Destination Spotlight: Cape Town
Perched between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is a first class luxury destination with a unique history. A popular destination for its golden beaches, water sports, mountaineering, and cycling, the city offers an array of five star hotels, high end spas, nightlife, and fine dining. While just a few miles from the city, travelers will find world-class vineyards with highly-rated restaurants.
In this edition of Destination Spotlight, we've gathered insider information and recommendations from Luxury Travel Intelligence, a site offering details for the well-informed luxury traveler. They recommend Reverie Social for a unique dining experience, Lew Rood for local concierge services, and NAC Helicopters for private flights over Table Mountain, vineyards, and beaches. Looking for an andrenaline rush? Apex Predators can arrange private cage dives with great white sharks.
Foodies and gourmands have plenty of world-class dining options while visiting Cape Town. "We suggest you go for lunch and enjoy outstanding food with a great selection of the vineyards wines and views over the mountains and vines. Restaurants we recommend for a leisurely lunch include: Rust en Vrede, and in the winery of the same name, the restaurant at Buitenverwachting, the restaurant at Jordans Wine Estate, Pierneef at La Motte wine estate, Terroir at Kleine Zalze Wine Estate, Bosjes – a wonderful find, around an hour’s drive from Cape Town, in Slanghoek valley (note that this has become a popular wedding venue so check that it is not closed for an event before you set off)," says Luxury Travel Insider.
Here are 5 Top Cape Town Luxury Hotels:
5. 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa
For travelers seeking a location outside of the city, 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa is an award-winning hotel along Cape Town's scenic route. Set between the Table Mountain National Park and the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, the boutique hotel combines African style and classic European comforts. Boasting legendary Atlantic Ocean sunsets, the hotel has a 16-seat private theater, dining at the Azure Restaurant and Cafe Grill, famous Leopard Bar, spa, and shuttle service to the Victoria & Albert Waterfront.
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Reservations booked under the "5 Star Signature Package", "Rack Rates", "Corporate Rates" or "Best Available" rates will also receive full breakfast for each guest daily, a two course lunch per person/per stay, and one afternoon tea per person/per stay.
Book a stay at Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
4. Cape Grace
On its own private quay in the heart of the city, Cape Grace has French windows in all of the rooms providing views of the harbor, marina, and Table Mountain. Close to the Clock Tower, Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, and the Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Grace reflects the city's heritage with hand painted fabrics by local artists, Dutch china, and crystal chandelers. The Bascule whisky, wine, and cocktail bar has the largest selection of whisky in the southern hemisphere, and the spa on the top floor of the hotel provides views over Table Mountain, the marina, and the city. Luxury Travel Intelligence states "Rooftop Terrace rooms offer value for money. They are almost Junior Suites, with large sitting areas, a dressing room and a terrace with some of the best views in the hotel – room 402 in particular."
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: All reservations booked under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also include a R700 food and beverage credit per room/per stay and a full breakfast for two daily in Signal Restaurant or through room service. Reservations in a Suite for a minimum of two (2) nights will also receive two 60-minute Signature Spa treatments once per stay.
3.One&Only Cape Town
Set between the sandstone cliffs cascading into the waters of two oceans, One&Only Cape Town is an urban chic luxury hotel located in the heart of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Showcasing captivating views of Table Mountain, there is a large free form infinity pool surrounded by lounge chairs. Luxury Travel Intelligence states "We like the contemporary African theme with polished floors, stone, wood and lots of glass – double height windows give an impressive view over Table Mountain" and "The Wine Loft has an unusual entrance through a three level glass and steel wall holding over 5000 bottles wine, the majority being South African."
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: All guests making reservations with Five Star Alliance will also receive one complimentary select menu lunch or dinner for two in Reuben's once during stay (excluding beverages), full breakfast for two daily at Reuben's, and a room category upgrade at check-in (based on availability).
Book a stay at One&Only Cape Town
2. Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
Situated a short stroll from Kloof and Long Streets, Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is an iconic pink-clad building surrounded by palm trees. According to Luxury Travel Intelligence, the property is furnished in an elegant and colonial style, "think white suit and panama hat. Highly polished wood floors, traditional carpeting and black and white check floors in conservatory. Pink exterior makes this one of the most recognised hotels in Cape Town." Opened over 100 years ago, the hotel has been the place to stay for politicians and celebrities for decades, and the Planet Bar is popular today with young and affluent Capetonians.
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: All reservations booked through Five Star Alliance will also include afternoon or evening tea for two once during stay, VIP status, a full breakfast for two daily in the restaurant OR a continental breakfast for two daily through in-room dining, complimentary internet access, and complimentary use of the business center.
Book a stay at Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
1. Taj Cape Town
Providing a prime location at the entrance of the pedestrian precint of St. George's Mall, Taj Cape Town offers the award-winning Jiva Grande Spa. There are two on-site dining experiences including Bombay Brasserie serving fine Indian Cuisine, and Mint with a relaxed environment. Blending history and modernity, luxury rooms are set within the heritage and contemporary wings, offering city or Table Mountain views.
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: All reservations booked under the "5 Star Signature Package" will also include also receive full breakfast for two daily, a 1 and 1/2 hour city walking tour with a professional guide, a wine tasting for two in the Wine Gallery once during stay, a Cape Gin experience per guest per guest/per stay, and complimentary internet.
Explore more Cape Town luxury hotels
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