5 of Cape Town’s Most Luxurious Out-of-Town Stays

When planning a Cape Town holiday, the pull of the V&A Waterfront and city centre is hard to resist. After all, isn’t staying in these areas the best way to experience the Mother City? Well, you can still experience the hustle and bustle of the city while staying in a more peaceful area. Let’s explore five luxurious out-of-town stays for travellers to Cape Town.

1. The Alexander Estate

Inspired by the stories his mother told of her idyllic childhood on her father’s Cape Point farm, Stephan Newton brought his grandfather’s legacy full circle by entering into a joint venture with Cape Point Vineyards and reviving the manor house to immaculate accommodation.

Nestled at the foot of the iconic Chapman’s Peak Drive, The Alexander Estate offers an exquisite blend of vineyard grandeur and ocean vistas, presenting a distinct take on five-star accommodation outside Cape Town’s immediate hustle. While your eyes take in the collision of worlds, your taste buds can, too, by sipping wine and indulging in oysters.

The Alexander Manor House features elegantly designed luxury suites, each boasting spectacular vineyard, ocean, and mountain views. Guests can enjoy private decks with personal heated plunge pools and cosy log-burning fireplaces.

For those seeking an even more exclusive experience, the Vineyard Villa is an ocean-facing villa available for private use, complete with lavish suites and an expansive penthouse, each echoing the Manor House’s commitment to excellence with private heated plunge pools and stunning vistas.

Beyond the individually curated suites, the estate is a haven of holistic well-being. Guests have access to an array of world-class amenities, including a heated swimming pool, jacuzzi, an in-house spa, a state-of-the-art gym, and sauna and steam rooms.

Whether you choose to unwind with a personalised spa treatment, savour exceptional culinary delights, or simply bask in the tranquillity of your surroundings, every moment at the Alexander Estate is designed to immerse you in a world of opulence. This property serves as an ideal base for exploring the scenic beauty of the region, enjoying wine tastings, or venturing further into the array of experiences the Western Cape offers.

2. 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa

At the very tip of Africa, overlooking the serene blue ocean, lies a five-star hotel offering a coastal retreat for travellers that seek luxury in every aspect of their stay.

With mountain views on one side and Atlantic Ocean views on the other, the 12 Apostles Hotel is the only property on the coastal road that links Cape Town with Llundudno Beach and Hout Bay. The V&A Waterfront is only a 25-minute drive away from the boutique hotel, so the excitement of the city isn’t far away.

However, you’ll struggle to pull yourself away from the sublime setting and incredible amenities of the hotel. From gastronomy to the suites to the activities, everything is opulent and pays the finest attention to every detail.

Accommodation includes rooms, suites, and presidential suites. Natural light is taken full advantage of to highlight the beauty of the interiors. Light, creamy colours abound with plush furnishings that are perfect to sink into after a day spent exploring.

The Leopard Bar entices with its creative cocktails – sip on one as you watch the sun go down before heading to Azure Restaurant for an al fresco dinner. Local seafood is the star of the show here, with mussels, crayfish, oysters, prawns, langoustines, and squid prepared in contemporary ways.

12 Apostles is the ideal base from which to explore both the land and sea. Step out of the hotel and onto a mountain path for a nature walk and picnic; spend time at the on-site award-winning spa, relax on Cape Town’s Blue Flag Beaches, which are close by, and head to the city for shopping and to visit Table Mountain.

3. Tintswalo Atlantic

Tintswalo is a name synonymous with grandeur and sophistication. Whichever property of theirs you choose – from their safari lodges to their coastal retreats – you’ll be treated to a rich ambiance and personalised service.

Along one of the most beautiful routes in Cape Town, Chapman’s Peak, is Tintswalo Atlantic, the name paying homage to the gorgeous ocean views the hotel enjoys.

Each luxury suite is modelled after an island, including Saint Marie, Zanzibar, Sicily, and Robben. A private balcony, a wood-burning fireplace, underfloor heating, and a welcome bottle of wine complete your island of opulence and relaxation.

One of the most famous restaurant brands has a home at Tintswalo Atlantic. Chef’s Warehouse – loved for its global and innovative tapas creations – is perched along the rugged coastline, affording brilliant views of the lapping ocean. The five-course menu of small plates focuses on seafood, but you’ll discover other delicacies, too.

4. Tintswalo Boulders

Tintswalo Atlantic’s sister property, Boulders, is nestled along Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town, famous for its African penguin colony. Comprising just nine suites, this boutique establishment is ideal for families or travellers looking for intimate accommodations closer to warm(er) water beaches. The ocean in this region is a few degrees warmer compared to the Atlantic Seaboard.

This upmarket beach villa includes a rooftop pool and deck for whiling away sunny days, cocktail in hand. Mealtimes are comforting, with an array of buffet and made-to-order options for breakfast, an à la carte menu for lunch, and a three-course experience for dinner.

5. Future Found Sanctuary

Tucked away in the leafy, tranquil suburb of Hout Bay, Future Found Sanctuary – Cape Town’s first and only 5-star luxury regenerative travel hotel – offers an unparalleled wellness retreat. This isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a meticulously crafted experience designed to rejuvenate mind, body, and soul. If you’re seeking a serene escape that seamlessly blends five-star comfort with a profound sense of peace, this sanctuary is your ideal destination.

Future Found Sanctuary is located in Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offers mesmerising views of the surrounding mountainside. While staying here feels as if you’re a world away from the city’s buzz, many of Cape Town’s attractions are conveniently close by, including the wine farms of Constantia, Table Mountain, Llandudno Beach, and Camps Bay. Here, the focus is on holistic well-being, with every detail curated to enhance your sense of calm and vitality.

The accommodations are a study in understated elegance and sophistication. Each suite is a private haven, featuring natural materials, soothing colour palettes, and an abundance of natural light. Think plush furnishings, state-of-the-art amenities, and private terraces that invite you to unwind amidst the serene landscape. It’s a space designed for deep relaxation and introspection, ensuring a truly restorative stay.

Imagine unwinding with a guided yoga session in the gardens, indulging in a personalised spa treatment, and taking a refreshing dip in the tranquil pool – this can be what a day looks like at Future Found. The culinary offerings are equally impressive, focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create nourishing and delicious meals that complement your wellness journey.

When planning your Cape Town holiday, consider casting your accommodation net a little further afield. Venturing slightly further away from the hub of the city can bring you to true havens where you can relax, recharge, and indulge while still enjoying all that Cape Town has to offer.