Chamonix

We stayed in the Marco Polo room, and its big patio looking straight at the mountain was a lovely place to have coffee and listen to the birds. The rooms and bathrooms are spacious and tastefully done, and the whole accommodation feels both comfortable and luxurious. Chamonix is a working wine farm at the foot of the mountain, with greenery all around. Watching the clouds drift over the slopes makes the place feel so peaceful that the stress just fades away. The staff are warm and welcoming, especially Belwyn, who was professional and hospitable. Breakfast was hearty and tasty, and the pool area was spotless and quiet. There isn't a fridge in the room, which is a small drawback. Since breakfast is provided but other meals and snacks may mean driving into town, that could be inconvenient. Still, the beauty and calm more than made up for it. I'd return in a heartbeat. Chamonix really is a little slice of heaven.

The friendly, obliging staff made us feel well looked after, and from the main building's terrace you may get to see zebra and springbok. The rooms in the main house are rather grand, with lovely views across the valley. Breakfast is served on site, but there aren't other meals available. The guest house is a couple of miles from Franschhoek, so having a car is necessary. When we visited, almost every restaurant was full, so during busy tourist periods I'd book ahead.

The Waterfall Lodge was a lovely place for a family break. Our seven-year-old had a blast, and we spent three days surrounded by forest, with the waterfall, frogs, owls and birds for company. The cottage was beautiful and incredibly clean. There was no TV or Wi-Fi where we stayed, and honestly, we wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Service was quite excellent, but the property itself needs a serious refresh. It's massive, with various cottages and a couple of lodges, all with a rather 70s look. That style is made worse by the stuffed African animals and framed pictures of their hunter, the owner of Chamonix, with his quarry.