Luxury holiday in Cape Town

When it comes to luxurious urban destinations on the African continent, the magnificent megalopolis of Cape Town tops the list hands down. Not only does it feature every amenity and luxury you’d expect from a sophisticated world city, but it’s stunning natural setting has won it several international top-destination awards.

While every main suburb in Cape Town offers luxury hotels, boutique hotels and exclusive guest houses, there are a few regions that stand out from the rest. The famous V&A Waterfront is home to some of the best 5-star hotels in the country and it’s proximity to equally exceptional restaurants, bespoke retail outlets, health spas, theatres and art galleries make it one of the most popular destinations for the discerning traveler.

Ask any Capetonian about the pinnacle of luxury living and they’ll point over Table Mountain to the affluent seaside suburbs of Clifton and Camps Bay. If you’re looking for your very own Hollywood-style home, set in a stunning neighborhood overlooking the city’s premier beachfront, this is the place to be.

The leafy neighborhoods of the Southern Suburbs offer a more relaxed setting on the beautiful eastern slopes of Table Mountain. The area is less busy than the city centre, yet close to all major tourist attractions.

For the ultimate in countryside luxury, the grandiose wine farms of Cape Winelands and Constantia offer exclusive living amongst the oldest vineyards in South Africa, not to mention the country’s finest wine collections and some of the best local restaurants.

Cape Town’s outdoor experiences come with a touch of flair too. Private helicopter flights offer scenic trips over the Cape Peninsula, Robben Island, Constantia and the Cape Winelands. If you prefer to take things a little slower, why not take a hot air balloon ride over the sprawling vineyards of the Winelands region, or charter a private yacht in the V&A Waterfront for a leisurely day out on the Atlantic Ocean.

Practical advice

• Cape Town International Airport is centrally located and road transfers to the city’s premier hotels take less than 30 minutes. All major hotels, luxury lodges and wine farms offer shuttles to and from the airport.

• If you would rather not deal with traffic, or just want to see Cape Town in all its glory from above one last time before heading home, helicopter transfers to and from the airport operate from the V&A Waterfront.

• Several bespoke car rental companies in Cape Town offer high-end luxury sports cars, convertibles, executive SUV and motorcycles. Your rental may include drop-off and pick-ups at the airport or your accommodation and chauffeur services are available too.

• Combine your trip to Cape Town with visits to some of Southern Africa’s other top destinations like the Kruger National Park, Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls, Botswana’s Chobe National Park, Namibia’s Namib Desert and Mozambique’s Bazaruto Island. Several bespoke travel agencies and luxury hotels offer tailor-made packages.