The Akademie Street Boutique Hotel story starts with a single whitewashed 19th century Cape Dutch house in one of the oldest towns in South Africa.
Today, the property is made up of several buildings and cottages set around open courtyards, and down manicured garden paths, to create the award-winning village that it is. What lies behind a very understated façade are luxe details like private plunge pools, wood-fired hot tubs, curated living room and dining spaces, and thoughtfully designed suites.
No two spaces are alike, no detail has been overlooked, and guests are invited to choose which cottage or suite they would like to experience before arriving, which contributes to a feeling of being in a home away from home. Many of the hotel's unique and antique décor pieces come with charming stories and were sourced or collected by the owner himself.
Staying here offers peace, privacy and above all else exceptional, all-inclusive service, without the air of pretension that is so common to luxury hospitality. It is also such a treat to be able to just walk down to nearby restaurants like Foliage and Protégé in the evenings. After indulging in Akademie Street's FEAST of a breakfast, the only other meal you'll need in a day is dinner. Guests can explore Franschhoek and the surrounding winelands by day if they must but personally, I would just lie in the sun by one of the swimming pools in Summer, enjoy the hot-tub or fireplace in my suite in Winter, or spend time going through all the old books in the library, all year round. There are also complimentary sundowners and snacks on offer every evening, as well as nightcaps waiting for you when you return from dinner, not to mention a mini bar in each room filled with complimentary snacks. Feast.
This is Franschhoek's most beautiful and unique boutique hotel.
