Smack in the middle of Franschhoek just one block downhill from Huguenot Road (the main drag through town), this impressive boutique-hotel has parlayed the reputation of its award-winning restaurants into an expanding operation that has become the bed-and-breakfast yin to the Grand Roche's more formal yang. The guest book is a litany of "We'll be back" comments from around the world, and the recently expanded facilities will surely result in a whole new crop of wine-country converts. This is a small Relais and Chateau luxury hotel that has grown organically over the years, from the original house to 15 rooms and six suites. The innovative Tasting Room is repeatedly hailed as one of the Top 50 Restaurants in the World, and its more modest and affordable counterpart iCi is also superb.
Guests who blink at the wrong time may miss the turnoff in the village, and then could easily miss the gated entrance that leads to the parking lot. It's all part of the village oasis vibe, however, with the modest acreage standing in contrast to the working wine and fruit farm feel of Grand Roche.
Once inside, guests walk along paths
lined with fragrant flowers, an active herb plot and swaying trees. The reception area and lounge is a spacious building that also houses extensive DVD and book collections, as well as two computers with Internet access for guests' complimentary use.
The small but deep pool anchors the grounds, surrounded by a profusion of plants and plenty of lounging space. Another pool is exclusively for the Four Quarters guests.
The Tasting Room restaurant became an institution soon after opening, with its focus on exquisitely prepared small plates from seasonal offerings and perfect wine pairings. Its biggest challenge now is living up to its long list of international awards. Guests are advised to book meals when reserving rooms, as this restaurant is frequently fully booked for the popular tasting menus of four-, six- or eight-course dinners with wine pairings. Each dish is a visual work of art, and staff education programs ensure that attentive and knowledgeable service is at the same level as the cuisine. A simpler bistro restaurant and bar called iCi adjoins for breakfast, lunch and shorter dinners, either indoors or in 
the gardens next to a stone fountain. Lunch at the affiliated Bread & Wine Restaurant on the nearby Moreson winery is a popular option.
The Screening Room, an on-site cinema for 30 people, is surprisingly plush, with its sumptuous leather theater chairs for movies on a nightly schedule, or for corporate events. Also on-site, the Touches & Taste Gift Shop was nominated as the best shop in any hotel anywhere by Tatler Magazine in 2005. Farther afield, the staff will happily go over the options on a long list of outside activities, including winery visits, cycling, hiking, golf, horseback riding and even paragliding.
Guest quarters are a refreshing break from the norm, with decor that shows the enthusiasm and passion of the owners rather than looking like plans that were e-mailed from London or Amsterdam. Rooms vary in size, configuration and decor, but all achieve both style and comfort. The large quarters contain sitting areas, satellite TVs with DVD players, wardrobes with good hangers, wood fireplaces, and king beds with quality linens and duvets. The tiled baths have deep tubs, separate shower stalls, robes and 
a wide array of quality toiletries. Two suites are good for families, with a parents' bedroom downstairs and whimsically decorated kids' room upstairs.
The new Four Quarters addition is aimed at extended families (age 14 and older) and groups of couples prepared to spring lots of dollars for a special occasion. As its name implies, this is a collection of two bi-level suites surrounding a large private pool and dining lounge, with a personal butler attending to guests, and facilities such as iPod docks, Wi-Fi, a fully stocked complimentary bar, and complimentary snacks and light meals. All suites are as well-furnished as an upscale one-bedroom apartment and, at nearly 1,000 sq ft, are about the same size. These are sold as all-inclusive and come with local transfers and cocktails, but not meals in the Tasting Room.
This property has a more casual feel than the Mont Rochelle or Lanzarac, but offers a similar standard of service and facilities, and the cuisine is pretty much unbeatable.
