Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Franschhoek’s L’ermitage offers lashings of luxury
Travel2015
THE FRANSCHHOEK valley is marvellously picturesque, no matter the season or the weather. Although there are grand views wherever you are, the elevated vistas offered from L’ermitage at the end of the valley and at the foot of the mountain pass are even more spectacular.
As its name suggests L’ermitage is a French-style retreat in Franschhoek. Although the meaning of L’ermitage implies a place where a hermit lives in seclusion, the word hermitage was more commonly used to mean a settlement where a person or a group of people lived in religious seclusion.
But, as secluded as the village of Franschhoek may be, it’s hardly an ascetic’s abode and it’s no secret that Franschhoek’s puts its faith in food and wine.
General manager Cynthia Schoeman ensured I was settled in to my huge one-bedroom suite overlooking the dam.
There are 42 chateaux and villas of differing configurations and I had a squiz at a few, some of which dwarfed mine. You won’t feel cramped here.
All are sumptuously draped and furnished with an uber high tech lighting system.
I had a large bedroom which led into an open design closet/bathroom/shower area and loo. This means you can soak in the large tub and chat with your partner on the bed.
The lounge, dining and kitchen area was huge and well lit by five sash- style windows with views across the water to the mountains. The room led, through doubledoors, on to a private verandahcum-dining area with steps down to the water’s edge. It was enjoyable at night with the candles lit, reflections flitting off the dam.
The kitchen area was very well equipped, with a Wi-Fi router next to the toaster to keep you in contact with the world.
The retreat includes lovely gardens, a main building with an informal bar called Kizzy’s, inside and outside lounges, a restaurant and a charming chapel.
L’ermitage is popular for weddings and conferences and the chefs are practised at producing food for many. As a result, L’ermitage does not position itself as a fine dining venue, but I reckon it pips many places that do.
I enjoyed an excellent duck and cashew in phyllo pastry with a salad of dehydrated pineapple with sesame soy and nam jim dressing; plus excellent braised pork belly and a gorgeous chocolate marquise with chocolate truffles, peanut butter ice cream, strawberries and mint.
As if that wasn’t enough, Cynthia packed me off to Glenwood Vineyards for a food experience at Le Bon Vivant. Dutch chef-patron Pierre Hendriks wowed me as I took in the ambience at this boutique winery. Food varies from snacks to complement the fine wines through light meals to complement more wine and more substantial bistro-style creations.
I was also booked on the hop on, hop off Franschhoek wine tram. This is a great way to learn about the area and to sample a wide range of wines and other produce. After that I had to dash back for a late afternoon massage in my suite before another sumptuous dinner. Such hardship.
L’ermitage was recently acquired by the eLan group who are investing in well-considered alterations. It is represented by African Insignia Hotels.
● Call 021 8769200 or visit www.lermitage.co.za