Luxurious Holiday Activities in & Around Franschhoek
Most people who have explored this vibrant land of South Africa – which is steeped in history and culture – will tell you that there is nothing else quite like it. And if a luxurious holiday is what you desire, there is plenty here (and close by) to satisfy that desire.
In this article, we’re going to be sharing with you some of the most luxurious holiday activities you could partake in when you come and stay at our idyllic guesthouse in Franschhoek.
Explore Via the Franschhoek Wine Tram
One of the most well-known ways of touring this picturesque part of the cape is via the Franschhoek wine tram
How does the wine tram work? Make your way to one of the tram’s many terminals from your Franschhoek accommodation, and select the route you’d like to take and away you go! You’ll tour this stunning valley in style and enjoy a stop now and again at a handful of Franschhoek’s many splendid vineyards.
Where you’ll stop is up to you. Choose from ten wine tram routes to travel, with each line offering its own unique experience. See what each line has to offer.
- Purple Line
- Orange Line
- Pink Line
- Grey Line
- Blue Line
- Green Line
- Yellow Line
- Red Line
- Burgundy Line
- Navy Line
Divine wine tastings, delectable pairing sessions, lush light meals, sprawling views, shady picnic spots, and family-friendly activities – the Franschhoek wine tram allows you to sit back and relax, hopping from one stunning vineyard to the next along the gorgeous countryside.
What is the best wine tram route in Franschhoek? It’s difficult to tell someone what the best route is, as everyone is different, so what may appeal to others, might not take your fancy. But, to help you out, we have put together a complete guide on the best Franschhoek wine tram routes according to our humble opinion.
Enjoy a Picnic at Boschendal
Next up, we’re taking you over to Boschendal Estate, an iconic farm and estate located between the majestic mountain ranges of Franschhoek, Paarl, and Stellenbosch. And if you’re keen to experience a famous wine farm picnic in Franschhoek for yourself, then we think this idea may have you itching to buy that plane ticket!
Regenerative farming is the driving mission behind this stunning farm; there is so much to see, do, and take part in when you visit Boschendal Estate. And to truly take advantage of the sweeping views, fresh produce, and tranquil atmosphere, there’s no better time and setting for a picnic.
Werf Picnics at Boschendal Estate are on another level to your standard basket-blanket-and-food experience. These pre-prepared picnics are filled to the brim with local and seasonal produce to tuck into…along with a sweet treat or two. The food comes from Boschendal itself – from their natural farm and butchery.
When you book your Boschendal picnic, choose to book a table and chairs or opt for the traditional favourite: blanket and/or lawn chairs. The setting for your splendid picnic is Boschendal itself. Once again, they live up to their maxim ‘Live our farm your way’.
The time of year matters not, you can enjoy a Boschendal Werf Picnic all year round by sampling either their Summer or Winter menu. All of these reasons make Boschendal one of the most extravagant Franschhoek picnic spots.
Picnics are for everyone, especially families, so it will please those with children to know that when you enjoy your luxurious picnic on Boschendal’s lawn, The Tree House Playground and Pump Track aren’t far away.
Indulge in a Spa Getaway
When we think of luxury, the idea of a tranquil spa day isn’t far behind. What better way is there to reconnect and heal your body and mind? To find out what the best spas in Franschhoek are, keep on reading.
Leeu Estates
This estate not only offers fine dining and picturesque accommodations but also a spa experience that works wonders for its guests.
Right now, we all feel like we could do with a spa day or spa week, perhaps an entire month. And the Leeu Estate Spa is just the place to unwind and reap the benefits that Africa’s natural resources provide.
Natural oils, minerals, herbs and flowers are what this spa utilises to offer an organic transportation to peace and calm.
Throughout the year, the Leeu Spa at Leeu Estates offers specials and discounted rates, allowing more people to experience this luxury for themselves. This is considered one of the best spas in Franschhoek and their incredible facilities await you.
- Four treatment rooms
- Hair and nail salon
- Steam rooms
- Plunge pool
- Swimming pool
Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa
For spa treatments in Franschhoek that provide a complete sensory experience, benefiting both physical and mental well-being, Le Franschhoek Spa is a clear choice to visit.
