La Residence is not just a place that treats you like a king, it’s a destination that caters to actually kings, in a style only imaginable in a time long before. With celebrities such as Elton John, Robert Redford, Norah Jones and literal royalty making this unique property their home away from home in Franschhoek, the wine growing mountain region ofSouth Africa, you can certainly expect the red carpet.
Of course, in order to deliver standards held by kings you need a general. In this case that is the command of General Manager Edward who takes personal interest in each and every guest in a way I can only affectionately describe as being Wes Anderson’s “Grand Budapest Hotel” manager in the real world…
The Room
The room was accordingly palatial…
Can you blame her?
Meanwhile, I was most interested in this “welcome” spread.
Because no one could possibly be expected to share a sink…
The moment you return from dinner to find that a bath has been drawn in your royal bathroom, with a bottle of complimentary champagne chilling next to the tub… priceless.
The Property + Facilities
Upon arrival at this entrance to the property, each guest is greeted by every member of staff. An overwhelmingly nice experience. Plus, the glass of rosé in hand didn’t hurt.
Does this require an explanation? In case it does, this is a gorgeous pool overlooking the property’s boutique vineyard.
And where there is a vineyard there must be a cellar, where this complimentary tasting occured.
In all of its beauty the property featured roaming Springbok, the national symbol.
Plus the resident courtyard jester.
This corridor is the central focus of La Residence and the place in which all meals are served. It felt like home, just better.
Food + Drink
Undoubtedly the best calamari I’ve ever had…
A sumptuous filet mignon.
Beet ice cream anyone? It was actually delicious.
I’ve never gone wrong with chocolate and La Residence offered no exception..
The Experience
La Residence offered the perfect over the top luxurious diversion from our time in nearby Cape Town. After experiencing this wine land area I just don’t think a trip to the region is complete without experiencing this rustic natural side of things. Doing it in the style and royal fashion offered by La Residence made it perfect.
As a disclaimer, I did need to go on a diet after all the fantastic food and wine. Par for the course…
