Staying at Mont Rochelle in Franschhoek, South Africa

Hey there, I’m Jess ✨. On The Signature, I share reflections on beauty, routines, travel, wellness, culture, and everyday life. For those drawn to a calmer, more intentional way of living, I send a free newsletter each month on the 7th. You're welcome to join.

Edit: this article was first published in November 2024 and updated in July 2026.

As it is entails a short four-hour flight from home, I get to travel to Cape Town every other year. It is without a doubt one of my favourite places on earth and I feel privileged for visiting frequently. Being able to go back often allows me to choose new locations and return to the places I have been loving for the past two decades, like this hotel my father first introduced me to in 2007.

A couple of years ago, my husband and I decided to stay in the Winelands region, one hour away from the city centre. We looked into several options and Mont Rochelle, a Richard Branson Virgin Estate, fitted all we wanted: a nice room, good food, a swimming pool, great views, free parking and a fitness centre. We loved it so much we have already been there twice.

Our first stay in 2024

On our first stay in 2024, we landed at the Cape Town airport in a scorching hot October afternoon - unusual at that time of the year as we were expecting milder Spring weather -, rented a car and headed to Franschhoek, the heart of the French corner of the Western Cape.

We were warmly greeted at Mont Rochelle with wide smiles, dried fruits and, most importantly, two flutes of South African sparkling wine. We then visited the Estate and soaked in into its gorgeous decor and views. Our Cap Classique suite, on the right end of the property, was absolutely spectacular with a wide living room and dining room and we had our own heated plunge pool we dived in every day.

We are both used to going to beautiful places and being surrounded by older people but this time it was different: we had lots of young couples around us and it made for a more vibrant vibe. Nothing against being with older people - they are the best conversationalists! - but it was clearly a noticeable change for us.

In the end of the afternoon we went out for dinner. The food at the Miko restaurant is absolutely delicious and we just knew we would be in for a treat for the upcoming days.

It was my birthday during that stay and the hotel made it memorable. All the members of the staff knew about it and there were gifts, treats and songs through the day. That is not something easy to forget!

Our first stay was one of the best in our lives in the past decade and we will surely come back. It was quite romantic and allowed for a great reset from our bustling busy lives. And so, nearly two years later...

Our second stay in 2026

... we went back in July 2026, this time around, for my husband's birthday and to experience a couple of winter days. We were as warmly greeted as we had been on the first time, but this time around, we stayed by the fire. It was such a cosy experience, to have our welcome Cap Classique flutes and enjoy the toastiness of the fire.

This time around we stayed in the Merlot room, with a bow window view over the left side of the hotel. The room was smaller than the Cap Classique suite we had stayed at but it felt cosy for the winter time. Also, the bathroom floors were heated, just like in our Algarve home, which is just the most pleasant sensation, being warm from head to toe during the crisp weather.

The Spa at Mont Rochelle

For both our birthdays, my husband and I treated each other to massages at the Spa at Mont Rochelle. They have a compact yet comprehensive menu from relaxing massages to full body scrubs. What is unique to this spa is that it is not a Clarins Spa or ESPA Spa one we can find all over the world. The products are from South Africa's own Africology, the amazing cosmetic and bodycare brand.

Wine Tasting at Mont Rochelle

Mont Rochelle is on the Franschhoek Wine Tram line, a great way to visit lots of wineries when you don't want to rent a car or drive. You can visit, enjoy a wine tasting and have a meal at their The Country Kitchen restaurant.

Like this content and want more? You can subscribe to get a monthly edit and we can connect also on BlueSky | TikTok | Youtube | Pinterest