Ludus Magnus: Manor House Room

We should have known we were entering an Olympian wonderland before we even arrived at Ludus Magnus. Named after an Ancient Roman gladiator training school, this five-star, 100% off-the-grid guesthouse is beautifully positioned between Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl. It’s home to an eye-watering array of cutting-edge amenities and activities, all of which revealed themselves in the most charming of ways during a recent stay here.

The farm is owned by a French-Italian husband-and-wife team, who bought the land a few years ago when they moved to Franschhoek from Europe. Well-versed in luxury and hospitality, they’ve been developing it – from scratch – ever since, constructing an idyllic Manor House as well as three luxury two-bedroom villas.

The Olympian theme continues with a 400m running track, a state-of-the-art sports field and a dam with 50m-long training lanes! Why, you may ask? Well, one of the owners was a professional athlete in his former life, and wanted to offer guests world-class training facilities while they’re on holiday. There’s even an altitude chamber in the pipeline.

THE LODGINGS

Situated in the heart of the estate, the Manor House is surrounded by spectacular views of the valley and mountains. There are eight tidy and tastefully appointed ensuite rooms, each individually decorated and named after a street in Ancient Rome. There is also a luxurious lounge, a 25m pool that’s lined with palm trees and a jacuzzi for maximum relaxation.

Bedrooms + bathrooms

• Eight ensuite rooms (Aurelia, Cassia, Appia, Casalina, Emilia, Flaminia, Postumia and Salaria)
• High-speed complimentary WiFi
• Flat-screen TV
• Nespresso machine
• Mini-bar (with complimentary soft drinks)
• Luxury bathroom amenities
• Daily cleaning service

Indoor living

• Luxurious lounge and dining area
• Mobile spa
• Le Creuset-equipped kitchen

Outdoor living

• Expansive garden
• Olive grove
• Shiraz vineyard
• 50m swimming lanes (dam)
• 25m swimming pool
• 400m running track
• Full-sized rugby field
• Mobile gym
• Fruit trees
• Beehives
• Rescue donkeys, tortoises, chickens and horses

Catering

• Breakfast served daily
• Restaurant (private chef on request)
• Professional butler

Good to know

Daily airport transfer is available to and from Ludus Magnus.

THINGS TO DO

On the property

• Private gatherings at the hideaway boma, mini-island and river deck
• Canoeing/kayaking
• Walking
• Horse-riding
• Mountain-biking
• Spa treatments
• SUPing
• Trail-running
• Ziplining
• Rugby and soccer
• Visit the beehives and rescue animals

In the area

• The historical town of Franschhoek, with restaurants, shops and galleries
• Wine tastings or pairings, picnics and dining at various wine estates
• The Franschhoek Wine Tram
• Various golf courses
• Hiking and biking trails