We venture to Franschhoek for the wine, of course. World-renowned vintages that leave lasting impressions on our palates, and indeed the experiences that transpire from those moments. We gather as groups of friends for the fun, the food, and the breathtakingly beautiful landscape. For the village antics, the vineyard walks, and the simple things that occur around the luxurious grounds of the villa.
Pink Door is the perfect place to let all of the wonders of the wine country unravel for you, in abundance. It’s a place where you’ll gather around long tables, and linen-draped loungers, sharing stories. Some true, some slightly embellished. You know those kinds of tales. Fuelled by the finest vintages and the sort of food that makes you question your life choices back home.
It’s a place that welcomes both the collective and the solitary, with equal grace. Some will be summoning the MCC poolside. Others will be doing the laps. Some will be snoozing in their suites. Others will be sipping something different fireside. This hideaway is a haven of indulgence and calm, where you’ll find both connection and seclusion, in its generous spaces.
You and your winelands clan are at liberty to reside at this opulent villa, having all of your needs tended to by the team. A chef, a butler and a bevy of discreet housekeepers. All offering those signature five-star comforts that come with the Oyster Collection. Pink Door being their flagship. You can opt for all of your extraordinary meals to be catered for. Or a breakfast only, or a lunch on one day and a dinner on the other.
Your butler will ensure the other meals are booked on your behalf. Recommendations made and routes suggested. This is Franschhoek and there is a world out there, awaiting your discovery. The estates, the nature routes, the restaurants, the galleries and the boutiques. You can pivot from Pink Door with ease, given its proximity to everything. It’s in the heart of the town and on the pulse of what’s happening, in accordance with your own individual appetites. The team of extraordinary staff will ensure your trip is tailored to make this one of the getaway greats.
Friendship, freedom and fine wine
Yet, just as vital are the moments of fun and frolics, so are the ones when you can also peel away from the pack, and savour some of those resplendent hours of solitude. Long baths beneath the chandelier, lathering yourself in the natural Africology products. Spa moments in your own suite. Lounging beside the pool, looking up to the mountains, and back down into the book. Wandering around the chef’s vegetable and herb garden, sampling the odd fragrant ingredient that will be added to your dishes later.
Watching the koi glide through their pond, as their patterns and colours shape the canvas of water. Take a shower outside, as you admire the landscaped garden. Or another dip in the jacuzzi. Wafts of delicious dishes permeate the air, coming from the pizza oven, the AGA or the built-in barbecue. Your next feasting is almost underway.
You’ll find that there’s not enough time to enjoy it all – to savour each little nook or make the most of this sublime spot – in the time that you’ve given yourselves for a little winelands adventure. So you’ll extend your stay, by a day or three. Just so that, that image you had of Franschhoek is not only preserved, by embossed onto your holiday sleeves, in gold. And pink.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie