BY Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
Franschhoek region is steeped in tradition with wine farms that date to hundreds of years, exquisite art, and a literary festival to boot. Amid the imposing mountains and endless vines lies a modern boutique hotel that promises to deliver luxurious sustainable travel.
Set up as self-sustainable and totally off the grid, Ludus Magnus is a welcoming lavish enclave. From organic fruits and vegetables, you get a first-hand experience of what sustainable opulence looks like.
The drive into the property can be best described as enchanting. You are surrounded by vast spaces with vines and trees that go as far as the eye can see. The property has a river running through it and while it has a bridge, it gets tricky after heavy rains as we found out on our arrival. Fortunately, we successfully crossed owing to Volvo C40 Recharge’s higher ground clearance. As we made the precarious crossing, my heart skipped a bit – wondering what could go wrong.
After what seemed like endless driving, we were met by an ultra-modern Scandinavian building, with lots of exposed wood. The newness of the hotel seemed jarring to the environment where one expects neutral-coloured farmhouses that complement the vines and surrounding mountains.
Once you step inside the cellar-shaped door, you are greeted by a contemporary combination of glass and wood. While the vast windows bring the outdoors inside and frame the mountain beyond the Olympic size pool, the wood softens it. The first thing you notice is that every little detail has been carefully thought out from the minimalist furniture that is super comfortable and meant to bring people together and promote conversations. The environment is calming, it is easy to get lost in thoughts and catch yourself daydreaming.
Pitched at the international traveller who is looking for a unique experience and is not shy to pay R8 400 per night during the off-peak winter season, Ludus Magnus is magical and bold. Accommodation options consist of 8 luxurious en-suite rooms in the manor house and three uber-glam villas, each with three bedrooms, located within walking distance from the building. However, there is an option to be driven in golf carts to the villas.
Three of us were sharing a luxury villa with two swimming pools on either side of the house, just so we have options of where to swim. The villa is equipped with a massive kitchen, a large dining room, and a cozy lounge. Checking in on a cold, rainy day, we were greeted by a roaring fire in the fireplace which is the focal point in the lounge. Like the main building, the villas are designed for relaxation, socializing and conversations. But should you want a quiet time on your own, there are breakaway spaces. The villa comes with a fully stocked mini-bar in the kitchen as well as in each room with fresh juices, water, and soft drinks.
It took some getting used to the black walls and grey drapes in my bedroom. Fortunately, it made the focal wall, with a splash of coloured wallpaper pop.
I found the bedroom well-appointed and couldn’t wait to sink into the soft king-size bed. The service is very personal, ensuring that you are comfortable and happy. After turn-down, a hot water bottle was neatly tucked between the sheets.
Owned by a French/Italian husband and wife, this hotel is a labour of love. The owners acquired discarded vineyards a few years ago and turned them into a charming and opulent property. Their main focus was on ensuring that guests luxuriate consciously and sustainably. The property is 100% off-the-grid drawing its power from 266 solar panels and a 500kw lithium battery back-up for nights.
There are over 8000 fruit trees, among them citrus, pear, avocado, litchi, mango, banana, apples, and plums. In season, these fruits are carefully placed in your room for your enjoyment while the rest ends up as delectable dishes on the seasonal menu and homemade jams found on the breakfast spread. The hotel also produces olive oil, Shiraz wine from the vines and honey from its hives.
Sports enthusiasts are also fully catered for. There is a running track, a rugby field and an Olympic size swimming pool. There are also hiking and cycling trails as well as river activities should you have time for more exploration. After the decadent breakfast spread fit for a queen, a walk or run on the grounds is highly recommended.
For more information visit www.ludusmagnus.co.za
