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It may sound a little cliché, but Angala Boutique Hotel is one of those magical places where you quite literally feel yourself relaxing before you’ve even stepped through the front door.
Perhaps it’s the picture perfect mountainside setting, or the spectacular gardens abundant with indigenous plantings and birdlife, or possibly the friendly staff who manage to be relaxed while still paying meticulous attention to detail – whatever it is, there truly is something special in the air. So much so that General Manager Aubrey says the ‘good energy’ is something that almost every guest comments on.
When you turn in through the gates of Vrede and Lust estate and begin your 2km drive up the mountainside to Angala, you’re not quite sure what awaits you at the end of the winding road. You’ll quickly discover that it’s a blissful luxury retreat – you may just never want to leave!
With only ten suites and two cottages, Angala Boutique Hotel is the ideal escape whether you’re a local looking for a romantic weekend away in the winelands or, as is the case with many of their guests, a returning overseas visitor using Angala as a base to explore the winelands and beyond. If you told me I could stay for a week or two, I would definitely not complain!
We were accommodated in the Luxury Suites and they really are something special. Each of these suites has a private patio and their own secluded piece of garden. You can sit outdoors with a cup of coffee just soaking up the sound of birdsong and the sweeping views over farmland and vineyards to the mountains in the far distance.
The bedrooms are modern and luxurious without being overly fussy - natural colours and wood are used throughout. The lounge area boasts a comfy couch and a wood burning fireplace as well as a well-stocked complimentary mini bar, Nespresso coffee machine and local wines. You’ll find everything you’d expect from a 5-star property including slippers, robes and gorgeous bathroom products as well as thoughtful touches like a stash of magazines, a straw basket with swimming towels to take to the pool, a yoga mat and a well-stocked basket of wood besides the fireplace.
I’m sure most guests would be in agreement that one of the highlights of the Luxury Suites is the fantastic bathroom … complete with a private outdoor shower. Each is slightly different, but ours had a tree growing right through the middle of the wooden decking and of course – there’s that fabulous view.
Angala blends seamlessly into its surroundings and great care has been taken in establishing the gardens – which are filled with hidden and surprising sculptures and treasures. The eco swimming pool is a lush oasis of calm surrounded by rushes and water lilies and incredibly inviting loungers. We were staying in the middle of a particularly cold and wintery week – but I can absolutely picture myself relaxing besides the pool with just the view and the sounds of nature to keep me company!
Winter or not, we were not going to be held back from making use of the fabulous outdoor heated Jacuzzi pool. There is a strong focus on wellness at Angala and the ozone therapy pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room are simply fabulous. No chemicals and stuffy claustrophobic rooms here – the outdoor heated pool is literally surrounded by the gardens. It’s incredibly revitalizing. Guests can hop between the ozone therapy pool and the Jacuzzi before finishing off in the sauna and steam room – with stack-back glass doors you feel as if you are still part of the garden. Massages and other treatments can be enjoyed in your suite and yoga lessons can also be arranged. In fact, you’ll find a yoga mat in your room and with plenty of private decks and spaces throughout the property you can find the perfect spot for your morning practise.
Angala has an in-house restaurant where a set 3-course dinner menu is offered daily. We enjoyed a wonderful meal besides the fire where each and every bite was simply delicious. Our girls declared the chocolate fondant served for dessert as the best thing they had ever eaten – very high praise! Breakfasts were equally delicious with a wide variety of hot and cold options, freshly baked croissants and even oysters and bubbly! Lunches are also catered for with a selection of freshly prepared platters … which basically means that you can choose not to leave Angala at all.
If you do feel the need to venture out exploring, Angala is located in the heart of the Simondium area and you’re right on the doorstep of world-class estates like Vrede en Lust, Plaisir De Merle and Rupert & Rothschild. The beautiful gardens of Babylonstoren are less than 10 minutes away and are definitely worth a visit whatever the season. A short 15-minute drive away and you’re in the heart of Franschhoek where you can book a trip on the Wine Tram, explore the picturesque main street and eat at some of the top restaurants in country. There really is so much to see and explore in this gorgeous part of the Cape.
If you’re looking for some serious rest and relaxation, then you simply can’t go wrong with a few blissful days spent at Angala. Warm and friendly staff and management go out of their way to ensure that each and every guest is exceptionally well taken care of. And, soaking up the peace and quiet is a treat for the soul and the senses to be sure!
To book your stay at Angala visit Angala Boutique Hotel
