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Properties in the Cape Winelands region

Angala Boutique Hotel

Angala Boutique Hotel, Simondium Near Franschhoek

Angala Boutique Hotel is the perfect spot to explore the beautiful Cape Winelands 

Angala is a unique property just 15 minutes from Stellenbosch,  Franschhoek and Paarl and just a 45 minute drive to the center of Cape Town. This luxurious boutique hotel is situated adjacent to the Vrede en Lust Winery beneath the imposing Simonsberg peak. Accommodation ranges from large well appointed rooms to suites.   The 11 rooms are set in beautifully landscaped grounds overlooking the stunning Franschhoek Valley. Most rooms have small porches where you can sit and enjoy the scenery and abundant birdlife. There are two pools. One is an infinity pool situated next to the infrared sauna and steam room and the other is an eco pool which uses the natural filtering system found in mountain streams. The accommodation is provided on a bed and breakfast basis, and you are guaranteed to  enjoy the sumptuous breakfasts. The restaurant  provides gourmet cuisine in the evening, washed down by some of the wonderful local wines. The property well deserves its 5 star rating.

About Angala Boutique Hotel’s Location

Enjoy a  visit to the adjacent Vrede en Lust Winery. Close by you will find the rated wineries of Backsberg, Glen Carlou and Boschendal where you can enjoy a splendid picnic at the weekend. All along the road to Franschhoek you will see many wineries producing some of the highest rated wines in South Africa. You can also enjoy this area by taking the Franshhoek Wine Tram. 5 minutes’ drive away in the beautiful L’Ormarins wine estate which also incorporates a fascinating motor museum. Be sure to book in advance! Franschhoek is steeped in history and is home to many excellent boutique shops and restaurants. This is a good place to explore the Winelands, Cape Town, the Peninsula and even the beautiful countryside of the northern winelands. So, Angala will provide an excellent base without the need to stay in separate accommodation in Cape Town.

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Winelands Region

Cape Winelands

Weather in Cape Winelands

Summer (November – March) are dry and very hot (up to the mid 40C).

Spring (Sept/October) temperatures (high 20C) are less intense but the risk of rain increases.

Autumn (April / May) temperatures (high 20C) are less intense but the risk of rain increases.

Winter (June – August) is wetter but with some beautiful days and cold, crisp nights (daytime temperatures between 15 – 22C). Snow is very rare but can fall on the mountains in July and August.

When the French Huguenots settlers arrived in the fertile valleys of the Cape, they quickly recognised that the soil and climate was ideal for growing grapes. They planted the first vines nearly 300 years ago and the industry has now developed into one of the key exporters with wines that many have compared to some of the great producers of Europe and California. But the Winelands have much more to offer besides excellent wine tasting. Some of the highest luxury hotels and more affordable bed & breakfast lodges and country houses provide a warm South African welcome.

Scenery  The scenery is mountainous with lush, fertile valleys. Mountain passes provide many photo opportunities in addition to viewing wild animals, such as baboons, in their native habitat. The roads are excellent and you can visit beautiful villages such as Franschhoek, regarded by some as the ‘jewel’ of the Winelands, and Tulbagh, which was devastated by an unexpected earthquake in 1969. The towns of Stellenbosch and Paarl are the centres of Afrikaans culture in the Cape and have a fascinating history.

Activities  The summer festival at Spier, a Sunday picnic at Boschendal or a round of golf at one of the many top class golf courses are just some of the activities found in this region… and Cape Town is only a 35 minute drive away!

Towns  Stellenbosch and Paarl both have attractive historic town centres with many quaint, whitewashed, thatched houses and buildings.

Villages  The bustling, pretty streets of Franschhoek or the quieter surroundings of Tulbagh with its historic centre are among the many wonderful places you will visit.

Wineries  A profusion of wonderful wineries will keep even the most discerning palate fully occupied.

Mountains & Hiking  The region has some of the best hiking close to civilisation in the country.

Restaurants  Here you will find some of the finest food in South Africa from French provincial simplicity to incredible steaks and a range of typical South African cuisine.

