Ludus Magnus: Villa Charlotte

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 villas.

Named after the owners’ three children – Charlotte, Stanislas and Vittoria – each of the villas boasts spectacular views of the estate and Shiraz vineyard, as well as three individually styled en-suite bedrooms, a beautiful lounge and dining area, a fully equipped kitchen and two terraces, each with its own private pool (one heated). Villa Charlotte, in particular, has a serene and elegant ambience that soothes the body, mind and soul.

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

Bedrooms + bathrooms

• Three luxury en-suite bedrooms villas
• High-speed complimentary wifi
• Flat-screen TV
• Mini-bar (with complementary soft drinks)
• Plush gowns
• Electronic safe
• Blackout curtains
• Luxury bathroom amenities
• Daily cleaning service

Indoor living

• Stylish lounge
• Dining area with 8-seater table
• Floating fireplace
• Semi-separate TV nook
• Le Creuset-equipped kitchen
• Mobile spa
• Daily airport transfer
• Dishwasher
• Tumble-dryer and washing machine

Outdoor living

• Expansive gardens
• 2 private terraces
• 2 private pools (one heated)
• Olive grove
• Shiraz vineyard
• 50m swimming lanes (dam)
• 400m running track
• Full-sized rugby field
• Mobile gym
• Fruit trees
• Beehives
• Rescue donkeys, tortoises, chickens and horses

Catering

• Restaurant (private chef on request)

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
• Supping
• 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