5 Best Hotels in Franschhoek, The Western Cape and Winelands

With eight individually designed suites hidden on a leafy street in Franschhoek, this peaceful and modern 19th-century Cape Dutch house is one of the area's best-kept secrets. From the outside, the building looks like a simple white house with green shutters, but inside lies a peaceful, modern-meets-French-Provençal oasis. The quaint courtyard has a pool (three of the suites have their own private pools) and a long dining table shaded by a tent of vines. The rooms are beautifully decorated with distinctive items that are both new and vintage. The hotel does an excellent job at making you feel at home with added treats like pre- and post-dinner drinks and live entertainment (a resident pianist plays in the evenings during high season).

The stunning flagship property of the Leeu Collection (which also includes Leeu House), this luxurious and sprawling retreat has wonderful views of the mountains and vineyards. The rooms are generous in size, kitted out with natural fabrics and textures and oversized marble-clad bathrooms. There are a million reasons that would warrant a long-term stay, including the on-site spa (with a wide range of treatments) and the tasting room that stocks the award-wining Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines.

Although this contemporary guesthouse is located on the main street in the middle of town, it's so tranquil, you'd think it was in the countryside. Inside, there's a pretty courtyard with a garden and gleaming pool with lounge chairs and a pool bar. Some rooms have clawfoot tubs, others have terraces with small tables and chairs, but they all share a similar classic-contemporary aesthetic. The main house has a front room with comfy seating, an honesty bar, and a roaring fireplace. Leeu House is an excellent choice if you want to be close to the hustle and bustle of Franschhoek, without losing the feel of a wine farm retreat.

You know you're in good company at the understated and elegant Owner's Cottage on Grande Provence Wine Estate when the visitors' book includes Jude Law and British royals Sophie and Prince Edward. The cottage's six rooms are decorated in muted tones more fitting to a farmhouse than an upmarket residence. The lounge has inviting couches next to a fireplace, underfloor heating, and complimentary sherry. For summer there's a fantastic pool and whirlpool tub. Breakfast is served in a pretty conservatory and includes delicious freshly baked goods and a full cooked breakfast. If the Owner's Cottage isn't available, ask about La Provençale Villa, which is smaller but no less comfortable.

Originally built as the home of a British missionary, this lovingly restored guesthouse also once served as a school before becoming a hotel with rooms decorated with rich fabrics and luxurious finishes. Two have their own plunge pools, one has a Jacuzzi, and others have generous fireplaces. You're a five-minute stroll away from Franschhoek. On arrival, you're automatically booked in at highly rated Bouillabaisse, the sister seafood restaurant down the road, but you're welcome to eat anywhere in the food lovers' paradise that is Franschhoek.