Kigali, Rwanda – 11 October 2017: Leeu Estates, the Leeu Collection (www.leeucollection.com) flagship property, has been named South Africa’s Leading Wine Country Hotel 2017 at the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda, beating off strong competition. The World Travel Awards are voted for by travel and tourism professionals, as well as business and leisure travellers worldwide.
Leeu Estates, as seen from its vineyards
It is another major success for Leeu Estates, coming hot on the heels of its appearance as the only South African hotel to appear on Condé Nast Traveler‘s HOT LIST 2017 and its inclusion on Travel + Leisure’s It List 2017, one of just 44 properties in the world that made it onto the exclusive list.
Leeu Estates, which only opened in June 2016, is a luxury boutique property situated on the outskirts of Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands. Located between the mountainside and river with spectacular views of the Franschhoek valley, this exceptional property sits on just under 100 hectares of vineyards, landscaped gardens and fynbos (indigenous vegetation) providing the ideal setting for unrivalled escapes where guests can see and enjoy the true experiences of a working wine farm.
Set amid the vineyards is The Wine Studio, a truly immersive wine experience run by the Mullineux & Leeu team, whose knowledgeable tasting room staff guide guests through the finer nuances of their handcrafted wines.
Leeu Estates is testimony to the pillars of the Leeu Collection brand: superlative service with attention to the smallest detail; an award-winning wine portfolio, distinctive architecture and sophisticated design; inspiring art collections and manicured and detailed landscaping that reflects respect for the environment.
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.
Leeu Collection (in Sanskrit singh means lion, which is leeu in Afrikaans) comprises three five-star boutique properties in South Africa (Leeu Estates, a 17-room country house retreat and boutique winery in the Franschhoek valley; Leeu House, a 12-room hotel in the heart of Franschhoek village; and Le Quartier Français, a romantic 21-room hotel and three-bedroom villa also located in the village) and Linthwaite House, a country retreat overlooking Lake Windermere in England’s scenic Lake District (this boutique hotel, situated on 5.6 hectares of landscaped gardens, is now closed for renovation and will re-open in March 2018).
Extending beyond the offering of luxury accommodation, Analjit Singh (or BAS as he is affectionately known) is a partner in Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, which produces award-winning wines in the Swartland wine region some 80km north of Cape Town.
Read more about the Leeu Collection (www.leeucollection.com) on their website.
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