Search Results for: stellenbosch

Cape Town Hotels, Hotels, Slider, Travel

Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa

As you must know by now, Grant and I love Franschhoek and do not miss an opportunity to visit the area! We recently attended the Franschhoek Uncorked Festival and decided to make the most of it and stay over! Our home for the night was the beautiful Le Franschhoek Hotel!

After a busy day wine tasting and eating at the Uncorked Festival, we made our way to the hotel, to relax and shower before heading out again. It was a welcome retreat after all the crowds and festivities, at the festival.

Le Franschhoek Hotel

I particularly love the position of the hotel, which is nestled at the foot of the Franschhoek Mountains. It overlooks the valley and the view still manages to take my breath away, even though we have been there many times!

The old world charm, is the first thing that captures your attention when you arrive at the hotel. Pristine white walls and thatch roofing transports you to a bygone era. However once you enter the hotel, the stylish modern interiors bring you straight back to the 21st Century!

Accommodation

Guests can choose from Standard Rooms, Family Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Suites, as well as Villas. All of the 63 rooms reflect the contemporary styling and luxury, which one would expect from a four-star hotel. Rooms are elegant, with clean lines, elegant furnishings and gorgeous views from every room.

The rooms are well appointed and all feature: air conditioning, under floor heating, direct dial telephones, remote controlled TV with selected DSTV channels, hairdryers, tea & coffee making facilities, electronic safes, as well as internet connections (at a surcharge).

The Garden-view Apartments overlook the perfectly manicured gardens, with lush green grass, pretty seasonal blooms and stately trees.

In the distance, the slate-grey Franschhoek mountains loom in all their glorious splendour and leave one in awe of the sheer natural beauty of the valley!

The hotel grounds are so lovely and I enjoy nothing better than a quiet stroll after breakfast. Taking time out, to simply enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

In warmer months the sparkling pool is a firm favourite of ours! Lazing on a lounger reading a good book, while sipping a G&T poolside – could not think of a better place to be!

Dining

The Le Franschhoek Hotel offers three on-site restaurants, as well as a full-service bar. Dish at Le Franschhoek Hotel, is elegant 80 seater, fine dining a la-carte restaurant. The menu is seasonal and under direction of Executive Head Chef, Scott Shepherd.

Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa also offers guests the accompanying Terrace Bar and Lounge, with a selection of fine coffee and teas in the elegant lounge, and a fantastic selection of wine, beer, spirits and cocktails at the stylish bar.

Lastly is Le Verger, The Orchard Restaurant. The conservatory-styled design, was inspired by the spectacular geography of the restaurant’s location. It offers diners unequalled views of all that is Franschhoek – mountains, streams, vineyards and orchards enfold the restaurant.

The Spa

As well as luxury accommodation, breathtaking views and superb dining, the onsite spa will cater to your every whim. It has always been one of my favourite Spa experiences – the ultimate in relaxation and pampering!

The Spa offers a comprehensive range of treatments – both traditional and contemporary. The Grecian liquid-sound flotation room, Moulin rouge colour therapy adventure, fragrant herbal sauna and steamy Swiss shower are just some of the cutting edge therapies offered at this spa.

A serene outdoor massage area sets the scene for ultimate relaxation, where you can partake of a traditional Bali full-body Massage and invigorating scrub, or indulge in the signature Camelot range of massages. Hot Stone, Kahuna, Balinese and Indian Head massage techniques are used for this treatment, along with the unique massage candle.

Thalgo Spa Skin Treatments and body wraps harness the healing power of the ocean to enhance, revive and soothe your skin and are available for both ladies and gentlemen. Couples treatments, teen’s treatments and a gentleman’s executive package are also on the menu at Camelot Spa!

We had a lovely stay at the Le Franschhoek Hotel, the staff were helpful and friendly – I just wish we could have stayed longer! I would definitely recommend you try the hotel if you are visiting the area, you will not be disappointed.

