THE LAST WORD
Tedd Walmsley reflects on a memorable trip to South Africa, where a stay in Franschhoek became the highlight of the holiday
Liz and I have recently returned from the holiday of a lifetime to celebrate our two significant birthdays in 2019. Our trip to South Africa fell into four distinct parts but none were more memorable than our time in Franschhoek – this stunning small town, which is recognised to be the wine and gourmet capital. Our home away from home for a three-night stay was The Last Word, situated in the very heart of the town, a small and intimate 10-bedroom boutique hotel which delivered on every level.
From check-in to check-out the service was first class. Described on their website as ‘kind and natural’ this describes the hotel perfectly – the team are discreet and always on hand to offer help and advice on local restaurants and the must-do’s whilst in town.
Our pool suite offered privacy and comfort – the room was incredibly spacious, it was tastefully furnished and incredibly comfortable. Just about everything at The Last Word is complimentary, drinks, snacks and even sweet treats left on the bed at turn-down made our stay very special.
Our days involved taking the famous wine tram to a host of wonderful wineries – long days tasting famous wines alongside complementary canapes and cheeses. After a day of indulgence, we spent the last two hours of sunshine on the roof terrace catching up with home and enjoying the stunning scenery. It’s hard to put into words just how relaxed we felt and the team at The Last Word played no small part in helping us achieve this.
Nothing was too much trouble, our laundry returned within the day, restaurant reservations were confirmed and there was even a packed breakfast for our early morning trip to the airport. The attention to detail throughout our stay was second to none. Being situated in the centre of town means The Last Word is within easy walking distance of the beautiful shops and galleries along the main street, sitting alongside some of those great restaurants and cafes I mentioned earlier. The exchange rate at the moment makes South Africa truly great value for money so if you find yourself looking for a stunning small hotel with impeccable service – The Last Word really is the place to be.
