The document summarizes the author's experience staying at the Angala Boutique Hotel and Guest House in South Africa. Upon arrival, the author and his partner Bruce felt the property was sublimely relaxing. They enjoyed their luxury suite, the eco-pool, and a delicious cold platter for dinner. The next day, they visited nearby wineries and restaurants, enjoying wine tastings, pizza, and craft beer. The author recommends Angala for its understated luxury and service.

1. 10
SundayTravel
SUNDAY TRIBUNE
JANUARY 4 2015
ADRIAN RORVICK
M
Y OWN snoring – or was
it Bruce’s? – woke me up.
I was on my back on the
wooden deck of the
naturally filtered eco-pool, while
Bruce was ensconced on a well-
cushioned lounger at Angala
Boutique Hotel and Guest House.
You’ll find it off the R45,
between the N1 from Cape Town
and Franschhoek.
Angala is a sublimely relaxing
place, infused with a certain
something. From the moment we
arrived we could feel it.
We received a warm welcome
from manageress Ann Morley and
the weather – 30ºC yet there was
snow on top the Klein Drakenstein
mountains. Past the giant wooden
heart, through the stylish main
building and to our luxury suite
we went. Although we had
intended scooting off we got
comfy out front, looking over the
dam and Vrede en Lust’s vines
toward the mountains. Bruce
availed himself of the first of
many pods from the extensive
Nespresso range. I helped myself
to something icy from the
complimentary mini bar and we
strolled and lolled about as
evening set in, when our thoughts
turned to dinner.
Ann advised us beforehand that
the restaurant was closed that
night, so we had stopped for some
gap-fillers but the cold platter we
received was huge and delicious.
A quiet night in got us
acquainted with our charming
suite. All the mod cons (with wi-fi)
were in the elegantly revamped old
building. A modern fireplace, couch
and coffee table, table and chairs
and superbly comfy beds were in
one half. The other half – the
ablutions – stole the show.
Beautifully tiled and glassed with
heated floors and towel rails, the
airy wetroom had an indoor shower
and free-standing tub that led to a
huge outdoor shower area with a
tree growing through the deck.
We had a lovely breakfast and
headed out with maps and
recommendations. Complimentary
wine tasting at Vrede en Lust is
included for Angala guests. I was
after sampling in their stylish
setting. The Jess dry rosé, the 2012
Viognier and 2012 Barrique got my
vote.
The Lust Bistro & Bakery is a
great place for an artisanal lunch.
So is The Spice Route, next door to
Fairview Estate. High up on a
hillside we enjoyed CBC craft beer
and a great atmosphere with fine
pizza at La Grapperia.
Babylonstoren is a must visit
for their wines, great shop,
restaurant and the wonderful
gardens. Franschhoek valley has
so many wine estates with added
attractions and, if you have an
interest in classic tar burners, then
the Franschhoek Motor Museum
at L’Ormarins is the place.
We headed up the hills behind
Angala instead, amid the forests
and wild flowers in the lee of the
Simonsberg mountains. Bruce
returned to Cape Town, leaving
me to dine in the company of a
slightly lost American. We enjoyed
a fabulous set menu, including the
best ostrich I’ve had, and fantastic
flourless brownies with home-
made chocolate ice cream.
I learned of the great lengths
Ann and Rob quietly went to in
arranging an itinerary for the
American. That’s how they roll.
It’s understated, no fuss, no
problem at Angala.
Bruce put it best when he said
just one night had been a holiday.
● Call 021 874 1366 or visit
www.angala.co.za
First Car Rental is proud to be
the car hire company to drive
the Sunday Tribune’s Adrian
Rorvik to the Western Cape
experiencing the best in
luxury lifestyle. Adrian
visited Angala Boutique
Hotel, one of the top boutique
hotels in the Cape. Whether
you’re drawn to the natural
surroundings, or just need to
get away from it all, you’ll
experience luxury and bliss
right here, among the angels.
Imagine that. Experience the
Cape with First Car Rental:
www.firstcarrental.co.za
We are giving one couple a four-
night bed and breakfast sojourn
in a luxury suite, including one
three-course dinner with a bottle
of wine, plus a full body massage
in their suite, worth R20 000.
First Car Rental will sponsor a
Group C vehicle (R2 600);
Weparkyoufly
(www.weparkyoufly.co.za) will
collect and return the winner's
cleaned vehicle at King Shaka
Airport (R443.23). Flights not
included.
Enter with SMAngala as the
subject. Provide your name,
subscriber number or delivery
address and telephone number.
Tell us what pool it has.
Competition closes January 13.
We extended the competition
for five couples to each win a
one-night stay at Villa Brae, plus
a case of Earthbound Wines,
Open Strings show tickets and
dinner and breakfast – worth
R2 005, until January 6. Enter
with SMVilla as the subject.
Provide your name,
subscriber number or delivery
address and telephone number
and tell us how many rooms
have balconies. Visit
www.villabrae.co.za
The competition SMS number is
33963 (SMSes charged at R1.50).
Our competition e-mail address,
and to check your subscriber
details, is sm.leisure@inl.co.za.
By entering our competitions
you give us the right to contact
you for marketing. Prizes are
not transferable. T&Cs apply.
For enquiries, call 031 308 2584
during office hours. For
subscriber enquiries, and to
save 30 percent on the price, call
0800 204 711.
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Looking from below the suites towards the Simonsberg Mountains.
Angala is infused with a certain je ne sais quoi – as well as luxury surroundings and plenty of sights to visit.