No, this is not a guest house where the staff wear long white coats, and the dining tables have Bunsen burners instead of candles (although there is plenty of high tech automation at work behind the scenes making this an eco-friendly destination).

This Cape Dutch style guest house on Route 62 in Klaas Voogds gets its name from a much loved labrador dog, Einstein. Even though he passed away a few years back aged 16, the pet is fondly remembered by all who witnessed his intelligence and sweet nature.

TheLAB is under two hours’ drive outside of Cape Town, far enough away to escape the hustle and bustle, but still near enough to make day trips to that most popular of destinations manageable.

This is a venue that’s big on demonstrating sustainability, with the team walking the walk instead of merely talking the talk. Examples of The LAB’s eco-friendliness include the complete absence of single use plastics, and the presence of solar power across the site. There’s also low-energy LED lighting throughout, and a commitment by the team to growing their own vegetables and supporting local suppliers.

20 hi-tech, high comfort rooms to choose from

It’s unconfirmed, but rumours abound that The LAB is, or was the first to offer guests voice-activated lights, showers, Netflix, blinds, coffee machines and other clever tech in their rooms.

The biggest of those trend setting rooms are in the manor house and home to a queen size bed with a bath behind it. You also get a patio from which you can enjoy views of the swimming pool and the dam beyond. For the record the toilet and shower are in separate cubicles.

Rooms offering views of the valley are also available close to the manor house, again with private patios. You’ll have a double bed, plus ensuite bathroom. Two of these rooms have connecting doors so families or friends can enjoy space next to each other.

TheLAB complex also offers accommodation just over the road, about 150 metres from reception. These rooms all accommodate 2 guests (apart from the one family room that sleeps 4) and come with mountain or valley views which actually isn’t their only spectacular feature, as each has a private jacuzzi, although you need to pay extra to use these. Use of the shower is included in the price you pay, however, and it’s the same with the kingsize bed.

The LAB also has what are classed as budget friendly rooms, in which you still get all your creature comforts like a bed, shower and patio, just in a more compact form.

Also here for you…

Hire The LAB’s electric bikes and scooters if you like, so you can explore Robertson, Franschhoek and other areas of the Western Cape without leaving a carbon footprint. There’s also a spa and bar, which rhymes nicely, and a restaurant serving country style food. Of course there’s a pool and a sun deck, and the area’s hop-on, hop-off wine valley touring bus has a stop right outside the guest house. A ride on that is something you’re sure to want to experience during your stay.