Location: Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa, 16 Minor road, Franschhoek, 7690, Situated in the world famous Winelands of the Western Cape, 50 km’s from Cape Town International Airport, 75 km’s from Cape Town city centre (central business district) & the V&A Waterfront, 20 km’s from the spectacular winelands of Stellenbosch and Paarl and 3 km’s from the village of Franschhoek.

Contact:Phone: 021-876 8900 or Email: [email protected] or visit the Le Franschhoek Website to make a reservation.

To discover more amazing places to eat out in the area, read my post on Eating Out in Franschhoek.

Images: Room, Dining & Spa – source: Le Franschhoek Hotel, All other images: ©Inspired Living

Disclaimer: Certain information in the article, has been obtained from the Le Franschhoek website and to my knowledge, was correct at the time of publishing.

Food, Lifestyle, Slider, Taste, Wine Farms

What Makes Avondale A Top Biodynamic Wine Farm

One of my favourite outings of late, was to Avondale Wine Farm in Paarl. Not only was it my first time visting the farm but it was my first time experiencing a Eco Wine Safari.

I thought we would take look at What Makes Avondale A Top Biodynamic Wine Farm, as well as what made this experience so special.

What Makes Avondale A Top Biodynamic Wine Farm

Situated in Paarl in the Cape, Avondale Organic Wine Farm, is as picture-perfect as landscapes get. The 300-year-old farm is set at the foot of the Klein Drakenstein mountains and is an easy drive from Stellenbosch and Cape Town.

Visitors to Avondale can enjoy a guided tasting of the farm’s seven hand-crafted, classic wines, known as ‘Avondale’s Magnificent Collection’. Their hand-crafted slow wines are created holistically, through a combination of time-honoured wisdom, natural farming practices and modern science.

Eco Wine Safaris

One of the highlights of my visit to Avondale, was the Eco Wine Safari. The farm’s Eco Wine Safari provides visitors, with the perfect way of getting acquainted with Avondale’s ethos of Terra Est Vita, which means ‘Soil is Life’. This ethos is the basis upon which proprietor and viticulturist Johnathan Grieve, has built the farm. In essence he believes that healthy soil, produces healthy plants.

The idea behind the Eco Safari, is to take guests on a fun, interactive and informative tour of the farm. One of the main aims of the safari, is to give visitors a better understanding of the biodynamic agriculture practices, which the organically certified farm incorporates, into the production of its wines. In true “farm-style”, all this happens on the back of a typical farm-style vehicle.

After a welcoming glass of the Armilla Blanc de Blanc, Avondale’s deliciously fresh and lively Méthode Cap Classique, we set off on our adventure aboard our “farm chariot”.

The Eco Safari, which winds around the farm, explores over 300 hectares of cultivated land and indigenous terrain, including the natural wastewater system, which is made up of three interlinking dams.

Guests are also able to witness a few of the biodynamic methods and preparations used by Grieve, such as the field broadcaster energy device, which works with natural cosmic energies to improve soil quality and stimulate healthy growth in the vines.

Although our ride was a tad bumpy, the picturesque view, as well as the wine stops along the way, made up for any discomfort! During our tour we tasted a further five wines from the Avondale collection – Camissa, a rosé; Cyclus, a refreshing white blend; Anima, a lively Chenin Blanc; La Luna, a classic red blend; and Samsara, a Syrah. This was particularly special, as we tasted the wines among the vines, in the particular vineyard blocks where the grapes were grown.

Among other interesting practices, Avondale is also making efforts to restore and re-establish indigenous fynbos species on the farm, clear alien vegetation, as well as plant hundreds of indigenous trees. This all forms part of their endeavours, as a member of the WWF Biodiversity and Wine Initiative (BWI). As well as the beautiful plant life, the farm is home to various species of birds and mammals.

Grieve’s dynamic BioLOGIC^®system is more easily understood, when seeing in action in the vineyards and surrounding land. The farm’s herd of Angus cattle and delightful team of snail-guzzling ducks, are employed as part of the natural solution to managing soil health and dealing with pests, without the use of chemicals. These are just a few of the remarkable ways, that Avondale produces extraordinary wines – approved by Mother Nature!

