Ludus Magnus: Villa Vittoria

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 Vittoria, in particular, is glamorously styled with an air of drama and opulence.

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