Cape Town is brimming with luxury hotels catering for holidaymakers with a champagne lifestyle and endless budget. The hotels spilling over into the 5 star range, and bordering on 6 star, most certainly conform to international standards of luxury. One five star hideaway is not the same its neighbouring five star hideaway – we don’t do carbon copy, and each hotel has its own flair, architecture and design.
Even if your bank balance reflects that of the Jones’ next door, it does not mean that your taste is the same. There are travellers wanting the crème de la crème of accommodation with bold colours and contemporary architecture, and there are other crème de la crème guests wanting more placid hotels with understated decor.
We are all different in our desires, and this has nothing to do with our bank balance. So, with that in mind, we’ve selected our top 3 most exclusive places to stay in Cape Town. Each of these places contrasts the other, but one thing remains consistent – their commitment to service, architecture designed to take advantage of the views, chefs with a flair for gourmet food and attention to detail when it comes to finishings.
Here are our 3 “new kids on the block” in terms of hotels. The less explored, but most exquisite – do you know about these exclusive places to stay in Cape Town? If not, it’s time to find out!
The One Above at the One and Only Hotel in the VA Waterfront Yacht Basin
If you thought that the One and Only Hotel offered a sense of style and luxury to the discerning traveller, you should visit The One Above. The One Above is part of the Royal Portfolio, and is at the top of the A-list of penthouse living in Cape Town. Guests staying in the One Above can enjoy the amenities offered by the Waterfront’s elite hotel, but can still enjoy a sense of privacy and exclusivity while cocooned in their millionaire mansion up in the clouds.
This is a private residence was included in the Town & Country Magazine’s 100 Best Hotels in the World during 2015. It’s decor is superb, with a focus on muted and neutral colours with flecks of brighter hues. The glass, crystal, perspex and light colours reflect the commanding views from outside, and each element is careful not to detract from the world of colour outside.
This luxury residence has 4 beautifully-appointed bedrooms each with an en-suite bathroom, 42 inch flat-screen TV, and private balcony. Balconies overlook the Mother city’s most famous landmark – Table Mountain and her yacht basin, the Va&A Waterfront. The master bedroom is the highlight of this top-floor residence, and features expansive dual bathrooms, a fireplace and even walk-in closet areas.
It’s a lavish place to stay, fit for Hollywood moguls.
Silo Hotel – Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town
The Silo hotel is a relatively new hotel and stands proudly over the VA Waterfront yacht basin. It’s an architectural masterpiece that has Zeitz MOCAA art museum and gallery beneath its building. The Silo has made the Conde Nast’s 2017 hot list, and is most certainly the current place to be seen in Cape Town. It’s contemporary, bold and brave.
There are 28 rooms and a spectacular penthouse overlooking the the city bowl. Rooms are remarkably colourful and striking, with authentic pieces of art. Expect a mix match of blues, yellows, purples and simple pieces of furniture scattered throughout. There are 7 room categories, each of which is based on the position, views and size. 2 of the suites have 360 degrees of the Atlantic Ocean, Robben Island and the mountainous surrounds.
When you’re not exploring this industrial yet delicately designed building and its serene surrounds, we urge you to try the Silo Spa. It’s an oasis of calm located on the 4th floor of the hotel and has a whopping 5 treatment rooms, two of which can be converted into a couple’s room – perfect for honeymooners. This hotel also has a gym, sauna and beauty area.
Modern, eclectic, urban and surround views of Cape Town – perfect for those with an artistic taste.
La Residence in the Cape Winelands
Franschhoek is the wine and gourmet capital of the Cape Winelands, and is a French inspired small town sitting comfortably at the foot of the Franschhoek mountains. La Residence is situated at the end of a winding road, high up in the hills and overlooking the Franschhoek region.
This 30-acre estate is hugged by vineyards of various cultivars, and colourful plum orchards. Looming mountains flank La Residence and the countryside
This accommodation is opulent and doesn’t shy away large ornaments and grand hallways. Step into La Residence and be transported back to hints of Venice. The hotel has 11 suites and 5 vineyard suites, offering a sense of privacy.
Glitz, glam and showmanship in a tranquil environment – this is Franschhoek’s La Residence.