Travel
Flight
London Heathrow to Cape Town
Virgin Atlantic, Norse Atlantic Airways and British Airways all offer flights direct from London to Cape Town. The flight is around 12 hours (we're sorry), but usually overnight so is not quite as bad as you think (dependent upon your ability to sleep on planes). We promise the wine is worth it... You may also find it easier to find flights to JHB, and then take an internal flight to Cape Town. These take about 2 hours and cost around £80-100
Travel Note
Where to stay
There's broadly three options of where to stay and we've provided hotel options for all three: - Cape Town: This is the option which is furthest away, but you should be able to get an Uber to and from Boschendal, but is potentially up to £25 per way depending on your Cape Town location. The travel time is longer but depending upon your overall travel plans you might find it easier. Overall, we wouldn't recommend it, but it's possible. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch is a lovely university town with plenty of accommodation and restaurants. It's got a bit more of a lively feel and is easy to walk around and navigate. It's about 15 minutes from Boschendal and Ubers are plentiful. Franschhoek: A bit quieter than Stellenbosch and more focused on the gastronomy experience and the hiking, but still beautiful. It's about 15 minutes from Boschendal and Ubers are plentiful.
Travel Note
Franschhoek hotels
This is only hotels and not Airb'n'b options. Assuming your future husband hasn't accidentally annoyed a host so much by taking some keys away from a property that you're effectively banned from the platform (that one might just be me), worth checking there for all three locations!
Hotel
MAISON MONTAGNE at Dieu Donne Vineyards
Maison Montage offers both self catering and hotel rooms. It is about a 20m drive to Boschendal, and very reasonably priced.
Hotel
The Belmont
A really pretty guest house in the centre of Franschhoek, self-catering is possible via the kitchen on site. Very reasonably priced, and easy access to the wine tram. Again, about a 15-20m drive to Boschendal.
Hotel
Gite Franschhoek
A luxury self-catering experience. Solar powered with with private hot tubs for each room. Think a shepherds hut in the UK, but with walls, braai availability and better views. This is about a 15m drive from Boschendal. PLEASE NOTE NO CHILDREN OR PETS ARE ACCEPTED AT THIS PROPERTY.
Hotel
Petit Ermitage
A beautiful Cape Dutch property in the middle of Franschhoek village. The owner is renowned for his excellent hospitality and we have shamelessly taken most of his recommendations for this website. Please note the property is small, so this might be a first come first serve kind of vibe... Again, around a 20m drive to Boschendal. NO CHILDREN UNDER 12 AT THIS PROPERTY.
Hotel
The Terraces @ Chambray Estate
A working farm in the Bo-Hoek area of Franschhoek, with some lovely neighbouring vineyards. Gorgeous views of the mountains and fresh produce from the farm (including fresh honey from their farm) is used for breakfast every morning. There are only 3 cottages on site, so again, might be a case of first come first serve! 20-25 minute drive from Boschendal
Hotel
Franschhoek Manor Luxury Boutique Guesthouse
Another option for a guesthouse in the centre of Franschhoek. Slightly more expensive, but comes well reviewed for host friendliness and breakfast. 15 minute drive to Boschendal.
Hotel
Avondrood Guest House Franschhoek
A lovely 8 roomed guesthouse with swimming pool. A cozy lounge with a large fireplace and a fully stocked bar for those who want a cozy evening before or after the wedding. Private, luxury guided tours are available on request (and for an additional fee). 15 minute drive to Boschendal.
Hotel
Chapter House Boutique Hotel
A 17 room hotel with a spa on site and an extensive brandy menu and a swimming pool on site. Again, situated in the centre of Franschhoek, which means plenty of access to world class restaurants.
Hotel
La Fontaine Boutique Hotel
The Hotel in the Oyster Collection in a beautiful heritage building, with 17 rooms across two buildings. Staff are on hand to help with private tours - a list of which can be found here alongside pricing: https://www.oystercollection.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Franschhoek-Tours-and-Transfers-valid-till-July-2024.pdf 15 minute drive from Boschendal.
Hotel
7 Koppies
A beautifully quiet farmhouse with spa options on site. There's also a swimming pool and sauna on site (be careful PJ doesn't steal your room key for sauna access). The owners are trying to bring their Italian upbringing to South Africa so al fresco dining is encouraged. 10-15 minute drive from Boschendal
House Or Rental
Boschendal Wine Estate
Cottage 1685, the Baker Farmhouse, the Mountain Villa and the Orchard Cottages all offer sharing options for those who know each other and are coming in groups to make the price of staying on site slightly more reasonable.
Travel Note
Stellenbosch hotels
Hotel
Bonne Esperance Boutique Guest House
A central Stellenbosch location - a lovely little guest house which means you can get to the main eating and partying areas of the town with so much ease. Budget options are available here.
Hotel
Banhoek Lodge
Set in beautiful scenery, and a free wine tasting voucher when you book directly with them. It's really quite close to Boschendal so for those that really want to crawl back without staying on site.
Hotel
Spier Wine Farm
Where we would have got married if they still did weddings... We adore this place, for so many reasons, but if we're being honest, mainly for the easy access to wine. Bring us a bottle. They have recently gone through a refurbishment and open up again in April.
Hotel
Molenvliet Vineyards
One of the cheaper Wine Farms to stay at and very close to Boschendal. Wine tasting on site and stunning views. What could go wrong?
Hotel
Lanzerac Wine Estate
A hotel and spa that is near Stellenbosch. Think English country hotel, but with some sun and views.
Travel Note
Cape Town Hotels
Hotel
La Grenadine Petit Hôtel
Apparently the mix here is "European Models and Families". A 19th century farm house in Kloof which apparently is one of the most beautiful. 5 rooms means this might be in hot demand, but the prices are reasonable.
Hotel
Taj Cape Town
A central Cape Town option and is located in the City's historic Reserve Bank. The hotel offers a lot including walking tours of the city, an hourly shuttle to the V&A Waterfront and daily wine tasting.
Hotel
Old Foundry Hotel
Don't be put off by the fact that this is run by a company called the "ideas cartel", it's a lovely simple option close to the V&A Waterfront, with a bit of co-working space for those who might need to check in with work whilst away.
Hotel
Dorp Hotel
This hotel comes very well reviewed and apparently has some of the best views of the city. It is located up towards Table Mountain rather than in the heart of Cape Town, but it shouldn't be sniffed at for those looking for a relaxing retreat.
Hotel
The Manor House at the Queen Victoria Hotel Cape Town
The "best value" 5 star hotel on the V&A Waterfront for those who want to stay there (they tend to hike prices up at the Waterfront, so finding anything which is "good value" is a push so take it where you can)!
Hotel
12 Apostles Hotel & Spa
Whilst the bride and groom may (heavy emphasis on the may) not be allowed back here due a misunderstanding about a bar tab due to a thick Capetonian accent, the views are spectacular. Recommended for those who want to be near Cape Town but not in Cape Town.
Travel Note
Uber costs
Just as a heads up, Uber is commonly used in South Africa and pretty highly regarded. The estimated costs are as follows: - Cape Town International Airport and the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town takes half an hour and is about £7-8. - Cape Town International Airport to Boschendal takes about an hour and costs around £18. - V&A Waterfront in Cape Town to Boschendal is about an hour and costs around £22. - Franschhoek to Boschendal is about 15m and £8-£10. -Shorter trips within Cape Town from your hotel will cost £2-4
Rental Car
Avis, Hertz, Budget, Eurocar... the list goes on.
All normal hire care providers are available and start at £17 per day. Bonus points for South Africa as everyone drives on the correct side of the road...