Holden Manz Wine Estate, Near Franschhoek, Western Cape, South Africa - Explore & Book
"Set beneath dramatic elephant-shaped mountains and cradled by the Franschhoek and Stoney Brook rivers, few locations in the Cape Winelands match the beauty of the Holden Manz Wine Estate. This collection of whitewashed Cape Dutch buildings may only have 5 suites, but inside there's acres of space. This is more a stylish homestead than a hotel. As owners Migo and Gerard live on site, their influence and attention to detail is found throughout. Migo owns a gallery in town so contemporary sculptures and paintings are aplenty. Outside there's a picturesque lake, a sweep of neat lawn, and an orchard where fruits from pomegranates to peaches grow. Inside, an inner courtyard with neat beds of white pebbles and the sound of murmuring water induces a Zen-like mood of calm and wellbeing. Feng shui determined the positioning of the buildings to gain the best flow of chi, so you get the feeling nothing here is left to chance.Beyond the vineyard lies the Franschhoek Kitchen. Many come just to enjoy the wine tastings, but it's now considered one of the region's best restaurants. They say a stay at Holden Manz is about leaving the mundane behind, relaxing into a world of cossetted comfort and recharging your inner batteries. We agree. Highs The 5 guestrooms (all suites) couldn't be more comfortable, with big beds, oversized baths and power showersA setting of rare beauty at the foot of the Franschhoek mountain range, which makes a good base for sorties out into the winelandsAn utterly peaceful corner of the valley, with lovely walks through vineyards and along river banks, yet close to the town of Franschhoek - South Africa's culinary capitalKicking back with your books and music by the pool, then indulging in a massage in the small spaA top restaurant which can also prepare wonderful picnics for you by the river Lows The suites come with a relatively high price tag but this does include breakfast and afternoon tea as well as beers and soft drinksThe owners' dogs can occasionally get lively, but they're generally out of sight and kennelledThe restaurant's halfway across the vineyard, though this makes a pleasant short walk or an even quicker drive" - Aidan Forestier-Walker