With a focus on both traditional and more modern treatments, this spa will take you on a well-being journey to heal your mind and body. The spa at Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa is called Camelot Spa – an ideal location for some self-indulgence.
This spa caters to many demographics, from women and men to treatments made specifically for teens and couples.
Travelling in a group? That means a ‘Spa-ty’ is just what the doctor ordered. This is where a group of three friends or more can share in this indulgent spa experience as a group, creating fond memories to last a lifetime.
Mont Rochelle
One of the best spas in Franschhoek is the spa at Mont Rochelle. This wellness retreat has partnered with Africology – an eco-friendly range of products – to offer something truly special to its visitors: a natural, bespoke approach to rejuvenation.
The Mont Rochelle Spa provides some of the best essential spa treatments that can be found in this beautiful land:
- Massages (incl. bespoke massages)
- Facials
- Hot stones
- Manicures
- Pedicures
- Waxing & tinting
With tailor-made spa treatments and exclusive offers available, if relaxation and pampering are what you’re after, include a spa visit to Mont Rochelle on your to-do list.
Polo & Brunch at Val De Vie
Val De Vie is a luxury lifestyle estate that feels like its own world entirely. With its own housing, events, restaurants, and much more.
Alongside everything that can be found at Val De Vie, you will also discover their profound passion for the game of Polo, the sport of kings! Matches are played each Sunday on the Pavilion Polo Field, and you can also watch the action unfold during The Stella Artois Val De Vie Polo Club season (which runs from October-April).
Another thing this stunning estate does incredibly well is food, specifically brunch. The Polo Pavilion By Back’s is one of four restaurants on the luxurious estate, and every Sunday they serve a lush Brunch Menu all day.
From brunch classics, such as muffin benedict and sensational seafood, like grilled prawns, to mouth-watering pizza and kiddies’ favourites, there’s something for everyone when you choose to brunch at Val De Vie.
Combine the best of both worlds to enjoy a day of polo and brunch in this breathtaking establishment that will be more than happy to cater to all of your needs.
Fairview Wine & Cheese Tasting
This farm has become an icon of Franschhoek and a must-visit location for all who decide to explore South Africa. It plays host to many micro-businesses that are all committed to the same goal of creating sustainable produce.
With a main focus on wine and cheese, the Fairview estate has become known for both.
With vineyards in Paarl, Darling, Swartland, and Stellenbosch, the Fairview wine farms produce an abundance of delicious wine, enforcing this land as the rightful Cape Winelands. With a strong philosophy on how they cultivate their wine, Fairview wine is something else entirely, something that must be enjoyed by those seeking sumptuous flavours.
As mentioned above, the Fairview farm is also well known for its cheese production. Through their honest and hard work, Fairview produces a wide range of cheeses to stimulate your taste buds, such cheeses as:
- White Mould Cheese
- South African Feta
- Blue Cheese
- Dessert Cheese
- Goat’s Cheese
- Cow’s Milk Cheese Cream
- Vegan Cheeses
If all this talk of top-quality cheese hasn’t got your mouth watering, then we’re not sure what to tell you. If you are a true lover of wine and cheese, then Fairview wine and cheese tasting is an experience you cannot miss.
The Goatshed at Fairview is a lovely eating place where you and your travelling companions can sample all of the fresh produce Fairview provides – from wine and cheese to meat, baked goods, vegetables and yoghurt.
We’re not sure about you, but a breezy afternoon in the soft sun, sampling fresh wine and cheese that has been birthed from the ground beneath your feet, sounds like the perfect luxurious lunch to us.
In Summary
Many come to Franschhoek for the best wine, a taste of adventure, a treat for the senses, and sometimes, in search of a well-deserved luxurious holiday that provides on every front.
As a Franschhoek guest house, we may be somewhat biased, but we wholeheartedly believe that if something luxurious is what you wish for your next getaway, then a visit to Franschhoek must be on your bucket list.
As always, for those soon-to-be staying with us, live-in managers, David and Jenny are at your disposal for insider knowledge on how to make your South African escape something magical.
