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 showers
- A setting of rare beauty at the foot of the Franschhoek mountain range, which makes a good base for sorties out into the winelands
- An 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 capital
- Kicking back with your books and music by the pool, then indulging in a massage in the small spa
- A 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 drinks
- The owners' dogs can occasionally get lively, but they're generally out of sight and kennelled
- The restaurant's halfway across the vineyard, though this makes a pleasant short walk or an even quicker drive
Best time to go
The winelands are good to visit throughout the year. They get busy from December through to April, when the majority of visitors from Europe pitch up. Holden Manz drops its prices during the South African winter (May-September) when, in spite of colder temperatures and the possibility of rain, the valley still looks beautiful and you don’t have to fight to get a table at a restaurant.
Our top tips
Book restaurants well in advance, and visit Migo's gallery in town.
Location
The Holden Manz Wine Estate is 3km from the centre of Franschhoek, in South Africa's Western Cape. It's about 90km from Cape Town.
By Air:
Cape Town International (75km away) is the nearest airport, with a wide range of international flights. Click on the links below for a list of airlines.
From the Airport
Holden Manz can arrange a transfer, but you'll probably want to hire a car (see below).
By Car:
We advise hiring a car so you can drive around the area and explore - see our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
More on getting to South Africa and getting around
Airports:
- Cape Town International 75.0 km CPT
Other:
- Beach 75.0 km
- Shops 3.0 km
- Restaurant 3.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
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