Mont Rochelle Hotel

Small luxury hotel and wine estate with stunning views, just minutes from Franschhoek, the Cape's gourmet hotspot

Set on a hill above the historic village of Franschhoek, newly refurbished Mont Rochelle (formerly known as La Couronne) is a small luxurious hotel and winery with fabulous sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains. Fruit and wine have been cultivated here since the 18th century when French Huguenots (many of them winemakers) fled to the Cape to escape religious persecution in France. The thatch-roofed property was completely refurbished in the late 1990s to create this gracious and relaxing retreat.

Mont Rochelle makes an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding Winelands, and Cape Town is less than an hour away. Guests can relax by the pool, enjoy a massage, and wine and dine in style. For those more active, the region offers wine tours, horseriding, hiking, biking, trout fishing and golf. A superb new wine cellar built among the vineyards and orchards offers an excellent venue for special occasions and functions.

Highs

• The stunning views (the best of any hotel in the area)
• The feeling of space and tranquility and supremely comfortable rooms and public areas
• Superb level of service
• Fine cuisine and first class wines
• Lots of activities on offer
• The location - Franschhoek has the best setting of the Winelands towns and is considered the culinary capital of the Cape

Lows

• Situated a couple of miles from the village centre, so you will need to drive or arrange a taxi to and from other restaurants
• The new spa is somewhat disappointing in decor and style, in comparison to the rest of the hotel
• Youngsters might find the elegant (rather than cutting-edge) decor and slightly restrained atmosphere a tad staid