Akademie Street Boutique Hotel in Franschhoek is named for the fact that it is located on the same road as the town’s high school. This is perhaps rather poignant, as the hotel has proven time and time again that it is one of the best teachers of exactly what a luxury home-away-from-home getaway should be.

Award Winning Akademie Street Boutique Hotel

The boutique hotel’s outdoor wall bears just some of its many accolades like proud badges of honour. And they are well earned.

The hotel has been awarded World’s Best Boutique Hotel, Top Small Hotel in the World, Top 25 Hotels in the World for Romance and Africa’s Most Romantic Hotel (to name just a few), by seasoned travellers and industry heavyweights. It’s really easy to see why.

Eclectically Emerald

Upon our arrival at Akademie Street Boutique Hotel, we were welcomed by Declan, our host, who’s lilting Irish accent immediately made us feel welcome.

As we stepped through the doors, we were immediately captivated by the striking colour; the walls are painted a deep shade green, with gilded gold accents, framed artwork and curated décor pieces – what I imagine the inside of the Emerald City would have looked like.

It’s a bit mysterious, a bit eclectic and somehow all works together.

Room for Joy

The hotel is divided into 9 rooms; each room is named in Afrikaans for an emotion or feeling expressed by the original owner during his time running the hotel. And, although the hotel has passed on ownership, the original names remain.

The layout of the hotel almost gives it a contained micro-village feel, and our room, Vreugde (joy), is the ‘honeymoon villa’ and is the last word in luxury and comfort.

Enclosed within its own walled courtyard, complete with private pool and wood-fire heated spa pool. It allows for the utmost privacy.

Inside the room, the eclectic and charming decor of the hotel continues – a four-poster king-size bed with crisp white linen and accents of green. The room included a kitchenette with a stocked complimentary bar fridge and a gorgeous bathroom, complete with a to-die-for gold bath that King Midas would have approved of.

It’s All in the Details

Directly opposite Vreugde is Akademie’s crowning jewel, The Orangerie – an incredibly beautiful glass conservatory that is home to overflowing greenery, warmed by the sun and just begging to be relaxed in.

In the late afternoon, sundowners are offered in The Orangerie and cocktails (and mocktails), made especially for Akademie are served, as well as wine and MCC.

We took the opportunity to enjoy the gorgeous surroundings and kick back with a game of Scrabble and a gin cocktail.

The Akademie team are on hand to refill snacks, pour drinks and assist. It really is a lovely way to unwind before perhaps walking into the village for dinner.

When you are back from dinner, return to The Orangerie or the lounge or courtyard in the main building for a nightcap – you can enjoy a whiskey or cognac before you retire to your room for a night of blissful sleep.

Don’t mind if I dip

Thanks to Declan’s advice, we had been tending to the fire that heats the plunge pool all day, so the water was just the right temperature for a late evening dip – completed with a glass of red wine and some local chocolate. Just one of the many offerings that has earned Akademie its place as one of the most romantic hotels you can visit.

Breakfast in The Orangerie

In the morning, the sun filters in through the glass walls of The Orangerie making it quite the most blissful place to enjoy Akademie’s legendary breakfast.

Courses are served to you at your table and include the most delicious homemade muesli, yoghurt and stewed fruits. Following that, is a gorgeous seasonal fruit platter and then still cooked options, which include everything from a South African fry-up complete with boerewors to pancakes, waffles, smoothies and more.

You can enjoy a glass of MCC, a freshly squeezed juice, smoothie or even a Bloody Mary. If you can think if it, Akademie offers it and everything has been locally sourced.

You’ll never want to leave

The team and surroundings of Akademie are so utterly blissful and welcoming that you are going to have to have a stern talking to yourself to get out the door to explore all that is on offer in Franschhoek.

Our suggestion is to plan a few days in the area so that you have some time for exploring, as well as some days where you can just relax at Akademie. Use the opportunity to connect with your partner, perhaps celebrate a special occasion, and enjoy unrivalled privacy.

The Akademie team genuinely want to ensure that you have the most blissful experience and they are well versed at making that happen.

Current Specials at Akademie Street Boutique Hotel

Winter Warmer Special

During the months of May, June, July and August 2019, guests will be able to enjoy Akademie Street’s Winter Warmer 2-for-1 Special which includes two nights for the price of one

Romantic Weekend Special

Experience true luxury for less this South African winter – during the months of May, June, July and August 2019, guests will be able to enjoy Akademie Street’s Romantic Weekend Special with 50% discount on Friday night, based on a two-night stay (Friday and Saturday night).

Cooking School 

The World’s Best Boutique Hotel, Akademie Street in the heart of Franschhoek offers an exclusive culinary package for guests during the months of May, June, July and August 2019 combining its legendary cookery school, with a 25% discount on Saturday night accommodation. Akademie Street has also partnered with German-born Chef Nadin Demmler to provide a hands-on and unique culinary masterclass, where guests will be able to expand their overall repertoire from bread and starters, through to mains and dessert.

T&Cs apply.

To enquire, please email  or contact 082 517 0405.

aka.co.za | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram