The couple bravely opened a restaurant with no specific hospitality knowledge which went on to be awarded a much coveted Michelin Star within a year. It all makes for an eclectic, somewhat non-conventional but successful path.

It's specifically the triathlete background that inspired the incredible and rather unusual sporting facilities found at Ludus Magnus. The idea being to offer training opportunities at a property in an intimate setting. Unlike the big soulless properties where the French owner found himself staying over the years during his own travels.

You'll find a full-size rugby and soccer field bordered by a 400m running track, Olympic training pool immersed in the free-flowing freshwater dam, bike pump track and portable gym. It almost goes without saying that Ludus Magnus has already attracted both local and international sporting elite in a short space of time.

Knowing about the sporty side of the story draws the link to understanding the choice behind the unusual property name. Ludus Magnus was one of ancient Rome's most prestigious and greatest gladiator training arenas.

A sprinkling of seemingly secret spaces located around the estate further adds to the element of wonder and surprise. Between the hideaway boma, a mini private island located down by the dam or a private river deck overlooking the Berg River, there are plenty of exclusive spots to soak up rays on sun loungers, laze over a picnic, enjoy a sunset barbeque, or host a small intimate event.

With so much to do and explore, it's easy enough to park the car on arrival and not drive again until check-out. Choose kayaking, river tubing, horse riding or ride some laps on the bike track. On the other hand, if it's much-needed peace and relaxation on the wishlist, dip your toes in the magnificent pool at the Manor House, wander the estate or pick a spa treatment to enjoy in the salon or at a secluded outdoor spot under the blue sky.

Guests experience truly warm and personalised hospitality in an environment limited to 8 Manor house rooms and 3 three-bedroomed villas, accommodating a maximum of 34 guests. The set-up lends itself beautifully for those seeking an exclusive use stay be it for a leisurely getaway or a fairy tale destination wedding. With multigenerational family travel on the rise, Ludus Magnus makes a natural choice too.

The "nothing cookie-cutter" approach is certainly evident throughout the décor of the individually styled rooms. Continuing with the theme of ancient Rome, the room names are inspired by roads from that period. Downstairs rooms flow out into the sprawling lush garden and offer direct pool access. Upstairs rooms offer sensational mountain and sunset views. It's conveniently possible to create cosy family corners with 2 rooms.

A delicious breakfast is served to all guests in the Manor House. Sweeping estate and valley views make for a picture-perfect start to the day. A private chef and butler service is available on request.

The 3 luxury villas are named after the owners' children: Charlotte, Vittoria and Stanislas. Each villa is unique in style and personality quite fittingly like the children themselves!

Meticulously and innovatively fitted, the villas make for a sublimely comfortable and luxurious self-catering escape. They offer three ensuite rooms, a kitchen, lounge, TV area, dining room, guest bathroom and two terraces each with its own sparkling blue private pool.

It's not an uncommon sight to find the resident springboks nibbling the green lawn in the front gardens of the villas which overlook the Shiraz vineyard and mountains.

There's indeed more fur and feathered family to be discovered down at the little rescue sanctuary. Lighting up, especially children's faces are Whitey and Brownie, the placid (and hungry) donkeys. They're joined by mom and daughter pair, Anna and Arduinna and a whole lot of chickens fluttering about. The chickens lay some eggs when they well, feel like laying eggs.

Perhaps the most significant aspect, and at the true heart of everything, is a deeply rooted passion for sustainability. Ludus Magnus wholly embodies walking the talk with a vision of looking after the today and the tomorrow of responsible travel.

More than €500 000 has been invested in state-of-the-art initiatives demonstrating luxury and sustainability aren't mutually exclusive. The property is 100% off-the-grid and generates all its own power and water.

Food sources include the planting of over 700 citrus trees, 200 mixed fruit trees and a hectare of olive trees to produce oil from. These are maintained with drip-fed irrigation and pollinated by bees living in the hives dotted around the estate. Tasting their honey at breakfast is a must!

The detail extends further with much of the furniture being custom designed and made locally with wood from sustainable forests.

When all is said and done, Ludus Magnus has absolutely created an exciting and supremely extraordinary gem to be discovered in the magnificent Cape Winelands.

The couple bravely opened a restaurant with no specific hospitality knowledge which went on to be awarded a much coveted Michelin Star within a year. It all makes for an eclectic, somewhat non-conventional but successful path.

It's specifically the triathlete background that inspired the incredible and rather unusual sporting facilities found at Ludus Magnus. The idea being to offer training opportunities at a property in an intimate setting. Unlike the big soulless properties where the French owner found himself staying over the years during his own travels.

You'll find a full-size rugby and soccer field bordered by a 400m running track, Olympic training pool immersed in the free-flowing freshwater dam, bike pump track and portable gym. It almost goes without saying that Ludus Magnus has already attracted both local and international sporting elite in a short space of time.

Knowing about the sporty side of the story draws the link to understanding the choice behind the unusual property name. Ludus Magnus was one of ancient Rome's most prestigious and greatest gladiator training arenas.

A sprinkling of seemingly secret spaces located around the estate further adds to the element of wonder and surprise. Between the hideaway boma, a mini private island located down by the dam or a private river deck overlooking the Berg River, there are plenty of exclusive spots to soak up rays on sun loungers, laze over a picnic, enjoy a sunset barbeque, or host a small intimate event.

With so much to do and explore, it's easy enough to park the car on arrival and not drive again until check-out. Choose kayaking, river tubing, horse riding or ride some laps on the bike track. On the other hand, if it's much-needed peace and relaxation on the wishlist, dip your toes in the magnificent pool at the Manor House, wander the estate or pick a spa treatment to enjoy in the salon or at a secluded outdoor spot under the blue sky.

Guests experience truly warm and personalised hospitality in an environment limited to 8 Manor house rooms and 3 three-bedroomed villas, accommodating a maximum of 34 guests. The set-up lends itself beautifully for those seeking an exclusive use stay be it for a leisurely getaway or a fairy tale destination wedding. With multigenerational family travel on the rise, Ludus Magnus makes a natural choice too.