Leeu Estates, the flagship property of Leeu Collection is the only hotel in the Cape Winelands with the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA)’s new 5-Star Premium status.

This 5-Star Premium status is reserved for the most luxurious properties in South Africa. The rating is conferred by the TGCSA, a business unit of South African Tourism. It is designed to recognise establishments that achieve an outstanding level of product quality above and beyond other 5-star properties. The 5-Star Premium status was introduced following the completion of a wide-ranging comparative study as part of the TGCSA’s grading system review (and in line with several other global quality assurance bodies).

The new grade highlights properties that epitomise the essence of luxury regarding guest amenities and world-class standards of service. To ensure that this extremely high standard is maintained, the TGCSA 5-Star Premium grading status is valid for a year, after which the hotels are subject to another review to decide whether they retain the highest grade.

To date, just five establishments in South Africa have been awarded this 5-Star Premium status, with Leeu Estates being the only property in the Cape Winelands to be honoured. The other four properties are The Royal Malewane Lodge and Lion Sands Ivory lodge (both in Mpumalanga), The Silo in Cape Town and Birkenhead House in Hermanus.

TGCSA Chief Quality Assurance Office Darryl Erasmus said: “I would like to congratulate the owners, management and staff at Leeu Estates on this fantastic achievement. The 5-Star Premium awards are reserved for those properties in South Africa that far exceed the minimum core requirement and quality standards of 5-Star grading and exhibit best in class service excellence. They are comparable with leading global offerings in the ultra-luxury market with respect to product quality and facilities provided.”

Analjit Singh, the founder of the Leeu Collection, responded by saying: “I am delighted at the news that Leeu Estates is one of just six properties in South Africa to be awarded 5-Star Premium status and applaud the Tourism Grading Council’s introduction of this additional grade that helps discerning global travellers locate their ideal destinations. I extend my heartiest congratulations to my dedicated team at Leeu Estates who have made this possible through their hard work, enthusiasm and true hospitality.”

Leeu Estates – Where and how?

Leeu Collection offers guests a wide and diverse choice of unforgettable experiences in the sublimely beautiful Franschhoek valley, just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town. The portfolio comprises three unique properties: Leeu Estates, the mountainside country house hotel and boutique winery that has been awarded the 5-Star Premium grading, as well as Leeu House, an exclusive boutique hotel in the heart of Franschhoek, and Le Quartier Français, a romantic hotel with two independent villas.

For further information, please telephone +27 21 492 2222 or email reservations@leeucollection.com or visit www.leeucollection.com