Artful Kindness
In
any part of the world, if you follow the artists, they will lead you to places
of golden light. This is true of the village of Franschhoek, one of the
loveliest places on earth. Artists of all kinds have settled here – photographers,
painters, musicians, writers, winemakers, food artists, and of course
accommodation artists. And one such artist is Liz Biden, creative genius behind
La Residence Luxury Hotel and Villas (http://www.laresidence.co.za/)
.
Daring
and deft, to be recognised as a world class artist, one must have both exceptional
skills and be willing to push the boundaries of creativity. Finally at the last minute, it is
necessary to reign this verve back in with a 6th sense of restraint.
Each room at La Residence shows a dazzling display of colours, materials and
influences which pushes luxury accommodation into a whole new level of
opulence. Sumptuous fabrics, bold hues and antiques are contrasted and then
perfectly balanced in each of the individually decorated suites. It is for this
that the South African Tourism Board should create a six star rating, in honour
of Liz Biden’s Royal Portfolio.
I
stay in the Frangipani Suite, in the downstairs corner of the East Wing. Here a
brave fusion of Far Eastern and French Chateaux style is balanced within a South African
setting (don’t try this at home). Fitted throughout in creamy white and grey
marble, the calm look is offset by rich red and gold Eastern wall hangings and
gold Louis XV chairs. Floating muslin curtains mute the full height curved
window and double doors. The raised four-poster bed surrounds one
with marble.
But
of course I choose this suite for its resplendent Versaille Hall of Mirrors
bathroom. “Yes, Liz does like big bathrooms” says my host drily. Indeed I estimate the bathroom to be at least 5 X 6 meters in size. Wall
to wall mirrors surround one from a deep double slipper bath placed centrally
in the room. Glass double doors frame vineyard and mountain views.
What
I love about La Residence:
- There are sensory delights throughout the
hotel, with delightful pairing of colours, textures and styles.
- Each suite faces onto mountain and vineyard
views and Franschhoek-blue skies.
- The gardens have been cleverly designed for
privacy and interest, with green hedges, roses, wisteria and irises.
- Peacock and Guinea Fowl punctuate the
stillness. In the early morning an owl softly hoots from the roof.
- High double doors and enormous windows bring
the outdoors into every room.
- Splendid bathrooms each have their own
unique features and verve.
- Local Charlotte Rhys bath products create
fragrant delights.
- La Residence wins both my bath towel and
bathrobe award. The white towels are plentiful, thick and soft, heated by warm towel
rails. There is a choice of bath robes – a cream, silk summer kimono and a
heavier suede-like pale gown.
- The bed is dressed in the finest monogrammed
cotton linen.
- There is temperature-controlled under-floor
heating throughout the vast suite.
- Gilded mirrors decorate the entrance to the
suite, where there is complementary tea, coffee, mini-bar and snacks.
- Crystal chandeliers abound, as does poignant
original wall art.
- There is a separate working area with a
desk.
- The upstairs suites have high pitched roofs
with exposed roof trusses.
- The accomplished chef serves an array of
light yet full-flavoured, sophisticated courses.
- The day ends with a turndown service with
gifts of handmade Belgian chocolates filled with plums from the estate.
Accommodation
experience:
I
am a little ashamed to say I have 3 lengthy bathes within the space of my 20
hours at La Residence. But it feels like the personnel here would only be
delighted at the compliment. And what impresses me at the end of the day, aside
from the general splendour, sumptuous décor and breath-taking scenery, is the simple
kindness of the staff at La Residence. I saw one staff member assist a rather
brittle elderly gentleman, desperately clinging to his dignity, with care and
grace. At dinner the waitrons and sommelier moved in formation to ensure I did
not feel lonely. One waitron confessed “I am so lucky to work here. This
becomes like your family.” There was a sense of everyone playing their part in
putting up an interesting and fun show for a wide range of guests. Their
relaxed and caring attitude broke down the self-imposed barriers between guests
and soon we were sharing enthusiastic stories of our week’s South African
travels.
There
is a tangible difference when a team who work in a place like this enjoy their
role and appreciate each other’s company and support. This brings a softness to
what could otherwise be an intimidating and ostentatious scene, which, let’s
admit, brings out the worst posturing in all of us. I saw a sign while shopping
in Franschhoek earlier today which said “Be kinder than necessary, for we are
all battling our own demons”. Be it the onset of age, past hurts, current
failures or struggles with worthiness, we are all insecure little beings at
heart. And to this we should only respond with kindness and grace. It is this
that I will take away with me from this creative and nourishing stay in this sumtuous place that is a celebration of all that is luxurious hospitality.
