Luxury Wine Retreats: Exceptional Stays in South Africa, Italy and Spain

A range of distinctive stays in some of the world’s most renowned wine regions — from South Africa to Spain and Italy — joins the Small Luxury Hotels (SLH) portfolio.

SOUTH AFRICA

In South Africa’s famed Franschhoek, Leeu House sits amid pretty courtyard gardens surrounded by calm and tranquillity. Within easy reach of the village’s many charms, this hideaway is the perfect base for oenophiles exploring one of the country’s premier wine destinations.

In between drinking, enjoy laps in the glorious pool framed by mountain panoramas, or recline on a sun lounger and admire the sculptures that dot the grounds.

Also part of the Leeu Collection, Le Quartier Français is a romantic hotel in the heart of Franschhoek village. This Provençal-style auberge is set against a backdrop of granite peaks and vine-covered hills, offering a sense of intimacy and charm.

Garden Suites nestle amid manicured greenery, while Pool Suites come with plunge pools and walled-garden seclusion. French-inspired décor lends an air of elegance, while underfloor heating and wood-burning fireplaces ensure year-round comfort.

There are two restaurants, each with its own beautifully designed setting and flavour-forward menu. Wine tastings abound throughout the valley, but make the Great Heart Wines Boutique your first stop for an intimate experience guided by an enthusiastic host. Afterwards, browse contemporary works at the Everard Read Gallery, or hop aboard the Franschhoek Wine Tram for a leisurely tour through local estates.

ITALY

Located amid the vineyards of Piedmont is Le Marne Relais. This restored country house takes inspiration from regional artists and poets, while the pool opens onto a verdant landscape of vines. The adjoining winery and seasonal restaurant promise a true gastronomic adventure.

Blending rustic Italian charm with contemporary refinement, the hotel’s terracotta walls and sunlit terraces overlook the UNESCO-listed hills of Langhe and Monferrato.

Begin your day with breakfast inspired by the 80 varieties of seasonal fruit grown in the surrounding groves. Spend the morning wandering through nearby villages, where cobbled streets lead to centuries-old churches and inviting enotecas. Return for a swim beneath the soaring windows of the serene indoor pool, or sample wines from the Mura Mura winery, located just metres away.

Each room and suite pays homage to a local artist or poet. Beamed ceilings, natural stone walls and soft earthy tones echo the landscape beyond, while bathrooms are beautifully appointed with luxurious toiletries. Select suites open onto private terraces, ideal for quiet contemplation — or a glass of Barolo at sunset.

SPAIN 

Set among the sun-dappled vineyards of Spain’s Ribera del Duero region, Castilla Termal Monasterio de Valbuena occupies a beautifully preserved 12th-century Cistercian monastery. Romantic cloisters, vaulted ceilings and peaceful courtyards create a timeless backdrop where centuries-old heritage meets contemporary luxury. Beyond its ancient walls, the rolling landscape of vines and historic villages invites exploration and a slower pace of life.

Mornings begin with a leisurely buffet breakfast featuring seasonal fruit, local specialties, and artisan bread from a nearby bakery. Spend your day wandering through the countryside, stopping at family-run bodegas to sample full-bodied Tempranillos, or follow scenic trails along the River Duero. Afterwards, take a soothing dip in the hotel’s thermal pools, fed by mineral-rich waters from the monastery’s own spring.

Many guest rooms and suites retain original architectural features—from arched windows to centuries-old beams—paired with soft textiles and calming earthy tones. Bathrooms are stocked with eco-friendly, fragrant amenities, in keeping with the hotel’s wider commitment to sustainability. From water conservation and refillable dispensers to certified natural cosmetics, every detail reflects a mindful approach. Some rooms overlook the vineyards, while others open onto peaceful cloisters or quiet gardens.

For more information or to book, visit www.SLH.com.