SOUTH Africa’s oldest city is a rugged collision between nature and humanity. The stunning diversity of the natural world butting heads with a cosmopolitan city can be seen everywhere, and it’s this perpetual skirmish that makes Cape Town such a dynamic place.
A city with such vibrance deserves a selection of opulent hotels that allow travellers and locals alike to indulge themselves. With the help of local Colia Louis, Property Manager at Optimus Property, DDW have compiled a list of the best upper-class boutique hotels that Cape Town has to offer.
Ellerman House
Often clinching the top spot for the most opulent hotel in Cape Town, Ellerman House can be found in the prestigious suburb of Bantra Bay and effortlessly blends cosiness and familiarity with class and indulgence.
Louis told DDW: “This boutique hotel offers so much to incoming guests including a breath-taking art gallery, a huge wine cellar which boasts wines from across the world, a relaxing spa, innovative concierge, and a pool which has views of Robben Island and the whole of neighbouring sea point.
“Ellerman House also offers newly built villas which are marketed as private villas for guests to fully embrace the seaboard’s magnificent year-round sunsets.”
Address: 180 Kloof Road, Bantry Bay, 8005, Cape Town, South Africa
Standout feature: Ellerman’s fine art collection is a fascinating expression of South African heritage
Price: From $912/night (£690)
21 Nettleton
With only six rooms in the entire hotel, 21 Nettleton offers privacy and exclusivity that few other hotels can muster. This five-star experience heavily incorporates the stunning natural scenery that surrounds it, whilst also providing a secluded hideaway just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the city.
It’s a short drive down the coast to the beautiful town of Hout Bay and the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive, then just beyond that lies the Cape Point Nature Reserve – a paradise of unique plant life and beach views.
According to Louis’ expertise, “21 Nettleton in Clifton is Hugo Jancovitz’s masterpiece. It has one of the most expensive views in the whole of Africa. It offers 24-hour butler service, an array of drinks and food options, and a noteworthy art collection displayed throughout the home.
“It is marketed as a hotel but can be rented out to serve as a private villa. It has a large lawn space outside for entertaining guests and even a diving platform for guests to jump into the pool.”
Address: 21 Nettleton Rd, Clifton, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa
Standout feature: Feel like royalty in a truly exclusive hotel
Price: From $750/night (£560)
Brookdale Estate
While Brookdale Estate is not specifically in Cape Town, it was too prestigious to be left off this list and is just an hours’ drive away from the city. This huge estate was formally a vineyard and still has wine at the core of its philosophy, offering guests a refuge of wellness and tranquillity.
It’s a high recommendation and DDW’s insider isn’t short on praise. “It boasts a private chef, butler, private lawn space for landing helicopters, and a nice selection of wines which are made on the farm. The views from the guestrooms are simply breathtaking and show the meticulous planning of the owner Tim Rudd, who took a once abandoned vineyard and shaped it into a true masterpiece hidden away in the Klein Drakenstein mountains.”
Address: Hawequa Bos Pad, Klein Drakenstein Road, Paarl, 7646
Standout feature: Peace and serenity
Price: From $440/night (£330)
The Silo
Voted the best city hotel in Africa in 2020, the Silo has incredible 360-degree views of both Table Mountain and the nearby V&A Waterfront and stands out for its impressive industrial-style décor. It also sits above the Zeitz MOCAA, Cape Town’s Museum of Contemporary African Art.
Address: The Silo Hotel, Silo Square, V&A Waterfront, 8001, Cape Town
Standout feature: Stunning panoramic views
Price: From $904/night (£680)
Taj Cape Town
Located in the centre of the old city, Taj Cape Town is a five-star hotel just around the corner from some of South Africa’s principal landmarks and a wide range of shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Guests can enjoy a combination of distinguished Indian hospitality and an authentic Cape Town experience at the Taj in two historic buildings, formally the original South African Reserve Bank and the old BoE building, which used to be the Temple Chambers built in 1890.
Address: 1 Wale street, corner St Georges Mall, Cape Town
Standout feature: The perfect location for sight-seeing
Price: From $212/night (£160)
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