Leeu Estates, a 17-room country house retreat and boutique winery in Cape Winelands’ Franschhoek Valley, has opened, joining the Leeu Collection portfolio in South Africa.

The hotel, and the entire Leeu Collection, is owned by Analjit Singh, father of Veer Singh, who owns the Vana destination spa in India. Analjit Singh is also a partner in Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines, which produces its wine on the estate.

The new Leeu Estates features a spa and wellness centre for the Leeu Collection, which also includes Leeu House, an exclusive 12-room hotel in the heart of Franschhoek village that opened in December; and Le Quartier Français, a romantic 21-room hotel also located in the village. Leeu Collection also runs the Linthwaite House in England’s Lake District.

Surrounded by vineyards, the Leeu Spa is designed as a tranquil wellness sanctuary with three treatment rooms, including one double suite. It boasts meditative panoramic views of the Franschhoek Valley and offers holistic treatments inspired by centuries-old Asian traditions.

Designed by Spanish architect Tomeu Esteva of Esteva i Esteva Arquitectura, the spa is designed to be the physical and emotional heart of Leeu Estates, and its location, shape and building materials are intended to create a direct link with the natural setting.

Facilities comprise his-and-hers steamrooms, an outdoor plunge pool overlooking a lily pond, and a 15m heated infinity pool with views of the valley and mountains, plus a hair salon and nail bar. It is equipped with linens from The Madison Collection, and is the first spa in South Africa to use ila skincare products.

Signature treatments include The Summer Tree of Life Journey and the Warming Winter Vine, Earth & Stone journey, both of which incorporate local products from South Africa, such as a rooibos salt scrub, along with items from the estate’s grounds, such as a black mud pack infused with rosemary and lemon thyme from the hotel gardens.

Leeu Estates also includes a gym with views of the mountains, as well as a second fitness space made of stone, which extends from the resort into the vineyards and is used for personal training and yoga.

The estate also includes extensive walking, jogging and cycling trails.