Accommodation in Cape Winelands

You will find some of the most luxurious hotels anywhere in the Cape Winelands but also more affordable bed & breakfast lodges and country houses. Whichever you choose, you can be assured of  a warm South African welcome and a level of standard difficult to match elsewhere in the world.

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Maison Chablis

Franschhoek charm

This is a charming house with 7 tastefully appointed en-suite rooms – most with a private entrance. The grounds are compact but there is a reasonable sized shaded pool.

About the Location

The property is located in the oldest part of Franschhoek – the area known as the French Quarter with many properties dating back to the 1700s and the early French Huguenot settlers. The lively town centre is a short walk away and there are numerous fine restaurants to choose from. The South Africa Sun ‘Care Package’ will help you select the right one for you. The Franschhoek Valley abounds with fine wineries so a wine tasting tour (this can be arranged by Maison Chablis) is always guaranteed to be a memorable experience.


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Summerwood

Home from home in the heart of the Cape Winelands

This is a gem set in the leafy University district of Stellenbosch. This is one of the premier universities in South Africa and ensures that the town is lively with an excellent atmosphere in the evenings. Summerwood was built in 1904 and has 8 larger than average and beautifully appointed suites. The gardens are a welcome retreat during the hot summer days with a great pool to lounge around. Unusually, the owners prefer not to have coffee and tea making facilities in the rooms but will provide complimentary refreshments when required. Each room does have a minibar as well as full air conditioning.

About the Location

The centre of Cape Town is a 35 minute drive away, so rather than stay in the centre of the city, why not relax at Summerwood and use this as your base from which to see Cape Town & Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula (45 minutes’ drive) and the winelands. Stellenbosch is often regarded as the centre of the winelands and it is easy to drive across the mountains to Franschhoek (20 minutes’ drive), Paarl (15 minutes’ drive and even Tulbagh (1 hour drive). There are numerous excellent wineries close by and you are spoilt for choice of restaurants to visit. We make this easy for you by suggesting some favourite wineries and restaurants.


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Willowbrook Country House, Somerset West

Convenient location with great accommodation and cuisine

Willowbrook Lodge is a luxurious, small establishment with just 15 beautifully appointed rooms and suites. The restaurant is renowned locally and after a busy day sightseeing there is nothing better than relaxing by the pool with a glass of wine in hand.

About the Location

The lodge is situated on the edge of historic Somerset West with views stretching up to the impressive mountains that from this part of the Cape. There is an excellent ‘Blue Flag’ beach at nearby Strand on the False Bay coast and if you are seeking the shops there is a good mall a short drive away. Cape Town is a 35-minute drive along a motorway that will take you right into the city centre. While there are a number of good wineries close by, the university town of Stellenbosch that is surrounded by some of the finest wineries in South Africa is just a 15-minute drive. Willowbrook is one of the closest properties to Cape Town International Airport that we offer and so can represent a very convenient place to start your holiday or to wind down at the end.


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Goudini Spa, Rawsonville, Worcester

Goudini spa is a family resort set around hot springs in the mountains to the north of Cape Town

This is a hot spring spa set in the Hex River Mountains not far from Worcester and close to the main N2 Highway. This is a busy resort with comfortable and fairly simple accommodation provided in rondavels or apartments and cottages.  Accommodation can be catered or self catering – the choice is yours.

About Goudini’s Location

The main pool is a hot spring and very therapeutic. There is a separate waterslide and nearby the countryside is good for hiking. The little town of Worcester is known for its agricultural produce and vineyards are never far away. There is an interesting folk museum nearby. The old Du ToitsKloof pass through the mountains to Paarl and Cape Town is spectacular and you will often see baboons near the road.


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Rozendal Guest Farm, Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands

Rozendal Guest Farm is a well priced alternative set among the vines for families!

