Leeu Estates, the South African five-star boutique property situated in Franschhoek, is one of a selected few hotels in the world, and the only South African property, to appear on Condé Nast Traveler’s HOT LIST for 2017 in the category for Africa and the Middle East. This comes shortly after Leeu Estates was named as one of the best new hotels on Travel + Leisure’s It List 2017, one of only 44 properties around the globe.
The Condé Nast Traveler HOT LIST celebrates the best properties that have opened their doors during the past year. For this 21st edition of the HOT LIST, editors and reporters crisscrossed various continents and countries to review hundreds of new properties first hand. From this the outstanding winners are chosen, hotels that represent the vanguard of the hotel world.
Leeu Estates opened its doors last year in June. Located between the mountainside and river with spectacular views of the Franschhoek valley, this exceptional property on 68 hectares of vineyards, landscaped gardens and fynbos (indigenous vegetation) is the ideal setting for unrivalled escapes where guests can see and enjoy the true experiences of a working wine farm.
It all started as a personal journey for Leeu Collection’s founder Analjit Singh (aka BAS), an international investor of Indian origin. Captivated by the Western Cape’s exceptional beauty and vibrant energy during a trip to South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he decided to buy a family home in the Franschhoek valley. The idea of a family home, however, soon transformed into what it is today – three historic farms joined to create a world-class hospitality and winemaking destination.
“I am extremely grateful for all the people who never stop discovering new places, says Carrie Wicks, Leeu Collection CEO. “Being mentioned among some of the world’s best new hotels with the highest standards, is a confirmation of Leeu Collection’s philosophy, the effervescent talent of our team and the memorable journey we want every guest to experience and revisit.”
