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Cosy in the Cold

One of Franschhoek’s best-kept secrets is the fact that winter is just as lovely as summer. In fact, better, some might argue. While hot afternoons by the pool and leisurely lunches under the oaks are what most visitors come to enjoy, the Western Cape’s cooler months are cherished by locals for their very special charm. Temperatures can drop and the odd bout of rain might fall, but inclement weather is always followed by a string of the kind of blue-sky, sunshiny days made for walks through scenic vineyards and cosy afternoons tasting wine beside a roaring fire.

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Oortuiging – a luxurious step back in time

Picturesque and historic Franschhoek is one of the oldest towns in South Africa and Akademie Street is synonymous with the growth of the town from its earliest beginnings. As the town has changed from an early settlement for French Huguenot refugees to an internationally renowned wine, gastronomic and leisure destination, so we have adapted and developed. Continue reading “Oortuiging – a luxurious step back in time”

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Patrick Watson weaves his magic in Akademie Street’s Gardens

Indigenous South African plants provide the inspiration for our entire garden scheme. We wanted to create a unique experience for our guests, something true to the Western Cape and designed to thrill and inspire. We have such an intriguing range of natural beauty – from the effervescent, slightly citrus bouquet of pink hibiscus, to the butterfly friendly pincushion, the evergreen sweet pea bush and hardy Cape honeysuckle – that an English rose, or a Canadian maple would have been a disingenuous choice. Continue reading “Patrick Watson weaves his magic in Akademie Street’s Gardens”

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Christiaan Barnard’s light still burns brightly …. but at Akademie Street!

When you visit award winning Akademie Street Hotel in Franschhoek make sure you wander inside our Orangerie and linger a while to appreciate our specially commissioned, 3 metre wide painting by a locally celebrated artist. It takes pride of place against the back wall of the Orangerie. One can easily appreciate the shere beauty of the painting, but if you don’t linger long enough you might just miss the most interesting aspect of all. It’s the way the painting is lit! For on the right hand side of the painting sits the very same operating theatre lamp used by Dr Christiaan Barnard in the world’s first ever heart transplant, exactly 50 years ago! Continue reading “Christiaan Barnard’s light still burns brightly …. but at Akademie Street!”

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A Day in Table Bay

Widely regarded as the most beautiful city in South Africa, Cape Town is famous for its iconic mountain and foodie culture, offering up a smorgasbord of aesthetic and cultural treats for tourists and locals alike. A mere hour’s drive from Franschhoek, this multicultural destination isn’t one to be overlooked when next you’re in the valley. Continue reading “A Day in Table Bay”

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Off to Market

The Cape Winelands are well known for their elegant wine farms, award-winning restaurants and jaw-dropping landscapes. But for the traveller looking to sample a little of everything the winelands have to offer in a single morning, there’s no better destination than one of the region’s ever-popular markets. Continue reading “Off to Market”

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Franschhoek Festivities – Four reasons to visit the valley this May

You may have noticed a slight nip in the air, but don’t be fooled – things are heating up in the Franschhoek valley this autumn. Over and above the usual plethora of eateries, wine farms and art galleries available all year round, May brings with it a series of sought-after events guaranteed to delight lovers of food, literature and music.   Continue reading “Franschhoek Festivities – Four reasons to visit the valley this May”