Autumn has arrived in Cape Town

The month of May is coming to an end and autumn is here – leaves are falling from the trees, the air is getting colder and the rains have arrived – we are looking forward to it!

Some of our important trade shows like We are Africa and Indaba in Durban took place successfully and we were also on site and took a look around once again. Both trade shows are worth a visit, depending on what your market is – maybe make a note for next year😊!

When we were at Indaba in Durban, we visited Sala Beach House in Shaka’s Rock – a wonderful place for relaxation and unwinding.

This is a green oasis right by the sea. You definitely have to stay longer than one night here. The rooms are all beautifully furnished and most have a sea view.

There is also a villa with 3 bedrooms, and  small children are allowed here, but not in the rooms in the main house.

Sala Beach House has its own spa area and offers a free yoga class every morning. Additionally, besides the included breakfast, you can also have lunch and dinner here. A bar, a warm fireplace in winter, and the inviting sun terrace complete the offerings.

We were invited to La Cle Country Lodge and Villages in Franschhoek for a site inspection and lunch and we were very happy that we got to see these properties!

La Cle Country Lodge is a 5-bedroom house, sold per room or can be booked exclusively. La Cle Village is a cluster of villas within walking distance from the Lodge – also sold exclusively or on a per room basis – depending on which villa it is.

They are two different properties, but both share the same theme of excellent service and warm hospitality. Both properties are run by a great team headed up by the GM, Melany. Mel has been with La Cle for 11 years now and most of the staff have been with the properties for many many years. From what we experienced the service is 5 stars.

La Cle Country Lodge is located in the Franschhoek residential area – at the beginning of the town, and is well within walking distance to all the restaurants and boutiques. The property is very large, so it feels like you are on an estate with loads of trees and greenery – yet you are very close to Franschhoek town centre. Very homely and welcoming with fireplaces warming the main areas, comfy couches, and an expanded terrace overlooking the Mountains – a perfect home away from home.

The Lodge has 5 rooms – 2 Garden, 2 Petite and 1 Courtyard – they can be booked individually or all together making it exclusive use. Kids from the age of 12 are allowed at the Lodge.

Around the corner on an even larger property is La Cle Village. They offer a collection of different villas – something for every size family or group. Domain Villa with 4 Bedrooms, Grange Villa with 3 Bedrooms, Galerie & Manoir with 2 Bedrooms each.

Grange Villa is the only one where you can also book the rooms individually – they have a Courtyard and Garden Room category.

All the villas have a different décor style, and all of them have their own private pools and garden areas – really perfect for large families or couples traveling together. A combination of villas can also be booked for bigger groups. Kids of all ages are welcome at La Cle Village.

We had the most amazing lunch – a variety of quiches, salads, breads and dips – it was delicious! At La Cle meals are usually served at a  shared table, but a private table can be requested.

Picnics and Braais are a huge hit and an absolute must! We do recommend dining in at La Cle!

They also produce their own wine – we enjoyed a lovely Chardonnay which comes highly recommended!

Thank you to the La Cle Team – we look forward to them hosting many happy clients!

We will also travel again in the month of June and report back to you.

Until then, all the best!