Thursday, November 28, 2019

An Overnight stay at Angala Boutique Hotel, Franschhoek

We were invited to cover a prestigious black tie award ceremony in Franschhoek last weekend, but no transport or overnight accommodation was to be provided. Our friends at Angala were very generous and allowed us to have a suite for the night, which meant that John could enjoy a glass or two of the two winners’ wines and we didn’t have to drive all the way back home at midnight on the motorway, which would have taken us at least an hour and a half. We are extremely grateful. It is one of our favourite places to stay and we wanted to show you just how beautiful and peaceful it is. It is located 2.4 kilometres up the mountain approach from Vrede en Lust wine estate, with marvellous views of Franschhoek and Paarl, and is an easy 20 Km drive before Franschhoek
The approach road, through lush gardens of mostly indigenous flora
Reception looks like a tented pavilion
and from the deck, you can look down at the swimming pool and the heated plunge pool
They also have a natural swimming pool; no chemicals are used and the water is circulated and cleaned in a reed bed system, as is all the grey water on the property. At night you can hear the frog chorus
Looking back at the main building, which houses the lounge and the restaurant 
A great place for a dip and a relaxing time on a sun bed, listening to tinkling waters
It has its own outdoor shower
Our room was in one of the cottages below the pool
Flashes from dragonflies
and porcelain-like water lilies
Our room has a huge bed and a lovely lounge area with a wood-burning stove for chilly days and nights
A welcoming letter on the table
and the complimentary wet bar with wine, spirits, tea and a coffee station; a microwave and a fridge below containing beer, mixers, cold drinks and water. Good biscuits too. All are included in the room rate
There is a dressing room area in the bathroom with cupboards which are filled with things you might need
and, luxury of luxury, twin sinks, a huge bath, plus two inside showers and one outdoor, which has complete privacy
and a good rain shower head. All the water is recycled
French doors open onto the verandah, which has access to a private garden
The view from our verandah of the beautiful valley with distant mountains beyond
Looking back at the room, you can see that it actually has another room next door with the same facilities
It was occupied by members of a famous family, but the rooms are very well separated and sound proofed
A small fountain in the garden...
...attracts the birds
A Cape sparrow (Passer melanurus) ,three Cape canaries (Serinus canicollis) and an olive thrush (Turdus olivaceus)
"You lookin' at ME?!" We spotted a southern rock agama lizard
aka bloukop koggelmander (Agama atra) sunning itself near the plunge pool
Getting the Beady eye
Beneath the deck are the spa and two saunas. You can book treatments
Just above it, an enclosed dining area off the terrace and adjacent to the bar
There is a bar in the lounge with the kitchen beyond
Comfortable seating and a wood burning stove 
Next morning, after a very comfortable and restful night, we came down to breakfast
The bar is now set for breakfast. And you can have it out on the terrace should you wish
Fruit, cereal, yogurt, nuts and seeds. And, to the left, smoked salmon, cheese and cold meats under cover
Some bubbly to start the day, fresh orange juice or make a Mimosa
Blueberry muffins, fresh crisp croissants, and a good array of breads, including some gluten free multi grain for those who need it
A selection of jams
Fresh oysters on ice, with the fixings, might be good with your Bubbly
The cooked breakfast menu has lots of temptations
John had some fruit and muesli, Lynne a croissant with smoked salmon and cream cheese to start
A 'main course' of the Angala rarebit, a poached egg covered in a béchamel sauce with crisp bacon,
served on half a well-toasted muffin 
The herb omelette, stuffed with crisp bacon, cheese and tomato. The herbs are in oil on the plate surrounding the omelette
We had good black coffee and a pot of Dilmah Green tea before bidding Angala and the staff a grateful farewell
We loved our stay. It is a small piece of paradise and they do take such good care of you. We thoroughly recommend it to you
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