We understand that no one aims to come in second place; there is no recognition for mediocrity. We at Five Star Alliance understand better than anyone the importance of offering the most luxurious resorts in the world, so we notice what’s going on in the industry, and it matters to us, because it matters to you. We work hard to offer you the best in the industry, and we’d like to welcome you to our second blog series where we feature the best and most luxurious resorts in the world. But don’t take our word for it. These resorts have been recognized as the best in the business and have made the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012.

The Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012 is the eighth of their annual lists, and the hotels chosen by their team of editors and experts are the best for service, food, location, rooms, leisure facilities, ambiance and design.

The Ellerman House Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa is featured on the Gold List 2012: Best for ambiance and design. This luxury hotel is one of the world’s most exclusive and private retreats. Its perfect position sweeping over the lively city of Cape Town and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean has earned it the status of a historical landmark. This boutique hotel only has 9 rooms and 2 suites, all beautifully decorated with eloquence and style. What makes this hotel stand out from the rest is its phenomenal wine cellar of 17,000 bottles of South African wine as well as its world famous art collection. Add this hotel to your bucket list and be sure to check it out when visiting Cape Town!

Rhino spotting in Bantry Bay! A lovely piece in our collection by artist Beverley Price twitter.com/EllermanHotel/…

— Ellerman House (@EllermanHotel) March 9, 2012