B(eyond) Africa: Red Carnation from London to Cape Town

The Red Carnation Hotel collection is widely regarded as one of the best international collections of independent and boutique hotels.  From the currently hotly-contested 41 Hotel to the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town, expect to see big things from these hotels this year.  The Twelve Apostles is opening up their newly redesigned spa alongside a series of deluxe beauty products fashioned from African plant extracts such as avocado butter and Ximenia kernel oil.  Look forward to being treated with crystal-infused body oils or a fynbos sugar scrub or other highlights of the B|Africa series at any of Red Carnation's African locations, from the Twelve Apostles to Bushman's Kloof or Durban's The Oyster Box.  The Oyster Box was itself named the Best Luxury Wellness Spa South Africa at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2011.  Capped by an iconic lighthouse and heaping helpings of colonial charm, the Oyster Box is one of South Africa's very best luxury hotels.  

As for the Twelve Apostles, you can enjoy its 55 rooms and 14 suites in any of four secluded wings, connected by open walkways and featuring gorgeous mountain and sea views.  Rooms especially for the business traveler help pull you away from the astounding vistas by offering special lighting in a generous work space and, as it almost goes without saying these days, high speed internet access.  Regardless of what brings you to Cape Town, Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is certainly a great place to stay.  And you keep on the lookout for more from Red Carnation Hotels; I know I'm excited to see what they come up with next.