Franschhoek, January 2016: Reservations for Leeu Collection's luxurious Leeu Estates in Franschhoek are open. The flagship property will on 15 June 2016, offering the ultimate luxury wineland experience.

Located between the mountainside and river, just minutes from the picturesque village of Franschhoek, this exclusive five-star boutique hotel provides the ideal setting for an elegant and sophisticated private getaway, offering superb comfort, fine dining and intuitive service. The hotel has 17 well-appointed rooms, suites and cottages and takes central position on 68 hectares of vineyards, landscaped gardens and fynbos (indigenous vegetation).

At the centre of this working wine farm is the meticulously refurbished 19th-century Manor House with its six rooms and suites. An additional two rooms are located adjacent to The Manor House, while the remaining rooms, suites and cottages are dotted amongst the gardens, oak trees and lush vineyards.

Rooms feature carefully curated artwork and sculptures from various countries, luxurious extras and superbly equipped marble bathrooms. Many have their own terraces and fireplaces, and all enjoy idyllic vineyard and mountain views. For guests travelling as a family or with friends, an entire cottage comprising two or three bedrooms with private living areas may also be booked. 

Delicious, innovative cuisine is on offer; lunch and dinner menus showcase the finest locally sourced organic and ethically farmed produce in creative dishes with vibrant world flavours. Handcrafted premium wines from the award-winning Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines may also be sampled at the boutique tasting venue, The Wine Studio.

The Leeu Spa, a wellness sanctuary offering expert massage and holistic treatments inspired by centuries-old Asian traditions, is one of the highlights of the Estates. The contemporary spa has three treatment rooms including one double suite, plus his-and-hers steam rooms and a relaxing splash pool outside the his-and-hers saunas, changing facilities and a hair salon. A 15-metre heated infinity swimming pool and TechnoGym-equipped fitness centre cater to more active guests. Personal training and yoga will also be on offer.

Other attractions at this prestigious destination include The Reading Room (with a wide selection of reading material from classics to bestselling novels), meticulously landscaped gardens, art from leading South African artists and nature trails, to name but a few.

Rates will start from ZAR 4800 (approx £200) in the low season, rising to from ZAR 6600 (approx £275) in the high season, for two people sharing a Classic Room. Rates include:

• Breakfast (07h00–11h00) • Nespresso machine and mini bar in room • Unlimited Internet access • All national phone calls • All local spirits, house wines and soft drinks • Complimentary tasting of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines at Leeu Estates per guest per stay • Complimentary transfer to sister property • Laundry/pressing service • 14% VAT   • 2% tourism levy

The reservations team, headed by Lynn Voges, will be delighted to assist you.  For enquiries, please contact them on e-mail: reservations@leeucollection.com, or call +27 21 492 2222. 

Notes for Editors

There are two other properties in the Leeu Collection. Leeu House, which opened on 1 December 2015, is an exclusive five-star 12-room boutique hotel offering comfort and luxury that is situated on the main road in Franschhoek, within easy strolling distance of award-winning restaurants, art galleries and boutiques, as well as the village's many other attractions. Leeu House is perfectly appointed, with The Conservatory, The Terrace, The Lounge, and the serene and secluded gardens with a 15-metre heated outdoor pool, as well as complimentary use of bicycles, providing guests with plenty of opportunities to relax.

Le Quartier Français, a top boutique hotel with a proven track record spanning more than 25 years, became part of the Leeu Collection on 1 September 1 2015.  The Leeu team is taking great care to preserve the authentic, eclectic and unique nuances guests grew to love at this Franschhoek landmark. Enjoy the world-famous cuisine of The Tasting Room; luxury boutique accommodation with 21 rooms designed to spoil; the convivial Living Room for the best breakfast in town, small plates made to share for lunch or dinner, artisan cocktails, and much more.

Leeu Collection is the first wine tourism initiative in South Africa's history by an Indian investor, namely the entrepreneurial industrialist Analjit Singh, or BAS as he is affectionately known. BAS is also a partner in the award winning winery, Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines.

Leeu is the Afrikaans word for lion, as is Singh in Sanskrit. All three of the Leeu Collection properties, Leeu Estates, Leeu House and Le Quartier Français, are located in the Western Cape's wineland town of Franschhoek just under an hour's drive from Cape Town and its International Airport.

The breathtakingly beautiful Franschhoek Valley is renowned as one of the world's great wine and food destinations. Settled by French Huguenots in 1688, it has retained its Gallic charm and character. At the heart of the valley is the romantic village of Franschhoek, with its award-winning restaurants, art galleries and boutiques, as well as numerous other attractions.

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For further information and hi res images, please contact:
Sue Heady
Heady Communications
T: 01608 651 692
E: sue@headycommunications.com