Pinnacle Moments: Leeu Collection 2023 Highlights
“Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for happiness. It's the spark that lights a fire of joy in your soul.” – Amy Collette
As we reflect on a year filled with growth, innovation, and celebration at Leeu Collection, we are incredibly grateful to showcase some of our finest moments from 2023…
Award-winning Accommodation
In the realm of luxury travel, Condé Nast stands as a trusted authority, curating the crème de la crème of destinations, service providers, and experiences worldwide. We are honoured that two Leeu Collection properties were recognised in the 2023 Condé Nast Readers' Choice Awards, as evaluated by an impressive cohort of over 520 000 discerning travellers.
Le Quartier Français, our romantic boutique hotel nestled in the heart of the Franschhoek village, claimed the title of the 3rd Best Hotel in Southern Africa, while Leeu Estates, our five-star premium country house hotel in the Franschhoek valley, proudly earned the distinction of 5th Best Hotel in Southern Africa.
Across the pond, Linthwaite House - the hilltop hideaway in England’s scenic Lake District, received acclaim as one of the finest hotels in Windermere, with coverage in Good Housekeeping Magazine, The Times, and Living North Magazine.
Culinary Excellence
In 2023, several of the Leeu Collection’s best-in-class partner restaurants achieved prestigious recognition...
The Woolworths Eat Out Restaurant Awards celebrate South Africa’s foremost restaurants, awarding them with 3, 2, or 1 stars. The evaluation criteria embrace every facet of the dining experience, spanning from decor and ambience to service quality, the wine list, and the overall quality of the ingredients.
La Petite Colombe on Leeu Estates received the highest honour of three stars, along with the prestigious Patron Mixology Award, in the 2023 Awards. Additionally, Protégé and Épice at Le Quartier Français received one and two stars, respectively.
Further acclaim was garnered in the JHP Gourmet Guide Awards, which showcase South Africa’s plated restaurants, esteemed chefs, and their exceptional recipes. In this guide, restaurants are awarded one plate for ‘excellent cuisine’, two plates for ‘exceptional dining that demands a detour’, and three plates for ‘world-class destination dining worthy of a flight’. In 2023, Épice was honoured with 2 plates, while La Petite Colombe secured the highest accolade of 3 plates.
World-class Wine
Leeu Passant, the Franschhoek Winery of Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines (an adventure into Cape wine heritage by Leeu Collection Founder Analjit Singh and Mullineux Wines Founders Chris and Andrea Mullineux), marked its 10th year in 2023, and celebrated with significant recognition.
The 2023 Leeu Passant releases garnered up to 98 points from Gerg Sherwood MW, and the Leeu Passant Hillside Cabernet Franc, grown on the east-facing slopes just above Protea House on Leeu Estates, secured the top price at the Cape Winemakers Guild Auction in October. This record-breaking sale stands as a historic milestone, marking the highest price attained in the 39-year history of the auction.
We eagerly anticipate the highlights that 2024 will bring for the Leeu Collection, encompassing our prestigious offerings and, most importantly, our esteemed guests. We invite you to live Leeu with us in the new year and beyond, as we embark on a journey filled with unparalleled experiences and the creation of lasting memories.
