Franschhoek is about an hour’s drive from the Cape Town CBD.
I stayed at the Akademie Street Boutique Hotel on 5 Akademie Street. This award-winning fivestar accommodation is a romantic and peaceful gem that has all the hallmarks of a luxurious stay. From their impeccable service to wood-fired hot tubs, underfloor heating and complimentary sunset nightcaps, the establishment is the perfect base for exploring the town.
Equipped with five individually styled suites and three serene guest cottages, including a fully stocked help-yourself mini-bar and espresso coffee machine in each room, the experience is bespoke, indulgent and truly unique. Breakfast is served daily in the vine-covered patio where guests can indulge in home-roasted granola, freshly prepared smoothies, a myriad of local seasonal fruits and an extensive menu of hot dishes.
From its original “Oortuiging” Heritage building, dating back to 1860, the hotel has been reincarnated from its historic white structure to become a design-lover’s dream with a collection of Cape Dutch inspired buildings, scattered with antiques and collectibles from around the world showcasing the individual style and inspiration of owner Paul Kinney.
“In preserving a welcoming ambiance I have chosen pieces that not only harmonise the space, but tell a unique story,” explains Kinney.
There are many interesting collectibles on the property and one of the most interesting is an operating lamp, which lights a 3m-wide painting by a locally celebrated artist in the hotel’s orangerie. This lamp is the one used by Dr Christiaan Barnard during the world’s first heart transplant in Cape town in 1967.
There is a beautiful mural painted by local artist Di Christian of African Sketchbook stretching from floor to wall in the dining room.
The hotel is frequented by local and international travellers for romantic getaways, and hired as a sophisticated retreat for business and social gatherings.
What to do in the area
Sightsee: Franschhoek is a small town where you can walk or cycle to most places. The main street is lined with restaurants, shops and grocery stores. Akademie has a few bicycles that are free for guests to use. Go for a leisurely cycle to town to explore.
Eat out: The hotel offers breakfast only. For other meals venture into the town, which is about a 10-minute walk. We had a lovely dinner at the Allora Ristorante Classico on Huguenot Road, which serves authentic Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, pizza, pasta, meat and poultry.
Experience the Franschhoek Wine Tram: This is one of the best ways to explore Franschoek’s numerous wineries and vineyards. The tram has several running lines which transport you around the picturesque valley.