An Irresistible Offer at Mont Rochelle: Richard Branson’s Country Hotel in Franschhoek

As he is known to do, Sir Richard Branson applied his magic touch to a quirky thatched 20th-century hotel on a 17th-century hilltop estate in the Franschhoek Winelands and turned it into an ode to leisure. Mont Rochelle exudes English country-house vibes (suitably adapted to its South African setting), with a gracious ease that makes you instantly feel at home. Award-winning wines, two acclaimed restaurants and grandstand views over the Franschhoek landscape from every angle are yours to explore at will.

Add polished and friendly service, plush (yet pared-back) furnishings and you’re in for a memorable Virgin Limited Edition experience.

The lodgings

The 26 rooms and suites have been individually designed with a luxe but laidback aesthetic. Surprising and fun touches set the tone: there are rooms tucked into the eaves, with balconies peeking out under the thatch; in others oversized floor-to-ceiling windows offer killer views of the mountainous valley; and there are spacious suites with separate lounges and private terraces (two with heated plunge pools) looking over the valley, (which can also be configured for families with two extra beds for children). There’s also the secluded Manor House with four bedrooms that can be used as an exclusive-use villa, set in its own gardens just a stone’s throw from the winery.

• ensuite bathroom with underfloor heating
• breakfast
• generously stocked complimentary minibar
• tea and coffee facilities, a Nespresso machine
• Africology bathroom amenities
• hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers
• flatscreen Smart TV and Bose sound system
• wine-tasting
• shuttles to Franschhoek Village
• use of the tennis court, heated pool and gym

Things to do

Mont Rochelle is the ideal base for exploring Franschhoek, and with regular shuttles into the village you’ll want to get out and about. But with two restaurants and a wine-tasting room and a host of activities on site, there’s also plenty to enjoy without even leaving the grounds.

• an elegant dinner by the fireside at Miko Restaurant
• a casual lunch at The Country Kitchen
• wine-tasting
• tennis, boules, croquet and other lawn games
• swim or lounge beside a heated swimming pool
• spa treatments

A luxe but laidback base for a Franschhoek sojourn.

Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? Not overnight
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps Hotel: 2 – 4; Manor House: 14 (8 adults + 6 kids in the bunkroom)
Where to find it Mont Rochelle, Dassenberg Road, Franschhoek
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