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If you’re visiting the Cape Winelands and undecided about whether to stay in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, why not stay on the famous Helshoogte Pass that connects the two hubs of South Africa’s wine growing region? Modern architecture and sublime views are the mantra at Clouds Private Estate, and you might find it hard to pull yourself away to visit the surrounding wine estates... If so, don't panic! You can dine in-house (at the marvellous restaurant) and savour the wines on site (at the even more marvellous tasting room).
From $140 person/night
The traditional African art, stunning designer pieces and top-of-the-range tech in every room.
Clouds is famous for its ‘pink’ Sauvignon Blanc, with fruity aromas of kiwifruit and gooseberry flavours. A glass of it plus a sunset? Magic.
There is no doubt that you’ll need a car to both reach the estate and then explore the beautiful surrounding area.
It’s all about the views at this luxurious private villa and hotel residence. The dining area has an inside or outside option, complete with roll-back glass doors and a wooden deck overlooking the sprawling lawn and stunning Hottentots Holland mountain rage. The swimming pool is off to the left with the same view and offers plenty of seating options. For cosy winter evenings, settle into the lounge, light the fire and watch the mist descend over the mountains.
There are seven guest rooms which all have view-facing beds, and five private villas with all the mod cons from smart TVs to a Nespresso machine. Expect Charlotte Rhys toiletries and high-end hair dryers too. Of the guest rooms, we like Room 7, which is a corner suite (double the views) with a jacuzzi on the terrace (hello romantic weekend!). Villa 8 is the nearest to the swimming pool and Villas 10 and 11 are interleading, and perfect for families.
Go explore some of the award-winning wines of the region: Delaire Graff for the art, views and gourmet dining (complimentary transport via golf cart), Tokara for it’s delicious olive oils (and wines of course!) and Haute Cabriere for its easy-drinking chardonnay-pinot noir. The town of Franschhoek is a bustling and pretty place with fabulous gift shops, boutiques, galleries and coffee shops. Feel like staying in? Enjoy a meal on the terrace complimented by one of the estate’s wonderful wines.