October is the beginning of spring here, and it’s the perfect time for exploring this cosmopolitan city at the foot of Table Mountain
With its distinctive pink façade the Mount Nelson is a Cape Town icon
MOUNT NELSON: A BELMOND HOTEL IN CAPE TOWN
Though the famous admiral was a guest here, the house in which the hotel is located was named in his honour following his death at the Battle of Trafalgar. The estate was later bought by shipping magnate Sir Donald Currie and welcomed its first guests to great fanfare in March 1899 – it will celebrate its 125th anniversary next year. Affectionately known as The Nellie, it has long been regarded as one of Cape Town’s finest five-star offerings – it was the first hotel in South Africa to offer hot and cold running water and still boasts the very latest luxuries.
Nestled within acres of lush gardens, with its unmissable pink walls (originally painted to celebrate peace at the end of the Great War), it is a true Cape Town icon. The interiors are equally striking, with their colonial-style aesthetic – think potted palms, Venetian mirrors, four poster beds, classic toile wallpaper and luxurious draped curtains. Though all the accommodation is exquisite, we particularly love the historic cottages: set in their own rose gardens, they are simply brimming with old world charm.
Head a little out of the city and make the most of the dramatic seafront location dining al fresco at Twelve Apostles
THE TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL AND SPA
With a dramatic, gloriously secluded seafront location alongside the mountain range it is named after, this Red Carnation Hotel offers the perfect base for those looking to explore both the city and the local winelands (complimentary transfers are offered between the hotel and the V&A Waterfront – a 20-minute drive).
Particularly special are the superior sea facing rooms, designed in a calming palette of blues to reflect the natural surroundings. Their sunken lounge areas offer views of whales and dolphins frolicking in the surf below.
Making use of the Cape’s bountiful seasonal produce and rich culinary traditions, the restaurants here are consistently rated amongst Cape Town’s best. Choose from fine dining at Azure Restaurant, or sushi by the sea at The Café Grill.
Meanwhile, the award-winning spa, set around a number of cave-like plunge pools offers treatments in seven luxurious rooms, or al fresco in one of two rather special thatched mountainside gazebos. Unforgettable.
Take a soak and enjoy one of the best views in Cape Town at One&Only
THE ONE&ONLY CAPE TOWN
This Cape Town outpost offers all the hallmarks One&Only guests have come to expect – authentic style, genuine hospitality, and lively energy. Overlooking the V&A Waterfront, most of the 133 rooms and suites here boast stunning views of Table Mountain.
The resort underwent an extensive refurbishment earlier this year, with the new look paying homage to Cape Town’s geography and rich heritage – the team worked closely with local artists in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya, taking inspiration from everything from the majestic Table Mountain to the city’s mythology and unique indigenous plant life.
The heart of the resort is the stylish Vista Bar & Lounge where local and internationally renowned chef Karen Dudley has designed a deliciously simple, fresh menu that is plant-led and taste-focused. You’ll also find the only Nobu in Africa here.
And we can’t not mention the swimming pool – the freeform, temperature-controlled infinity pool is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. The poolside cabanas are the perfect spot to soak up the South African sunshine.