Reservest Encounters the Leeu Experience

When I heard that Reservest had partnered with the brand Leeu Estates, I was brimming with excitement! Here was luxury accommodation that I had visited and could not wait to talk about. I spent a day wandering around the estate, looking at art and delighting my palate with artisanal cuisine at this Edenic Franschhoek hideaway. This was my experience at the award-winning restaurant, La Petite Colombe.

Franschhoek, Valley of Wine and Gourmet Dishes

Surrounded by the breathtaking mountains of Franschhoek in South Africa, Leeu Estate is situated in a valley renowned for its provision of wines, vineyards and art. Brimming with history, this wine hotspot of South Africa appeals to families wanting a serene getaway and to those looking for romance found over the lips of wine glasses.

And then there's the food. A true love affair for foodies and gourmet enthusiasts. If the art doesn't hook you, the artisanal food surely will. From locally grown ingredients to the presentation—every detail has been thought out meticulously and with the intent of striving for perfection.

Home to the transcendental artworks exhibited across the Leeu property, this estate is ready to fulfil your every need. From wine to art to food—every sense is indulged.

Dining at La Petite Colombe

One golden afternoon in Franschhoek, I found myself gathered around a table with friends in the tastefully chic restaurant at Leeu Estate, La Petite Colombe. I drove onto the property with the window down, smelling all the hints of spring and wine in the air. Rows upon rows of vineyards passed me by as I drove deeper into the estate. Approaching the restaurant, sculptures welcomed me like stoic guardians and hinted that I was in for a treat.

I followed the path straddled by garden beds into the glass-enclosed, modern restaurant. Upon arrival, I was offered my choice of drink—mine being a fruity-sweet cocktail. Don't worry, the wine came later...

Starters were presented in intricately designed boxes that looked like mini gardens captured within their circular confines. At first, I was hesitant to disturb such artfully arranged cuisine. However, once the first bite was taken, those worries were quickly swept away by the bursts of flavour that swept across my palate—from sweet and salty to umami and savoury.

From coconut yellowfin tuna and hearty bread dipped in puzzle-shaped dips to the sweets trolley straight out of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory—every bite was not only flavourful but exploding with a joyful tang. The line fish, 'viskop', chowder managed to encompass the essence of Cape Town in a bowl, while the cooked-to-perfection coal-roasted lamb dissolved in my mouth and left me wanting more.

Wandering the Grounds of Leeu Estate

With our bellies full and cheeks flushed, we took a stroll around the restaurant. Like clues in a treasure hunt, we followed the outdoor sculptures around the estate, from one to the next—a hidden floppy ear of a rabbit to dogs frozen in a sprint across the lawns leading up to the resident-exclusive restaurant, The Dining Room.

For your eyes, I suggest walking along the manicured lawns and reflecting upon Deborah Bell's sculpture of Artemis and her dogs. Larger-than-life, this sculpture embodies the very essence of Leeu - proud, elegant and luxurious.

Stay at Leeu Estate

Come for food for the soul and stay for the quiet mornings waking up to birds chattering and gentle sunrises over the vineyards—Leeu truly has it all and I would suggest this Winelands getaway to anyone wanting to experience luxury in the Cape.

A 13-bedroom contemporary getaway with stunning mountain views just outside the estate, Leeu House features secluded gardens, a private pool and a terrace, influenced by traditional Cape Dutch heritage. En-suite bathrooms fitted with marble floors, free-standing bathtubs and underfloor heating promise a tranquil environment.

On Leeu Estates, Max House accommodates six guests with three bedrooms furnished with king beds, a writing desk and spacious wardrobes. Ensconced by vineyards, this Winelands escape is proudly elegant, luxurious and breathtaking.

Reservest Partners with Leeu Collection

Leeu Estate's exceptional accommodation can be found on Reservest—a seamless booking engine offering travel experts over 3000 luxury suites and villas. Follow the link to access trade rates for their exclusive escape in Franschhoek, South Africa.