La Residence

Ritz, glitz and an extraordinary collection of top South African art at Franschhoek's most flamboyant boutique hotel

Hidden amidst vineyards and fruit orchards in the foothills of the Franschhoek mountains, the setting of La Résidence is dreamily Cape-bucolic. But beyond its angular sienna-coloured facade, you enter a very different world. Take a dash of Versailles and a hint of Rajasthani palace, add chandeliers, sculptures, modern art and a twist of Moroccan riad, and you begin to get the highly spiced flavour of Franchhoek's most opulent hideaway.

The hotel was the brainchild of Liz and Phil Biden. Having set a stamp on 3 of the country's top hotels, their brief at La Résidence was to craft an art hotel that would be spoiling in every sense. They created 11 huge, spellbindingly snazzy rooms flanking an infinity pool, 5 sumptuous villas, scented gardens and airy reception rooms where lofty ceilings, marbled floors, Persian rugs and gilded furnishings impart a mood that is preened, palatial and pampering. We loved the place's theatricality, its decorative pizzazz and the eclecticism of its amazing collection of original art: if you've got something to celebrate in style then look no further.

Highs

• There are few places in South Africa which can match the beauty of the Franschhoek Valley, and the views here are wonderful
• The hotel's bedrooms and villas are as festively sumptuous as any we've come across
• Franschhoek has 3 of the country's top 10 restaurants, and the food created in-house at La Résidence is also heavenly
• Expect perfect pampering at every turn and easy good manners from La Résidence's fabulous staff
• You're at the heart of one of the world's best wine-growing areas

Lows

• A stay at La Résidence means waving goodbye to a big wad of moolah, though it's unlikely you'll regret the splurge
• There were times when the piped muzak - mostly in the soft chill vein - detracted from the peacefulness of the setting
• Some might find the poolside palms and Palladian interiors a tad out of place amid vineyards and Cape Dutch homesteads
• The guests rooms are only available to children over 12, but the villas are suitable for all ages