Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard, Franschhoek

 

Welcome to Mont Rochelle in the Western Cape. This truly is one of the most beautiful parts of South Africa, a country I’ve been a regular visitor to for many years. During your time with us I hope you get the opportunity to try some of the fantastic wines produced in the region and experience some of the local hospitality - I always make a point of doing so! 

Sir Richard Branson

Sir Richard Branson

 

Mont Rochelle is a stunning 26-bedroom hotel and vineyard just under an hour’s drive from Cape Town in the town of Franschhoek in South Africa. Franschhoek is a traditional vineyard town in the Western Cape Province famously known as the French Corner of the Cape and is considered to be the food and wine capital of South Africa.

 

The area around Franschhoek, which in the Afrikaans language means ‘French corner ’, was as the name suggests once a French enclave when over 300 years ago a group of Huguenot settlers arrived fleeing religious persecution. That influence, which nestled right alongside the larger Dutch-speaking community, is what gives the region such a rich and varied history, and unsurprisingly, a taste for fine food and wine!

 

Mont Rochelle was purchased by Sir Richard Branson in 2014 and now joins the exclusive Virgin Limited Edition collection which includes Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands and Ulusaba Private Game Reserve in South Africa. After an extensive period of refurbishment the hotel began welcoming guests in September 2014.

 

rooms & suites

There are four Shiraz Rooms with king-size beds and all feature courtyard or valley views.

 

The six Merlot Rooms are larger than our Shiraz Rooms and also boast king-size beds with valley views.

 

The six Cabernet Rooms are located in the Vineyard Wing and all include a private terrace overlooking the valley.

 

The six Cabernet Rooms are located in the Vineyard Wing and all include a private terrace overlooking the valley.

 

Guests staying in the two largest rooms, the Cap Classique Suites, will enjoy a separate lounge area, a private terrace and their own plunge pool. Both suites are in the Vineyard Wing.

 

The Manor House is a luxury villa located a short walk from the main hotel and just a stone's throw away from the Country Kitchen. It features four beautifully appointed suites, kitchen, lounge, two swimming pools and gym. Manor House is available for exclusive hire all year round and can accommodate up to eight guests sharing, plus bunkroom for up to six children.

 

 

restaurants

There are two restaurants at Mont Rochelle.

 

The Country Kitchen which joins up to the wine cellar, is an ideal place for a light lunch as well as wine tasting. 

 

It is Mont Rochelle's informal restaurant located just a short walk or a quick drive from the main hotel building and adjacent to the wine cellar.

 

If you're after something a little more formal, MIKO is our flagship restaurant boasting a prime location, with impeccable 180-degree views over the Franschhoek valley and surrounding vineyards and mountains. Start the evening off with a refreshing cocktail from our bar and find a comfy space on the terrace to watch the sun set.

 

MIKO’s cuisine is best described as a taster to South African favourites with each of the seasonal dishes telling a story, using the freshest most local ingredients, which pair beautifully with our award-winning wine list. With its covered terrace, guests have the option of dining alfresco all year round.

 

activities

Swimming Pool

Take a dip and relax in the main outdoor heated swimming pool at Mont Rochelle - there are some fantastic views of the Franschhoek Mountains. 

 

Spa Treatments

Mont Rochelle has two dedicated spa treatment rooms as well as a Hammam. They use the eco-friendly Africology ‘Authentic’ range of products which are made from 100% essential oils and natural plant extracts.

 

Hiking

Enjoy a hike through hills, valleys and vineyards surrounding the hotel, as well as in local reserves. The Mont Rochelle Reserve on the opposite side of the valley offers superb views of the wine valley and on a clear day you can even see Table Mountain and the ocean! 

 

Tennis Courts

The hotel has an Astroturf floodlit tennis court and a cabana complete with a kitchen and bathroom. Racquets and balls supplied.

 

Golf

South Africa is known for the high standard of its many golf courses with courses in Paarl, Stellenbosch and Somerset West.