By Jeannie D & Justine Stafford
South Africans are spoiled for choice when it comes to Wineland getaway options. But from the moment we were whisked down the N1 in a chauffeured transfer to Oakvale Estate in Franschhoek, we knew we were in for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Spread across 20 hectares, this new five-star farm retreat designed by architect Stephen Mayers is a masterpiece of classical architecture blended with modern sensibilities; where design and nature intertwine so seamlessly, it feels too beautiful to be true.
Lucky us, we were invited to enjoy the farm’s many high-end amenities usually only available to the holiday makers and solitude seekers who book Vineyard Villa or Gable Villa – the two exclusive-use homesteads on the farm. From the casual elegance of their interiors to the acres of painstakingly manicured landscapes, every inch of Oakvale is curated, cared for and crafted to perfection. Which is why we had to share this next level experience with you…
Arrive & check in: From the moment we drove through the estate gates, past the horse paddocks and up the tree-lined avenue towards Reception, luxury awaited us. After check-in, we sipped local MCC on a tour of the light-drenched art gallery, where a rotating display of local art is available to purchase through the farm. Then we browsed the designer gems and farm-produced goods in the adjoining boutique, and bought a bottle of the Oakvale Chilli Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil which comes housed in a handcrafted clay vessel. Jeannieous Tip: re-use the clay bottle once finished, or – even better – crush it back into the soil to complete the circle of life.
Relax & Revive: Magic lives here. You can feel it. In gardens kissed by soul-soaring mountain views, a natural pool that resembles a Monet painting and vines that whisper sweet secrets to the afternoon breeze.
“We want you to enjoy every element of this incredible environment,” says Zandra Engman, Commercial Director of Oakvale Collection and Co-Founder of Oakvale Select. “That’s why our hospitality team designs bespoke itineraries tailored to each group’s specific interests, whether it’s adventure, relaxation, or something in between.”
That means your stay could include anything and everything from working out in the state-of-the-art gym, meeting your personal Pilates trainer for a reformer session or playing a game of Padel in the custom-built court. Want to rather focus on relaxing? What about a massage in the spa, a hot tub in your villa’s KolKol, or watching a movie under the stars, surrounded only by mountains and vineyards? Sounds good? Of course it does!
Dine In Or Out: One of the best parts of our trip was the delicious three-course lunch that we enjoyed, along with a bottle of Oakvale’s moreish 2024 rosé. Our table was laid on a picturesque dam jetty besides a spectacular water feature. Designed by superstar chef Nanda Cardoso (Head Chef at Liam Tomlin’s original Chefs Warehouse for seven years), it showcased the farm’s produce in its simplest form. “I wanted to honour the level of quality that home grown produce can provide,” Nanda told us as we tucked in to platter upon platter bursting with flavour. She prides herself on designing unique menus suitable to guests preferences that are served in different locations across the farm throughout your stay—offering a different and memorable dining experience each time.
Don’t Forget The Miniature Donkeys… The showstopper highlight of our trip was meeting Zero, a blind miniature donkey who relies on Hero, his loyal best friend, to guide him around the paddock. Wherever Zero goes, Hero leads the way, gently nudging him along. They’re incredibly cute, as are their friends: a feisty herd of Falabella mini-horses, including Truffle, the newborn. And because the animals on this farm are valued as highly as its people, the minis bed down at night with the big horses in the chicest stables known to mankind, complete with their very own customised shower. Now that is what we call #jeannieous!
If you get the chance to stay in this wonderland, immerse yourself in it. It’s nothing short of extraordinary.
To book lunch or a stay at Vineyard Villa or Gable Villa, visit Oakvale Estate website or email the Oakvale Collection team.