Avondale Lunch Platters

Following our inspiring safari, we were whisked off to the tasting room, to sample the Avondale Lunch Platters. Avondale’s mouth-watering new lunch platters, have been created by renowned chef Matt Manning. The emphasis is on fresh, locally sourced and seasonally available produce.

The lunch platters provide an assortment of tantalising flavours, which are harmoniously paired with Avondale’s food-friendly wines. The full range of wines can be purchased by the glass or bottle. My favourite wine of the day was the Samsara, a beautifully intense, ruby red Syrah. Samsara means ‘to flow on’ and pass through the states of life and death.

Admittedly by the time we were seated for lunch I was ravenous – it must have been all the fresh air! The menu for lunch was simple, yet absolutely delicious and perfect for sharing. Each platter is sufficient for two hungry guests.

When the platter arrived, laden with all sorts of wonderful goodies, it was difficult to know where to start. The first thing that caught my eye, was the selection of beautifully wrapped sandwiches. They were filled with a choice of tender Springbok Carpaccio with Huguenot Cheese and creamy Truffle Mayo, Smoked Rainbow Trout with Cream Cheese and Spring Onion, or Smoked Free-range Chicken Breast with Herb Mayo and Rocket. My favourite was definitely the Springbok Carpaccio with Huguenot Cheese and Creamy Truffle Mayo!

The platter also included warm Truffle and Parmesan, infused Risotto Balls, which melt in the mouth, Lightly Spiced Kingklip and Salmon Fishcakes with a Chilli-spiked Aioli for dipping, and juicy Lamb Kofta served with herb mayonnaise. The Lamb Kofta was sublime, I lost count of how many I consumed! There was also a fresh Salad of crisp garden greens, a spread of ripe Dalewood Cheeses, as well as an assortment of home-bottled Pickles and Compotes. Vegans and vegetarians can be accommodated on request.

This experience was truly magical and I would highly recommend a visit to the farm, as well as the Eco Safari and naturally, one would not want to miss the chance of enjoying a delectable lunch platter! Thank you Avondale for a wonderful day!

Details and location:

Wine tastings at Avondale are available by appointment Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm. Priced at R50 per person.

The Eco Wine Safaris are held by appointment Wednesday to Friday 10am to 3pm. The duration is approximately 2 to 3 hours, and includes a tasting of 6 wines. Priced at R200 per person. To book, call 021 863 1976 or email [email protected].

Lunch platters are served Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm. Priced at R320 per platter (suitable for sharing). Booking is recommended – call 021 863 1976 or email [email protected].

Location: Avondale is situated on Lustigan Road, Klein Drakenstein, Paarl – on the slopes of the Klein Drakenstein Mountains. Contact: For more information, visit the Avondale Website or call 021 863 1976.

Images: Fiona Rossiter © Inspired Living

Disclosure Ranking:4

Cape Town Hotels, Restaurant Reviews, Taste, Travel

Vineyard Hotel Wine-paired Dinner

The Vineyard Hotel in Newlands, Cape Town, has always had a bit if a soft spot in my heart! As a young married couple we often stopped in for a drink after work or a romantic dinner. It was also where we experienced one of our most memorable couple’s spa experiences! [Read more…]

Eating Out, Food, Restaurant Reviews, Taste

Majeka House Afternoon Tea

I have always preferred coffee as my hot beverage of choice, until very recently, when I discovered the wonder that is loose leaf tea!

Afternoon Tea – another recent revelation for me, has definitely become an art form! It is an occasion to be lingered over and enjoyed with like-minded individuals, who appreciate the pure artistry involved.

Taking tea in the afternoon, dates back to the early 19^th century, when the seventh Duchess of Bedford, invited London socialites to stylish soirées. Invited guests would enjoy a selection of teas and dainty sweet and savoury eats, as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

I was recently invited to Majeka House, to experience their first offering of Afternoon Tea. This was my first visit to Majeka House, which in and of itself was rather exciting!

