La Rochelle Country House & Spa is located in Eastern Zimbabwe, in Penhalonga district, not far from the city of Mutare. La Rochelle was originally owned by Sir Stephen and Lady Virginia Courtauld, who were both fanatical about gardening. Lady Virginia was also an artist in her own right and was well know in the Art Deco movement in the 1950s and 1960s. The Courtauld’s were well known for their lavish and warm hospitality, one of the most popular features at La Rochelle is the piece of glass they had guests sign when they came to stay, showing many famous people who enjoyed their hospitality in the past.
La Rochelle is now one of the most celebrated botanical gardens in Zimbabwe, with a nursery and orchid house on site for those wishing to view or even buy some of the unique plants that have been gathered from around the world over the years. The staff have planted and kept up a herb and vegetable garden, with guided tours available for those interested.
More activities on offer are picnics arranged through reception, where baskets are ordered for either a romantic or family picnic and guests can choose one of the many picnic sites available around the estate grounds in which to enjoy their picnic. The newly completed Spa offers a number of beauty treatments and is adjacent to the gorgeous swimming pool. Bird watching is a popular activity as La Rochelle is home to a number of “specials” which are rarely spotted anywhere else in the region, these include the Mountain wagtail, Livingstone’s Turaco, Stripe-cheeked Greenbul and the Speckled Mousebird to name a few. Those guests with more energy should definitely try out the trails around the estate, whether for walking, running or cycling.
La Rochelle has a variety of accommodation options on offer, from the Main Hotel, which is booked on a Bed and Breakfast basis, to the honeymoon suite, as well as cottages and self-catering houses.
Main La Rochelle Country House & Spa
This comprises of:
MAIN HOTEL
The Main Hotel facilities include:
| Resident’s ONLY Day Lounge | Swimming Pool |
| Conference Venue & Functions Room | The Snuggery Bar |
| Main Lounge | Spa |
| Nursery | Gift Shop |
There are 7 rooms (known as the Courtauld Rooms) which comprise of:
- 6 X Double en-suite rooms (room #3 can be converted in to a twin room)
- 1 x twin
- Each room has:
- King/Queen-size beds (except for the twin room);
- En-suite bathroom with either a shower or bath, basin & toilet;
- Complimentary toiletries;
- Tea and Coffee Facilities (upon request);
- Turn-down service;
- Room safe.
The Fantasy Honeymoon Suite
An interesting bit of history about the Fantasy Honeymoon Suite is that this used to be Virginia’s personal art studio! The suite is a beautiful large bedroom, with comfortable seating area, including day bed. It has its own dressing room and en-suite bathroom with a basin, toilet, shower, as well as a jacuzzi bath. There is also a private seating area at the back of the suite.
Peacock Cottage
A lovely little thatched rondavel with a beautiful Peacock Motif as the main décor feature. There is an en-suite bathroom with bath, shower, toilet and basin and a walk-in cupboard. There is a small seating area at the front of the cottage overlooking the garden.
Virginia’s Cottage
Virginia’s cottage is a self-catering cottage that has 2 bedrooms, 1 x double and 1 x twin. There is a fully equipped kitchenette, and combination lounge dining room. For those wanting to enjoy the outdoors there is also garden furniture set up on the front lawn for guests’ enjoyment.
West Wing
West Wing is a larger self-catering lodge that has 5 bedrooms, 2 x double and 3 x twins. All the bedrooms are en-suite, with an additional bathroom for visitors. The lodge has a fully equipped kitchenette, as well as a large lounge with a fireplace. There is an adjacent dining room, able to seat 10 people. West Wing also has free Wi-Fi and safes in the bedrooms. The lodge has a great view of the Imbeza Valley and the main hotel.
The Lodge
Just recently completed, “The Lodge” used to be the Manager’s house, and is situated on the slope behind the cottages and West Wing – with a stunning view of the rest of the estate. The large two storey self-catering lodge also has 5 bedrooms, 4 x double and 1 x twin. There is only 1 en-suite bathroom, with an additional 2 wet-room style bathrooms for guests to share – making this the ideal lodge for family groups. It comes with a fully equipped kitchenette, as well as an open-plan lounge and small dining area. The lodge has a fireplace, free Wi-Fi, Flat screen TV (with DSTV) and safes in the bedrooms. The private garden boasts a picnic table, where many an hour is spent taking in the bird-life and beautiful surrounding gardens.
ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE AT LA ROCHELLE
- High Tea in the gardens
- Spa Treatments
- Orchid House
- Picnics
- Croquet
- Fishing
- Snooker & Darts
- Birdwatching
- Walking, running & cycling trails
- Volleyball
- Garden & Herb Tours
- Tree Guide
A visit to La Rochelle is a must for anyone visiting Eastern Zimbabwe, there is most definitely something for everyone to do, with delicious meals and fantastic staff service you won’t regret a stay here. As La Rochelle say, their Estate is like “a magical cross between a fairy tale castle and French château, surrounded by manicured gardens on the edge of verdant forest-cloaked mountains.” So plan and book your stay soon!
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Package Deals
For package deals that include accommodation, as well as other lodges, activities and annual event participation in and around Kariba.
