We arrived at Akademie Street Boutique hotel after a wonderful drive through South Africa’s famous wine region. The hotel is a luxury boutique property, located in the beautiful town of Franschhoek. The drive itself should have only taken an hour door to door. As it was our first time in the region, we wanted to explore, to fully appreciate the stunning scenery. With it being a special day for me (The big 50)! We decided to stop on route at Delaire Graff Estate for a celebratory lunch. We had tried to book the restaurant before leaving Cape Town, but were advised they were fully booked! However, as we were driving past, we thought we’d chance our luck. I’m so glad we did!
Delaire Graff Estate
As we turned in to the estate, off the main road, you could soon see how incredible this place was. All I kept thinking was “wow”!! We parked our car and were ushered into a golf buggy, which took us to the main building where the Wine Lounge, along with the two restaurants Delaire Graff and Indochine (an Asian influenced restaurant) were located. The whole place is totally out of this world, the setting is simply breath-taking. It was one of many “Pinch Me Moments” we would experience during our stay in South Africa.
On arrival at the main building, you entered a beautiful reception area, which hosts an array of modern art. This is also home to the distillery, jewellers, and the two restaurants.
Much to our delight when enquiring at the Delaire Graff Restaurant, they advised us they were able to offer us a table out on the terrace. Everything was perfect, the scenery, the ambience, the weather. This has to be one of the most stunning locations I’ve ever had the pleasure to eat at.
Once seated we were offered drinks and given the menu, which was extensive, the service was attentive without being over the top and the food was sublime. What an incredible way to spend my milestone birthday. I can’t recommend this place enough. They do have accommodation and a spa which unfortunately we didn’t get to see but I think I can use that as a great reason to back again in the future!!
Akademie Street Boutique Hotel
We knew this place was going to be special from the minute we rang the doorbell! Declan the owner answered the door, greeting us in his wonderful Irish lilt like we were long lost friends. Showing us around the stunning property, decorated in deep vibrant colours and furnished with beautiful antiques. On reflection, I think the library was one of my favourite rooms, with its deep blue walls lined with books, although every room was exquisite. It soon became apparent why this was a multi-award winning hotel. They really are the epitome of boutique hotels
Garden Room at Akademie Street Boutique Hotel 
Library at Akademie Street
Gelatenheid B – Cottage
The walk to our suite took us through the hotel grounds, everything had been thought of for the guests. There were bikes and boules, a small central pool with loungers, sun cream, and sun hats. A large orangery where “Sun-downers” were served in the evening, accompanied by a pianist. Jasmine grew everywhere and the smell was intoxicating. The whole setting was just perfect.
We accessed our cottage via a gate into a private garden that housed a small pool and wood-fired hot tub. The suite we stayed in was Gelatenheid B, which was the ground floor suite of a 2 storey cottage. We were extremely fortunate that the upstairs suite was unoccupied for our entire stay, which meant we had the place to ourselves. The great thing about the cottage was there was a front entrance on the parallel street with a driveway for parking your hire car.
The accommodation
The cottage itself was incredible and consisted of a large terrace with a hot tub. Double doors led inside to a small kitchen area with a full-sized fridge, a living room area with a log burner stove, (very romantic on a cold winters evening)! The bedroom was a great size with an oversized bed, luxurious bed linen, there was a gramophone next to the bed which paired with your phone. They even provided a pre-programmed mobile phone for the duration of your stay, with lots of useful local numbers. Now that is thoughtful!
There was lots of storage space and the most important part of any bedroom for me is a dressing table!! (I know, demanding or what)! However, I think it’s essential for most women but sadly overlooked in lots of hotels. The bathroom had a separate toilet, a large shower, and a beautiful free-standing bath, with double vanity sinks and all the amenities you could need. What more could you ask for!
The hotel only catered for breakfast as a meal option but what a feast it was! Served on the terrace around the central guest pool, on sunny days. Guests were served a fruit platter, made up of local seasonal fruits, Greek yoghurt, fruit compote and the best homemade granola I have ever tasted. It was so good I even asked for the recipe! Following this, you could choose from the very extensive menu. It truly was delicious and kept you full all day.
We spent a total of three blissful days at Akademie Street Boutique hotel. When it was time to leave, it was with a very heavy heart. I could have stayed there forever, even though our adventure in South Africa was only just beginning…
Our next stop
Our next stop was Wilderness, a beautiful seaside town on the Indian Ocean, which is a 5 -hour drive from Franschhoek.
To learn more about the beautiful town of Franschhoek and the rest of our trip, read my African Adventures article.
“I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy.”
Ernest Hemingway