Majeka House

Majeka House is situated in historical town of Stellenbosch, in the Cape. It is the ideal spot, to use as a base to explore this beautiful area! Majeka House offers guests luxurious accommodation, wonderful service, a sophisticated bar and restaurant, as well as a professionally run spa – what more can one ask for?

Majeka House Afternoon Tea

Majeka House is continuing the civilized tradition of old, with the introduction of their very own decadent afternoon teas. Majeka House Afternoon Tea is served everyday between 2.30pm and 5pm but booking is essential. No matter the occasion, tea at Majeka House will be an exclusive, personal affair, with five-star service to match!

The Experience

In honour of the first ever Majeka House Afternoon Tea, tea expert Mingwei was invited to perform an authentic Taiwanese tea ceremony for us.

This was my first authentic tea ceremony and I loved every minute of it! We learnt so much about the history of tea making and drinking, as well as the amazing health properties of tea.

Inspired by the colours and flavours of Green Tea, Rooibos, Black Ceylon and Vanilla Ceylon teas, resident chef Tanja Kruger has created themed Afternoon Teas. On offer is a Green Tea, Red Berry, Chocolate and Vanilla themed Afternoon Tea.

Served individually on a tiered cake stand, guests can select one of the themed menus, which will be paired with the appropriate tea.

You can look forward to a selection, which may include: a Savoury Scone and Madeleine, an Éclair, Fruit Tartlet, Miniature Roulade, Macaroon (a house speciality), Meringue and Marshmallow.

All the teas we sampled were amazing but my favourites were the Cranberry Tea and the Blood Orange Tea. As far as the decadents eats go – my savoury favourite was the Salmon Mousse on Rye and sweet was the Frangipane and Apple Tart. Writing about it is making my mouth water!

The Majeka House Afternoon Tea is R200 per person, which includes a selection of loose leaf teas, and a coffee or a glass of sparkling wine.

For those looking for something even more special, Afternoon Tea can be combined with a relaxing spa treatment at the fabulous Majeka House Spa. The price of R700 per person, includes a 30 minute Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage, a 30 minute Express Facial, the use of the Hotel’s beautiful indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Sauna and Steam Room (before and after treatments), and the Majeka House Afternoon Tea experience.

Contact Details & Location:

Afternoon Tea is available daliy but booking is essential: Call 021 880 1549; or email Majeka House. Majeka House, Spa and Makaron restaurant is situated at 26-32 Houtkapper Street, Paradyskloof, Stellenbosch. For more information, you can visit the Majeka House Website.

Image Credit: 1,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 ©FAR Photography{Inspired Living SA} and 2 & 3 Majeka House

Disclosure Ranking:4

Eating Out, Food, Restaurant Reviews, Taste

Terroir New Winter Menu

Terroir at Kleine Zalze ~

When the invitation to visit Terroir Restaurant, at Kleine Zalze, arrived in my inbox, I was over the moon! Disgracefully I have never been to Terrior before, so it was definitely high time I got there.

Just to mention one important fact before I discuss the new Terroir Winter Menu – I absolutely adore Kleine Zalze red wines, I would go as far as to say that they are among my favourite, favourites!

About Terroir ~

Terroir restaurant opened its doors in October 2004 and has since become one of the most sought-after gourmet destinations in the Cape Winelands, placing Stellenbosch prominently on the culinary map.

The restaurant is located on Kleine Zalze, a family owned wine farm in Stellenbosch, which has risen to prominence both in South Africa and internationally, thanks in particular to its award-winning Chenin Blanc and Shiraz wines.

I was quite surprised that the interior at Terroir is rather understated, what I would call country elegance – not pretentious at all! I am not sure exactly what I was expecting but I think something a bit more stuffy. The surprise was rather pleasant and I found the atmosphere warm and inviting.

Terroir recently celebrated its 10th anniversary with the launch of ‘Terroir –the Cookbook’ (Struik Lifestyle), which depicts the synergy between the restaurant’s deceptively simple food and the highly acclaimed wines of Kleine Zalze.

The Chef ~

Terroir Head Chef Michael Broughton’s cooking style is grounded in classical French techniques and his trademark sauces have become the cornerstone of the award-winning chalkboard menu.

