Cape Town, Curated: Five Iconic Stays for the Sophisticated Traveller
Blog post with #NANANtravel Blog PostsCape Town is not a city you simply visit—it’s a city you inhabit, a place where nature’s drama, rich history, and cosmopolitan energy unfold in perfect harmony. Perched at the southern tip of Africa, the Mother City has long seduced discerning travellers who crave a blend of coastal beauty, cultural richness, and the kind of world-class luxury that feels both indulgent and grounding.
But not all stays in Cape Town are created equal. At Nanan Travel, we know that true luxury lies in the detail—private transfers that remove all stress, suites that frame Table Mountain like a living artwork, and service so attentive it feels intuitive. This isn’t about simply choosing a hotel; it’s about choosing an experience that transforms your time in Cape Town into something unforgettable.
Drawing on our first-hand experiences and deep local connections, we’ve curated five of Cape Town’s most iconic stays—each a sanctuary of sophistication, each chosen for its exclusivity, and each seamlessly woven into the fabric of the city.
Whether you’re combining Cape Town with a luxury safari in Africa, ending your honeymoon on a stylish note, or enjoying a multi-generational family escape, these properties offer more than accommodation—they offer entry into Cape Town’s most privileged perspectives.
Ellerman House – Art, Elegance, and Ocean Views
Tucked into the cliffs of Bantry Bay, Ellerman House is as much a cultural institution as it is a luxury hotel. This discreet, Edwardian mansion offers panoramic views of the Atlantic, yet what sets it apart is the private art collection—arguably the most significant of its kind in South Africa—displayed throughout the property.
Each suite feels like a private retreat, adorned with handpicked furnishings and contemporary artworks. Step onto your terrace and the ocean stretches infinitely; retreat indoors and the service anticipates your every need. Dining here is a revelation—menus celebrate South African terroir, paired with rare vintages from the hotel’s 7,500-strong wine collection.
For those travelling with family or friends, the Ellerman House Villas offer complete seclusion with the same level of service—ideal for travellers who, like many of our clients, value privacy as much as luxury.
At Nanan Travel, we often recommend Ellerman House for travellers looking for depth—a stay that immerses you not only in luxury but also in Cape Town’s cultural soul.
2. The One&Only Cape Town – Waterfront Grandeur
For travellers who want to be in the heart of Cape Town while still enjoying resort-style exclusivity, the One&Only Cape Town is unmatched. Located on the vibrant V&A Waterfront, this property balances convenience with refined indulgence.
The resort’s rooms and suites, many with Table Mountain views, are among the largest in the city. Private islands within the marina host the exclusive Island Rooms and Suites, offering secluded luxury while being steps from Cape Town’s lively harbour.
Dining is another highlight: from Nobu’s world-renowned Japanese fusion to local flavours at Rooi, every meal becomes a curated experience. The spa, tucked away on its own island, is a sanctuary of stillness—a rarity in the city centre.
We recommend the One&Only Cape Town for travellers who want effortless access to both the city and the Cape Winelands, combining a stay here with day trips to Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, which we often include in itineraries that weave urban luxury with natural beauty.
3. The Silo Hotel – Contemporary Icon Above the City
Rising above the V&A Waterfront, The Silo Hotel is instantly recognisable for its pillowed-glass façade. Built within the historic grain silo complex, it sits directly above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), the largest museum of its kind on the continent.
The interiors are bold and artistic, with each room individually designed and filled with colour, pattern, and texture. Views stretch from Table Mountain to the harbour, framed by the iconic glass windows that give the property its architectural distinction.
The rooftop pool and bar are among the city’s most exclusive addresses—perfect for sunset cocktails overlooking Cape Town’s skyline. Dining here is refined yet relaxed, celebrating seasonal South African ingredients.
The Silo is an ideal choice for travellers drawn to design, architecture, and art—those who, like many of our clients, apprecia
4. Belmond Mount Nelson – Cape Town’s Timeless Grande Dame
Known affectionately as “The Nellie,” the Belmond Mount Nelson has been a Cape Town landmark for over a century. Its pink façade, sprawling gardens, and elegant verandas evoke an era of timeless glamour.
Set at the foot of Table Mountain, the hotel offers a tranquil escape within walking distance of the city’s cultural heart. Rooms and suites blend old-world charm with modern refinement, while the hotel’s legendary afternoon tea remains a Cape Town institution.
For families, the Mount Nelson is particularly appealing. Its extensive grounds, child-friendly programmes, and interconnecting rooms make it a sanctuary where multiple generations can find their rhythm—a perfect complement to the family-focused escapes we design.
The Mount Nelson is also a superb base for exploring the Cape of Good Hope, a destination we often highlight for its dramatic coastal drives and wildlife encounters. Pairing the city’s sophistication with the wild grandeur of the peninsula encapsulates Cape Town’s dual appeal.
5. Tintswalo Atlantic – Secluded Luxury on the Ocean’s Edge
Few properties in Cape Town capture the drama of its setting quite like Tintswalo Atlantic. Hidden on the edge of Hout Bay within Table Mountain National Park, this boutique lodge feels worlds away from the city, yet is just a short drive from its centre.
Each of the lodge’s suites is individually styled and opens directly onto wooden decks that float above the ocean. The sound of waves, the sight of endless horizon, and the intimacy of the setting make this one of the most romantic retreats in Africa.
Dining here is deeply personal, with menus shaped around seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, often enjoyed on the deck under a blanket of stars. For couples seeking privacy or honeymooners looking for something extraordinary, Tintswalo Atlantic is unmatched.
We often recommend Tintswalo as part of itineraries that balance safari adventure with coastal retreat, allowing travellers to end their African journey in a place of profound stillness and beauty.
The Nanan Travel Difference in Cape Town
What unites these five properties is not just their luxury, but their ability to create a sense of belonging—a feeling that everything is taken care of so you can simply live the moment. At Nanan Travel, we go beyond booking. Every stay is hand-selected based on our personal experience, and every itinerary is crafted around your rhythm, whether you’re a couple, a family, or a solo traveller.
Our clients often tell us what made the difference wasn’t only the exceptional lodges but the way we handled every detail—from seamless airport welcomes and private transfers to dining reservations at Cape Town’s most exclusive restaurants. That level of care, echoed in reviews from travellers who’ve journeyed with us across Africa, is what transforms a trip into an experience.
Planning Your Cape Town Escape
Cape Town is a city that reveals itself in layers: the grandeur of Table Mountain, the vibrancy of its art scene, the elegance of its wine estates, and the intimacy of its luxury stays. The five properties we’ve highlighted here represent the pinnacle of Cape Town hospitality—each unique, each unforgettable.
For 2025 and beyond, let Nanan Travel design your Cape Town story: a journey where every detail is handled, every experience is thoughtful, and every stay is iconic.
📩 Contact us today to begin planning your curated Cape Town escape.
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Africa awaits, with its vast horizons and timeless beauty. Let us design a journey for you—seamless, sophisticated, and entirely your own.
Reach out and let’s begin your African story—crafted with care, delivered with distinction.
