Brenaissance Wine Estate, Stellenbosch

Moment of Gratitude

Here’s a happy find – beautifully decorated and luxurious rooms on a wine estate near Stellenbosch in the Western Cape. Primarily a wedding venue, Brenaissance Wine State offers sophisticated accommodation in rooms overlooking a pretty chapel, vineyards and mountains beyond.

French country-themed rooms with stylish black and white décor are cool and inviting. The large, white porcelain tiles, silver-framed mirrors, sparkling chandelier and clean white linen have a calming, and at the same time pampering effect. A felt throw, provincial style cushions and thick-pile grey carpets lend warmth and texture to the scene.

Accommodation Experience:

For once I am not travelling alone for work. I celebrate this pleasing situation by booking us into the “Bridal Suite” at Brenaissance, a romantic luxurious room decorated in cool white, silver and grey. 

The walls are painted in quirky, wide silver and white stripes and the white-painted exposed roof trusses add instant character. The bathroom has a gorgeous slipper bath, double vanity, double shower and chandelier. The room is well situated at the far end of the row of rooms, with a private patio complete with loveseat.

We sit outside appreciating the view and the marvelous rich, oak-matured red wine produced on the estate. As our cheeks turn rose-coloured, so do the mountains, lit by the gradually setting sun.

The Jewish concept of Dayenu comes to mind – “it would have been sufficient”. Dayenu is said or sung in gratitude for leading us this far in life - if we had only received this freedom, that would have been enough. And of course the song implies that we have received so many more gifts than that. We cannot know what the future brings, but for that which we already have received we are grateful – for bringing us safely to this moment in time, for our freedom, for our relationships and for our life and energy.

La Residence Villas, Franschhoek

Rhythms of Grace

I recommend a week’s personal retreat at La Residence Villas in Franschhoek (see www.laresidence.co.za). A row of stylish garden suites, the magical healing formula of these villas is a holistic combination of dramatic views, glamorous décor, clever design and impeccable service. Create your own unique package, choosing from a lengthy menu of treatments, including idle flotation in blue-grey swimming pools, massages and various spa options, fabulous food and wine to lift any spirits, and a kind ear of hospitable staff.

Of course my treatment of choice is simply to gaze upon the rich and creative décor of each suite at La Residence. Sumptuous and daring combinations of purple, cerise and gold hues do their work on my psyche. I marvel at the artistic combinations of colours created by our very own South African version of Trisha Guild, Liz Biden. Marbled floors, gilded mirrors, floating chandelier, and upholstered headboards come together in a fusion of antique meets modern.

Renowned for over-the-top luxurious bathrooms, each bathroom at La Residence is a veritable suite unto itself. Here many restorative hydrotherapy hours may be spent, accompanied by sensual Charlotte Rhys products and mountain or botanical views.

Each of the five villas has a different compilation of rooms but looks outwards onto the Franschhoek mountains and La Residence vineyards and plum orchards. Designed with families in mind, the spacious villas of La Residence are a place of freedom to relax and be oneself.

Accommodation experience:

I have come back to Franschhoek for the many inspiring activities in the area – touring wine farms, eating at some of the world’s best restaurants, shopping, walking and cycling. Yet in this sumptuous haven of La Residence, I find myself unwilling to leave the beauty of my suite. I struggle with this urge to sink mindfully into the simple experience of staying in, with a sense of guilt at letting go of my inconsequential plans. But sometimes the mind and body simply know what they want, and it is necessary to forgo one’s enthusiastic predetermined ideas to follow the deeper rhythms of grace. I gratefully succumb to this invitation to do exactly as I please, to restore my energy and sense of balance.