Out & About finding Hidden Delights for your next itinerary
Hidden delights – it is like sticking your hand in the pocket of a long unused jacket and finding money you had forgotten about…these Western Cape properties evoke similar feelings.
1. Barrington's
Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route, Western Cape
Located off of Piesang Valley Road, Barrington’s is a charming property. Home to a restaurant, bakery, craft brewery, wine shop and a boutique nursery. This little hotel will surely have something for everyone, beer lover, baker or botanist. The compact rooms can be configured as king or twin, making them a good choice for couples as well as families. Barrington’s is surprisingly close to both the beach and Plettenberg bays’ world class Golf Course.
2. The Dorp Hotel
Bo Kaap, Cape Town, Western Cape
The Dorp Hotel is a gorgeous property located on the heights of the Bokaap district. Located ideally for guests who want to be close to all the main attractions of the city, without feeling like they’re in the middle of it all. Surrounded by Bokaap residential properties makes one feel connected to the locals. The atmosphere is more comparable to staying at an old friends place than at a hotel. Driving up the steep road on which it is located may seem daunting, but it’s well worth it. The decor can be described as historic eclectic, very much suiting the area and the culture. Large and luxurious rooms.
3. Anew Hotel
Greenpoint, Cape Town, Western Cape
ANEW Hotel Greenpoint is a strikingly modern property located on Greenpoint’s main road in Cape Town. Close to many of the Mother City’s must-see attractions, such as the V&A Waterfront and Sea Point Promenade, this dazzling hotel is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore Cape Town. The entire venue sticks to a black, white and red colour scheme, from the restaurant to the rooms to the artwork. Along with its 76 bedrooms, the hotel boasts a conference venue for anyone with more corporate needs. The rooftop pool offers stunning 360-degree views of Greenpoint.
4. Premier Hotel Cape Manor
Cape Town, Western Cape
The Premier Hotel Cape Manor is great choice for anyone visiting Cape Town for a beach holiday. Virtually on the beach, this modern hotel comes equipped with all essential amenities on top of its ideal location. The rooms are a wonderful mix of modern comfort and antique charm. The large wooden wardrobes and bed side tables creates a comfortable, homely atmosphere. The bathrooms lean more towards the modern, with glistening tiles and fixtures straight out of a catalogue.
5. The Taj Hotel
Cape Town Central, Western Cape
Oldie but Goldie. Moving closer to the heart of the city, The Taj Hotel is a luxurious property with a lot to offer. The hotel is a heritage building, having formerly been the South African Federal Reserve Bank. It is said that before it was a Bank, the building was a hospital. The historical significance of the building is apparent, from the gorgeous spiral staircases to the original service elevators. Even the conference rooms take their names from the surrounding streets. The ground floor up until the 5th floor are considered the heritage wing, with the 6th to the 17th floor being home to the more modern tower rooms.
The Taj has everything you would expect from a luxury hotel, including: a gym, a heated indoor pool, a sauna, spa and an exclusive lounge for guest’s staying in Taj Club Rooms. The selection of room configurations available practically guarantees that you’ll find the right one for your holiday. Dining at the Taj offer a fantastic and varied culinary delights.
6. Esperanza Guest House
Oranjezicht, Cape Town, Western Cape
Esperanza Guest House is a truly unique establishment. Owned and managed by Mark Blagus. This Victorian house is over 100 years old. It was fully restored in 1996 and has been maintained by Mark and his team ever since. The experience at Esperanza is a truly personalised one and great care is taken to make sure your stay is a memorable one. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed, it feels akin to staying with (nice) family. As there are only 6 rooms, the property will never feel crowded and the owner and team are able to pay individual attention to each guest.
Located at the foot of Table Mountain and just 5 minutes away from the City Centre, Esperanza is a brilliant choice for travellers who are looking for a convenient location that isn’t in the middle of the hustle and bustle.
7. The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel
Constantia, Cape Town, Western Cape
Should you prefer seclusion over the city bustle, we recommend The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel. This former vineyard has been converted into a 5 star luxury hotel fit for any discerning holiday maker. The newly refurbished Conservatory restaurant is covered in greenery and beautifully decorated. It feels like a secret garden where one can enjoy a hearty lunch or even just a delicately crafted fresh scone with coffee or tea.
Located close to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, though their own gardens are not to be scoffed at. You may even be lucky enough to encounter some of the local wildlife like the charismatic ducks that patrol the gardens or curious squirrels coming down from the trees.
Relax and unwind at the Spa with an extensive list of services to choose from. Whether you need to prepare yourself for a big event or just feel like spoiling yourself and enhancing the serenity brought on by your surroundings, the Fresh Wellness Spa has just the thing for you! (Not to mention the hotel’s hair salon). Guests in the mood for something more active are free to make use of the gym, two pools, lawn games, tennis court and mountain bikes. You’ll find yourself truly spoiled for choice, making this hotel a great one to stay at for guests on longer holidays.
It is worth mentioning, The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel is pet friendly! Small and medium dogs get to accompany the rest of the family to this wonderful part of Constantia. The surrounding area is full of walking trails, forests and pet friendly restaurants
8. Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa
Somerset West, Western Cape
For our final property we must shift our gaze some ways west from the Mother City to Somerset West. It’s here surrounded by luscious greenery that you’ll find Erinvale Estate Hotel and Spa. This beautiful white building with a thatched roof conveys a sense of comfortable elegance that is expanded upon when entering. Great care has been taken by the owner to make the Hotel a pleasure for all the senses. Equal care is taken to maintain the indigenous gardens that surround the buildings.
The Spa is undergoing renovations this year and the new and improved one should be open by October 2024. The proximity to Erinvale Estate Golf Course is sure to be a draw for many, with the multiple nearby wine estates providing their own allure. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Stefan’s, offers a fine dining Table d’hôte menu in a space designed to provide an upmarket experience that doesn’t feel pretentious. Let Chef Stefan Bekker’s over 10 years of experience take you on an internationally influenced gastronomical journey.
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