Rozendal Guest Farm is a well-kept secret in Stellenbosch, nestling beneath the Jonkershoek mountains. A key feature is the cottage style breakfasts complete with organic produce from the farm. The accommodation is set a little apart from the main house, across a farmyard, which reminds you that this is also a working (vinager) farm. The 16 bedrooms are contained in cottages, which are situated like a small village street. The decor is simple rather than luxurious but all the rooms are a good size with well-appointed bathrooms. Each bedroom has a stoep with a mountain or vineyard view. This is a quiet location but a good one for children who are encouraged to look at the farm.

Aboutd Rozendal’s Location

Stellenbosch is only 10 minutes drive away with its delightful historic centre, small shopping mall and restaurants. This is a good location for exploring the Cape Winelands with Franschhoek and Paarl just a 30 minute drive away. Cape Town, too, is just a 45 minute drive.


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Le Ballon Rouge

Le Ballon Rouge, Franschhoek

Set in the heart of Franschhoek

This is a charming, Victorian property set in the heart of Franschhoek. Although the property is best known as a respected and established restaurant in the village, the 8 rooms are well appointed and comfortable. Most have their own entrance and the property is located along a quiet street with great views over the surrounding mountains. The pool is small and more of a plunge pool situated in a courtyard setting close to some of the rooms.

About the location

Here you are within walking distance of the shops and many of the top restaurants that Franschhoek has to offer. Within a short drive you can visit some of the finest wineries in The Winelands. The scenery is spectacular with the Franschhoek Valley bordered by impressive mountains. Cape Town is an hours’ drive away and Cape Point will take you around 1 1/2 hours to drive.


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Franschhoek Country House Hotel, Franschhoek

An exclusive luxury boutique hotel in the centre of stylish Franschhoek

This is a small country hotel on the edge of Franschhoek. Note that you need to drive to the village centre.  The grounds are beautifully landscaped and overlook the mountains and vineyards, which are such a feature of the Franschhoek valley. The accommodation is very comfortable and decorated in a typically Cape style and some have private stoeps and balconies. The hotel has 25 bedrooms including 12  villa suites, which offer the ultimate in luxury and space and the peace, and tranquility of the surroundings is complemented by fine modern cuisine in the rated restaurant, which, in summer is served on the terrace overlooking the gardens. There is a swimming pool with wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.

About the Location

Here you are situated among some of the finest wineries anywhere in the world. From the hotel you can join the Franschhoek Wine Tram which offers a unique way to see some great wineries and sample their products without driving! Franschhoek has many fine restaurants and such is the popularity of this area, you will need to book some of the restaurants well in advance at the busiest times of the year – especially over Christmas and New Year.


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Diemersfontein Manor

Diemersfontein Manor, Wellington

Diemersfontein is a beautiful winery with comfortable rooms and some luxurious cottages set in luxuriant gardens

This is one of our favourite places to stay in the Cape Winelands.  Diemersfontein, which is one of the most successful new wineries with some excellent wines, is set in its own extensive landscaped gardens full of the colours and scents of South Africa. The swimming pool is small but beautifully positioned within the gardens. The 10 bedrooms are either alongside the garden or in a separate cottage among the extensive vineyards. The rooms are air conditioned and decorated in a clean cut cottage style. The cottages are relatively basic and regarded as typically 3 star. The estate, however, has three houses set in the grounds which are 4 star and very comfortable. This are 5 bedroom houses and guest will rent the entire house. This is ideal for couples traveling together. The restaurant is receiving critical acclaim and the estate’s wines have won numerous awards. We recommend a wine tasting during your stay.

About Diemersfontein’s Location

The entrance to the estate is across the road from an unusually tidy township. Although some guests may find this a little off putting, once inside the estate the beautiful scenery will captivate you. Horse riding is available from the stables at the hotel and we would recommend an evening ride into the mountains followed by a sunset braai (barbecue) on the trail. This is a good base to explore the Winelands and with Cape Town only 45 minutes away along a first class motorway, there is excellent access to shopping malls, the centre of Cape Town and Table Mountain. Tulbagh in the Northern Winelands is a 40 minute drive. You can also explore two of the most spectacular road passes that navigate a way over the mountains that hem the Cape Town area to the north.


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