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Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard, The Franschhoek Valley | Timbuktu Travel
The Franschhoek Valley

Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard

Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024

About Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard

Vines, wines and a good dose of luxury on Richard Branson’s stunning wine estate.
Richard Branson has arrived in South Africa in the shape of Mont Rochelle, a 100 acre hilltop vineyard and boutique hotel only minutes away from pretty Franschhoek village. Previously a working estate, the old buildings have been totally ‘Virgin-ised’ but thankfully, there’s nothing stuffy about the place – think secluded luxury and totally hip decor topped off with the best of the best views across the Dassenberg Mountains and fabulous service. Branson opened the hotel in 2014 with very little fanfare but actually, this is one place that deserves to be shouted about…
The Franschhoek Valley , South Africa
From $530 per person/per night
Retreat
22 Rooms
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Property details

The property

Perched high above the valleys of Franschhoek, views from the main area are stunning; settle under a pagoda in the manicured garden, cocktail in hand, or grab a sun lounger by the pool for the best views. Inside, astro-turf chairs and neon ceramic bulldogs add a touch of quirky humour to Mika restaurant, the perfect spot for a generous breakfast or blowout dinner. At lunch, amble around the enormous grounds before ending up at The Country Kitchen for tapas and bubbles.

The rooms

The 22 rooms are contemporary but elegant, low key but luxurious and definitely win first prize for attention to detail with mini-bars, snacks and a couple of bottles of estate wine to sink you into relaxed contentment. Most have magnificent views over the valley courtesy of sparkling floor to ceiling windows and some (the Cabernet and Pinotage rooms) have private terraces, perfect for lazy afternoons. For the ultimate extravagance, choose one of the Cap Classique suites with mini lounge, terrace and private plunge pool.

Activities

In between wining, dining and picnicking, it’s well worth exploring the beautiful grounds of the estate on horseback, by mountain bike or on a good long country walk. The famous Franschhoek Wine Tram also stops at the estate, so hop on to discover some of the other vineyards in the area – and forget about the car! If you’re feeling active, head to the Mont Rochelle nature reserve on the other side of the village for a breath-taking hike before falling into the Africology spa back at the hotel.
Why we love it

Why we love it

The sweeping view of the meticulous rows of grapes, framed perfectly by the craggy mountains. Definitely one of the best in the region.
Insiders tip

Insiders Tip

Ever tried wine tasting on horseback? Well, now you can…
Something to think about

Something to think about

The estate is about half a mile from Franschhoek so a car would be useful if you want to pop out for dinner or explorations but there is a complimentary transfer service too.
Trips

The Franschhoek Valley Tours & Trips

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South Africa in a nutshell
South Africa

South Africa in a nutshell

10 nights from $5.8K per person

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How to book Mont Rochelle

How do I book Mont Rochelle?

Mont Rochelle can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made South Africa trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended South Africa trips featuring Mont Rochelle or get advice and suggestions from one of our South Africa specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Mont Rochelle?

Stays at Mont Rochelle start from around $530 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard

South Africa

The Franschhoek Valley

A French-inspired village surrounded by superlative scenery, sun-drenched vineyards and unmatched restaurants