All that jazz: Montreux meets Africa among the vines

Fancy combining a trip to South Africa's beautiful wine regions with a spot of jazz and some luxury accommodation?

How about Franschhoek for the debut of the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek from March 27-29 while staying at ultra-chic La Residence.

The Montreux Jazz Festival has been held on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland over six decades and this year its finds its rhythm in the Cape Winelands: Montreux meets Africa in a jazz-inspired cultural experience.

The town’s iconic Franschhoek Monument will be transformed into the Arches Stage, an intimate listening space for world-class performances from the likes of Mali maestro Salif Keita and Billy Monama’s Guitar Convergence.

And for accommodation? 

Located on a private 30-acre estate, The Royal Portfolio’s boutique hotel La Residence - a member of The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) - is the perfect base for those seeking luxury.

Think private arrivals, African themes, curated journeys and estate wines. Guests are encouraged to book early. 

The Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek heralds a vibrant year in the valley.

Franschhoek’s annual events continue to celebrate its French heritage, fine wines and creative spirit.

Think the Franschhoek Literary Festival (May), the exuberant Bastille Festival (July), chamber music concerts, the Classic Car Festival (October) and the Cap Classique & Champagne Festival (November).

All in one of the world’s most beautiful wine villages.

For more information see https://mjfsa.com/ and https://www.theroyalportfolio.com/la-residence/

Is this the ultimate Cape winelands retreat?

There is nowhere on the planet that does wine tourism better than South Africa.

And there is nowhere in South Africa quite as stylish and appealing than the small town of Franschhoek, the gem of the Cape winelands. It's wild country: leopards have been spotted in those hills. 

The Royal Portfolio this week announced the launch of Franschhoek House, a six-bedroom exclusive-use villa on the 30-acre estate of La Residence.

Franschhoek House aims to entice multigenerational travellers and groups seeking private and personalised services.

The location - just an hour from Cape Town - makes it an ideal base from which to explore the many vineyards and cellar doors.

Think ancient vineyards, rugged mountain vistas, and landscaped gardens.

With six individually designed suites, the villa can accommodate up to 12 guests and showcases the region’s French heritage.

The property is operated by former fashionista Liz Biden and her family, whose Royal Portfolio properties also include The Silo Hotel in Cape Town and the Royal Malewane in the Kruger National Park.

The walls at Franschooek House feature artworks by renowned African artists, including pieces by Franklyn Dzingai, Tega Tsfadzwa, Amanda Mushate, Chokuwamba, Kate Gottgens and Grace Nyahanga. 

Additionally, there is a 17th-century tapestry by David Teniers II, from Aubusson, France.

The Long Room, at the centre of the property, features a bar, a comfortable lounge, and a full-size billiards table.

A private chef is on hand to create farm-to-table dishes, using fresh ingredients sourced from the estate and surrounding areas. The villa team also includes a host/concierge.

Outside, the villa offers multiple patios and a private heated pool that overlooks the vines. 

I'm hopeful an invitation will be on its way.

# The Royal Portfolio is a collection of ultra-luxury hotels, lodges, villas and private residences in South Africa.

See www.theroyalportfolio.com

Enjoying the Cape Winelands in serious style

Nowhere does gourmet tourism better than South Africa's Cape Winelands region.

It is a region where stylish luxury is de rigueur if you have cash to splash.

One of the prestige addresses in Franschhoek is La Residence (https://www.theroyalportfolio.com/la-residence), part of the Royal Portfolio group and a 16-suite boutique hotel that has just undergone a complete refresh.

It is somewhere that is definitely on my bucket list.    

Expansion plans include the opening of a new wine tasting barn in February, and a flagship family villa towards the end of the year.

Tucked away from the main hotel, all five Vineyard Suites now each have Mediterranean-style pools with large outdoor entertainment areas and mountain views.

"Revitalising the design at La Residence was an opportunity to breathe new energy into the hotel, ensuring our guests continue to enjoy a unique and luxurious experience," said founder and co-owner Liz Biden.

"Our commitment to creating an environment of comfort and splendour is reflected in every aspect of the property's fresh, new look."

La Residence’s dining experiences have also been enhanced with chef Gregory Henderson offering interactive South African cooking courses that include collecting and using La Residence seasonal farm products such as vegetables, herbs, honey and lavender.

Other food experiences include personalised cookery demonstrations at the Chef’s Table in the dining hall, afternoon teas inspired by the seasons, La Residence cheese and wine pairings and picnics set up in the estate vineyards

For further information please visit www.theroyalportfolio.com

Room rates are seasonal and start from ZAR 8,700 ($695) per person sharing, including breakfast, full mini bar and complimentary shuttle service to Franschhoek town centre.

La Residence forms part of The Royal Portfolio that also includes The Silo Hotel on Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, Birkenhead House in Hermanus and Royal Malewane in the Greater Kruger National Park.