Since opening in 2004, Terroir, thanks to their inspired chef, has achieved an Eat Out ‘Top 10’ restaurant award eight years out of 10 – a remarkable achievement in the Cape. Readers of Condé Nast Traveler US have just voted Cape Town as their third best food city in the world.

Even though Terroir is very popular with international vistors, Michael had loyal, local customers in mind, when creating the new Winter Plates offering, in addition to the a la carte menu.

I want to portray warmth, comfort and generosity on the plate, while still offering value for money. The Winter Plate is a hearty meal in itself, but it may just as easily form part of a two-or three-course meal simply by choosing extra courses from the a la carte menu. It really depends on the occasion or how hungry you are. ~ Michael Broughton.

Winter Plates ~

The Winter Plate selection includes a choice of Dry Aged Angus Sirloin or Fish of the Day, which is complemented by a glass of Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection wine.

Winter Plates are served with inspired accompaniments. To die for roast potatoes, twice-cooked fries or roasted root vegetables accompany the steak and a crunchy winter salad or a ragout of tomatoes, white beans and mussels, pair well with the fish. Accompaniments will change throughout the season, depending on the produce available.

Chalkboard A la Carte Menu ~

To wet our appetite, before the main tasting, we were presented with freshly baked bread and a selection of delicious canapes.

For starters we had the Fried Buffalo Mozzarella, Grapefruit, Brown Butter and Baby Beets. A delicious combination of creamy cheese and the earthy flavour of baby beets. The starter was paired with the Kleine Zalze Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, which complemented the dish beautifully!

Wintry newcomers to the chalkboard menu include a starter of braised chicken wings with corn, ginger, miso and boudin blanc as well as a Vietnamese-style Pho, given the Terroir touch.

The Pho was an aromatic combination of Fillet of Angus Beef, Egg Noodles, Foie Gras, Sprouts, Greens and Tofu and was paired with the Kleine Zalze Cellar Selection Pinotage 2012.

I have always loved the combination of fresh egg noodles, crunchy greens and a punchy broth. A pho may be a humble dish, but the same fundamental cooking foundations I believe in still apply. ~ Michael Broughton.

Main courses include a succulent springbok pie with corn and curry butter, roast chicken with foie gras, truffle and mushroom and lamb two ways with yoghurt cream, smoked paprika and mint oil.

We tasted the Springbok Pie, with Bacon, Baby Veg, Curry Butter and a Slice of Loin, for mains. It was utterly divine and definitely my favourite dish of the day!

The Springbok Pie was paired with my favourite Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection – Shiraz!

For dessert we enjoyed a sophisticated but fun take on a classic Rum Baba, made instead with with Cognac and served with Marshmallow Ice Cream, Chamomile Jellies, and ‘Tie-dye’ Pineapple. I must admit I was a bit concerned that the marshmallow ice cream would be too sweet but it was absolutely heavenly! Desert was served with the Muratie Amber Forever 2013 desert wine.

Alternatively you can end your meal with Roast Pear, Hazelnut Cannoli, Chocolate Sorbet and Orange Cream.

Whether a Winter Plate or a multi-course feast from the a la carte menu, the creation of every dish produced in Terroir’s kitchen speaks of authenticity and provenance, and is a labour of love. ~ Terroir

I highly recommend you try the new Terroir winter menu! It was an absolutely delicious introduction to this wonderful restaurant!

The Winter Plate includes a generous glass of award-winning Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection wine (a choice of red or white) and costs R195 per person. It is available, together with the a la carte chalkboard menu, for lunch and dinner, from 1 May 2015 to 30 September 2015, Monday to Sunday (including Sunday lunch). {Not available to tables or groups of 9 pax or more.}

To reserve a table, call 021 880-8167 or email Terroir.

You can also take advantage of the 2015 Winter Special: Eat & Stay at Kleine Zalze Lodge , which Includes 1 Night Accommodation at the Lodge, Winter Plates at Terroir and more, starting from R650 p/p – for details check out the Kleine Zalze Blog.

Disclosure Ranking:4