Leeu Estates
Western Cape winery
Valley of vines
Behind the 19th-century Cape Dutch-style exterior, the Leeu Estates manor house at the heart of the sprawling grounds is awash with modern art and tastefully luxurious. But though the interiors are undeniably elegant, it’s the outdoors that takes the starring role, from the manicured gardens and fruitful vineyards to the verdant Franschhoek valley views and the mountain backdrop beyond. Look closer and you’ll spot a secluded spa nestled amid the vines, and an infinity pool reflecting the South African sunshine. And it’s not all for show: you’ll find plenty of first-class wine to refill your glass during your stay. Cheers.
Facilities
Rooms
Seventeen, including five suites.
Checkout
11am, but flexible, subject to availability. Earliest check-in, 2pm.
More Details
Rates generally include full-English breakfast and Mullineux & Leeu Family wine tasting.
Also
There’s step-free access to the restaurant and one of the ground-floor Manor House bedrooms.
Fitness Center
Free Internet Access
Pool
On-Site Restaurant
Room Service
Spa
At the Hotel
Free WiFi throughout, gym, free scheduled local shuttle service. In rooms: a free bottle of red wine, free bottled water and two free home-made snacks; minibar; air-conditioning; blackout curtains; a working fireplace; tea-making kit; Nespresso coffee machine; Leeu Collection toiletries.
Our Favourite Rooms
The Studios with terraces and fireplaces make ideal hideaways, and have fantastically gorgeous views. (They also have extra-easy spa access, which is handy when you’re naked except for a robe.)
Poolside
Take a dip in one of the three pools on-site: there’s the 15-metre infinity pool by the Manor House, which overlooks vineyards, for starters. Next, there’s the tranquil adults-only plunge pool at the spa. The third is an outdoor pool where little Smiths can splash.
Spa
The Leeu Spa, which has three treatment rooms – one for couples’ treatments – is a secluded hideout among the vineyards. Treatments include massages, hair and nail primping, and locally inspired ‘African voyages’ involving traditional wooden tools.
Packing Tips
Pack your shades for sunny breakfasts after wine-drenched evenings.
Also
The hotel employs local staff throughout, and supports the Kusasa Project Early Learning Centre, a school for 120 disadvantaged children, as well as the Isabelo: Sharing is Caring project, providing meals to schools in the valley.
Children
Children can stay in Manor House bedrooms and cots can be provided any other room. Children are welcome in the restaurant and there’s even a range of spa treatments for little ‘uns, but overall, the wine-sipping tranquility’s better suited to grown ups.
Gallery
Food & Drink
Top Table
You can dine inside… but with views like Franschhoek’s, a table on the terrace is even more enticing.
Dress Code
Throw on something elegant for dinner, and you’ll feel at home among the chic surroundings.
Hotel Restaurant
Francophile restaurant Le Chêne is a project by award-winning chef Darren Badenhorst, best known for his other winelands restaurant, Le coin Français. Acting as chef de cuisine, Darren has drawn up a menu that pairs the local produce with the precision and flavours of French cooking, ensuring the food pays tribute to Franschoek’s Huguenot history. The restaurant is flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views across the valley, vineyards and surrounding mountains.
Hotel Bar
Help yourself to spirits, beers and, of course, wine: you’ll find an honour bar in the Living Room, at the Manor House.
Last Orders
Breakfast is served from 7am to 10.30am; lunch from noon to 2.30pm; dinner from 7pm to 8.30pm.
Room Service
The full menu can be ordered to your room during restaurant hours. After that, there’s a selection of light snacks on offer.
Planes
Touch down at Cape Town International Airport, about an hour’s drive away. Flights arrive regularly from London, Paris and Singapore, among others.
Automobiles
On-site valet parking is free. Renting a car might seem sensible if you plan on exploring the valley… although driving will limit your wine-tasting opportunities, so perhaps a driver’s a better idea.
Worth Getting Out of Bed For
You can easily while away your days on-site: dine, wine, spa, repeat. (Wine-tasting sessions are free for all guests in the hotel’s wine studio.) Between the indulgence, explore the estate’s 168 acres of landscaped gardens, manicured vineyards and fynbos (shrublands, but it sounds better in Afrikaans). If wandering through wonderland independently isn’t your thing, a guided tour of the gardens is available (book a week in advance). There’s also the estate’s extravagant art collection, including some notably intriguing pieces (look out for Justine in the lounge) – it’s worth taking the self-guided art tour to get to know the works.
When you do manage to drag yourself away, on Saturdays, stop by Franschhoek Village Market (10am–3pm); on Sundays, local craftspeople display their wares on Franschhoek Main Street, where you can also browse the boutiques and curio shops. If Leeu’s extravagant art collection has inspired you, perhaps the Holden Manz Gallery on Huguenot Road should be your next stop.
Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt
This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .
