Chic with a little cheek at the Franschhoek Boutique Hotel

Tucked just behind the buzz of the town’s millionaire shopping mile, and within easy walking distance of culinary landmarks such as Reuben’s and Le Quartier Francais, the hotel offers six rooms, each with its own multi-layered personality.

The Hennessy is the rich, dark amber indulgence of cognac, Blanc is literally the polar opposite with 50 shades of textured white. Hestia is the Greek goddess of home and hearth, and her namesake room conjures up comfort and warmth, while Aztec comprises the geometric patterns of the ancient civilisation. The other two rooms are a touch more exotic, the Palm – green and lush and the Sapphire, all sparkly gem colours.

Sapphire room

But what they have in common is a compact modernity without feeling cramped, all complete with a Morso fireplace, mini bar and wine cooler, heated flooring and towel rails. And, of course, how could we not survive without the obligatory complementary wi-fi. Throw open the balcony doors and you have a perfectly framed view of the pink and mauve hues of the surrounding mountains.

I must confess, I have a bit of a bath fetish, and have been known to while away hours it the tub with a good book, so the bathroom tickled my fancy, and the surrounding frosted sliding doors allow you to dictate the amount of privacy you want.

Lounge

The hotel’s lounge-stroke-breakfast room is airy with sleek monochrome furnishings contrasted by splashes of colour, the warm gleam of wood and a roaring fire. While the look is contemporary, there are intriguing arrangements of candles, glass and foliage juxtaposed with old cameras and leather-bound books scattered around the room.

Oh, and when you step outside, after a hearty breakfast, the hop-on-hop-off Franschhoek Wine Tram is right on the doorstep to explore the town and surrounding wine farms.