Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of birds in a lush garden, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee and pastries awaiting you. A leisurely morning unfolds, not at a crowded hotel or resort, but in the privacy of your own luxurious villa, attended to by a discreet and attentive team. This is the essence of a stay at La Clé Villas – a bespoke experience where privacy, relaxation and luxury are elegantly combined.

A Private Haven for the Discerning Traveller

La Clé Villas offers something truly unique in the world of luxury travel, it is a place where every detail is carefully curated – guests are offered the highest level of personalised service in an atmosphere that still feels homey and comfortable.

The property is made up of a separate guest lodge and four exclusive-use villas, each with its own distinct personality. This isn’t your typical hotel stay, but rather an invitation to a private sanctuary where you can fully unwind in the lap of luxury.

This isn’t your typical hotel stay, but rather an invitation to a private sanctuary where you can fully unwind in the lap of luxury.

A Curated Stay in Galerie

We stayed in Galerie, an eclectic space that beautifully melds bold colours and textures. The two en-suite bedrooms were generously sized, offering all the modern comforts – a king-size bed, plush linens, a power shower plus bath, and super soft robes.

The decor throughout the villa is an artful blend of vibrant colour and playful patterns. A plush purple velvet couch sat opposite two leopard-print wingback chairs, with the room illuminated by a striking blue glass chandelier. Textured curtains in bold jewel colours of burnt orange, deep purple and rich blue bring softness and personality to the space. The eclectic style, featuring many unique pieces of art, gives the villa a distinctive allure, making it feel like a private gallery, curated just for you.

The eclectic style, featuring many unique pieces of art, gives the villa a distinctive allure, making it feel like a private gallery, curated just for you.

Seamless Service, Tailored to Your Needs

Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of our stay at La Clé was the team that looked after us. The service was exceptionally professional yet unobtrusive. Whether it was keeping the fireplace crackling, or setting up pool loungers, the team was always on hand when we needed them and were completely invisible when we didn’t.

Unforgettable Culinary Experiences

Food is undoubtedly one of the highlights of a stay at La Clé, and in an epicurean town like Franschhoek, that is no mean feat. Whether it’s a family-style dinner or a lavish breakfast spread, every meal is crafted with care. The experience of having meals set up in the villa added to the sense of intimacy and exclusivity.

On one afternoon John, who was taking care of us, put together a braai, and although this is something we as locals know well, I can see how this quintessential South African experience would be an absolute highlight for foreign guests.

The sumptuous spread featured smoked ribs, boerewors, chicken skewers, lamb chops, and a salad made with couscous, pickled onions, avocado, and an amasi dressing. It was hearty comfort food, but elevated, which is the ethos of the food experience at La Clé.

The brand also offers a range of exclusive, own-label wines for guests to enjoy, with a beautiful Pinot Noir Rosé as the latest addition. A chilled glass pairs perfectly with a spread fresh off the braai.

At another meal, the chef onsite prepared a stunning pork belly, which was the star of dinner – melt-in-the-mouth tender, with perfectly crispy skin, served alongside creamy, Parmesan-laden risotto, smashed baby potatoes on a bed of garlicky yoghurt, and deeply caramelised baby carrots on a swirl of whipped goat’s cheese. Everything was moreish.

Food is undoubtedly one of the highlights of a stay at La Clé and in an epicurean town like Franschhoek, that is no mean feat…

For dessert, a mini deep-dish milk tart was the perfect sweet ending – this nostalgic nod to traditional South African flavours was reminiscent of one that my mom makes, and I just loved it.

Breakfast was no less indulgent. A continental feast of freshly cut fruit, warm pastries, locally sourced charcuterie, and cheeses was brought directly to our villa. The local cured trout, served with cream cheese and capers, was a particular favourite – a lavish and tasty start to the day. A hot breakfast service is also available, but having gorged on all the curated local cold offerings, we simply didn’t have space!

In the Heart of Franschhoek

La Clé’s location offers the perfect balance between seclusion and accessibility. Set just five minutes away from the bustling centre of charming Franschhoek, the villas offer an ideal base for exploring local wine estates, gourmet restaurants, and boutique shops. But despite being so close to the action, La Clé feels worlds away.

The lush, private garden, shimmering pool, and inviting outdoor spaces make it easy to forget that you are in the heart of one of the country’s busiest tourist destinations. We spent some time curled up on the loungers reading and also partook in a competitive game of swing ball, which was conveniently set up in the garden. It made for a fun afternoon – and a rather tender (admittedly underused) tennis arm the next day!

An Unparalleled Experience

La Clé Villas isn’t just a place to stay – it’s a destination. Whether you’re seeking a quiet retreat, a luxurious base to explore the Franschhoek valley, or simply a place to be pampered, La Clé offers it all. With a team dedicated to making your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, every moment spent at La Clé feels like a special occasion. It’s a place to experience the very best of South African hospitality, which I maintain is some of the most thoughtful in the world.

For those who crave privacy, luxury, and a true sense of being pampered, La Clé Villas is the ultimate escape.

13 Daniel Hugo St, Franschhoek, South Africa | Email | Tel: +27 21 876 4833

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