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Accommodation

Travel Diary: Mont Rochelle in Franschhoek

Written by  Lisa Nel

Ker & Downey Africa > Journal > Mont Rochelle in Franschhoek

Ker & Downey® Africa team members, Lisa Nel and Emma Perrin, recently paid a visit to Mont Rochelle –  an award-winning wine estate and luxury hotel in the Franschhoek Winelands. They were treated to a delicious breakfast and a full site inspection where they got to experience true first-class hospitality. This is a taste of their experience:

Explore Mont Rochelle

Mont Rochelle Cap Classique Suite with a private heated pool

Cap Classique Suite with a private heated pool overlooking the Winelands

Mont Rochelle is located in the heart of the culinary capital of South Africa, Franschhoek, which is a 45-minute drive from Cape Town. The hundred-acre property has a rich history dating back to 1699, with the first vines being planted around 1899. It is currently owned by Sir Richard Branson and is a part of the esteemed Virgin Limited Edition collection. There are a few grape varieties that are grown on the farm including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Accommodation

Mont Rochelle Pinotage Suite

Pinotage Suite

All of the 22 rooms and 6 suites are individually and tastefully decorated with different colour schemes. We viewed the Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet, Pinotage Suites and Cap Classique Suites all of which have private balconies or lead out onto the rolling lawns. We especially loved the Cap Classique Suites as they all come with private plunge pools and a swing chair on the terrace.

Emma Perrin sitting on a swing chair outside the cap Classique suite at Mont Rochelle

 Emma relaxing on the terrace of the Cap Classique Suite
Emma gave the swing chair a try and it was hard to get her out of it – she said it was the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the incredible views.

We were told that these are very popular amongst guests and they are wanting to build more. Emma gave the swing chair a try and it was hard to get her out of it – she said it was the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the incredible views.

They also have a 4-bedroomed exclusive use Manor House which comes with a private chef and is recommended for families or groups of friends.

Dining room table in the Manor House at Mont Rochelle

 The Manor House at Mont Rochelle

They also have a 4-bedroomed exclusive use Manor House which comes with a private chef and is recommended for families or groups of friends. The Manor House also comes with two swimming pools (one is heated), its own gym and one of the bedrooms has bunk beds that can sleep up to 6 children.

Activities on the wine estate

Country Kitchen Terrace based at Mont Rochelle, for outdoor dining

The Country Kitchen Terrace at Mont Rochelle

We spent quite a lot of time looking at what activities clients can experience and there are many activities on offer but we would like to highlight a few. 

  • We would encourage you to have a wine tasting in The Country Kitchen or in their wine cellar to sample some of the estate’s award-winning wines. 
  • We also stopped by the in-house Spa where the aroma of essential oils made us never want to leave! It is recommended that you pre-book beauty treatments. 
  • The astroturf tennis court is a great drawcard and Sir Richard Branson likes to play a game or two when he visits. The court boasts the most amazing views across the valley. 
  • There is also an expansive fitness centre which has large floor-to-ceiling glass windows which overlook the same picturesque valley.

Swimming pool at Mont Rochelle

Outdoor heated swimming pool
For the ultimate in relaxation, there would be nothing better than simply relaxing around the outdoor swimming pool, where chilled refreshments are served and the views are just out of this world!
  • The restaurant at The Country Kitchen is open for lunch and dinner or picnics. All meals are made with locally sourced produce. 
  • We highly recommend you chat with the staff to arrange a picnic basket. Be sure to ask them to add a chilled bottle of Mont Rochelle, Miko, or Little Rock wine which is produced on the farm.
  • We were fortunate enough to sample a delicious breakfast at Miko – another on-site restaurant. We were served a delicious continental platter with every fruit and cheese imaginable.
  • For the ultimate in relaxation, there would be nothing better than simply relaxing around the outdoor swimming pool, where chilled refreshments are served and the views are just out of this world!

Overall feedback

Mont Rochelle terrace at Miko restaurant

The sunny terrace outside Miko restaurant with incredible views of the valley

This property was not just another stay in the Winelands, it was an entire experience. There is just so much to do! From the tennis courts, swimming pool, and lawn games, to two restaurants, wine tasting, walks on the estate, the spa and so so much more. With everything Mont Rochelle has something for everyone so we recommend it for multigenerational families, or groups of friends in the Manor House, as well as honeymooners or couples.  

On behalf of Ker & Downey® Africa, we would like to thank Amanda and James for hosting us at breakfast and Amanda for taking time out of her busy day to show us around this spectacular property. We will be back!

If you are interested in experiencing a luxury experience at Mont Rochelle with Ker & Downey® Africa, get in touch with one of our LuxVenture® Designers today!

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Mont Rochelle

Mont Rochelle

Mont Rochelle

Mont Rochelle

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Mont Rochelle

Mont Rochelle

Mont Rochelle

Mont Rochelle