I had the most amazing month over in Cape Town. If you are thinking of going I couldn’t recommend it more! It’s the best place I have ever visited with so much to do & see along with some of the best restaurants in the world! And all very affordable once you get there!
*Updated 2023
Visiting Cape Town?
If you are interested in staying in any of the hotels I have recommended, do let me know and I can assist you with a good rate and perks ( subject to availability). You can email me here.
Another tip is to rent a car. You will need to drive to most places and gives you a lot more freedom.
Hotels Cape Town
“Set in the vibrant heart of Cape Town, this luxury hotel and spa offers easy access to all that’s happening in this dynamic city.
Mount Nelson has long been regarded as one of the city’s top five star hotels. It offers the perfect combination of leafy tranquility and contemporary buzz. Whether dining on exotic Cape cuisine, soaking up the sun or exploring the buzzing streets, your time here promises endless memories to cherish.”
My thoughts: Definitely one to visit if you are in Cape Town. You really get the colonial feel while staying here. The staff are exceptional and for such a big hotel you feel at home instantly. We stayed in one of their suites which was one of the comfiest beds I have ever slept in. The breakfast buffet is out of this world with every food you could imagine! You are also so close to all the top hot spot restaurants which makes this hotel a perfect location to stay in.
“Over the past two centuries, The Vineyard has proudly evolved into one of the most environmentally-friendly, progressive hotels in Cape Town.
The eight-acre property is home to a diverse range of fauna and flora is as innovative and groundbreaking as it was when the original house was built in February 1800. You can see the remnants of the first English style house to be built in the area, gracefully merging with the contemporary interior styling and luxury features expected from a modern hotel.”
My thoughts: This is the hotel we started and ended our trip in. It’s a great hotel to simply chill in with a gorgeous pool and amazing views of table mountain. It’s located in one of the nicest areas of Cape Town, Newlands. There is a huge shopping centre right beside it which was great for when we first arrived and also lots of spas in the area too. You actually don’t feel like you need to leave the hotel.
The Silo Hotel is a celebration of art, style, architecture and design. A tribute to timeless glamour and contemporary luxury offering the highest levels of personalised service synonymous with The Royal Portfolio.
It sets a new standard for luxury Cape Town accommodation. A magical, five-star premium hotel towering above the V&A Waterfront surrounded by the natural wonder of South Africa’s Mother City.
My thoughts: Set in the heart of the V&A this is a great place to stay for 1-2 nights and to explore the area. The V&A is the waterfront and shopping area with lots of shops, bars and restaurants all around a marina. The hotel is part of The Royal Portfolio which is definitely my favourite hotel group in South Africa- you will be always really well looked after staying at any of their properties. We loved the rooftop pool/ bar and our incredible bathroom with views of table mountain and lions head. If you don’t stay here, definitely visit for a drink in the roofbar to see it!
“Experience the very best that South Africa has to offer when visiting Ellerman House. Surround yourself with national treasures, exceptional flavours, uninterrupted views, sweet sounds and a refined atmosphere with sincere hospitality.
With only 13 bedrooms and 2 private contemporary villas, we excel at offering our guests an intuitive and understated level of service”
My thoughts: Our bedroom view here was out of this world and probably the best bedroom view I have ever seen. As you are set on top of a cliff and so high up, the sea view is simply breathtaking. Make sure you get a sea view if you stay here. This is definitely a hotel to stay in for a special occasion. Included in our stay was a wine tasting and one of the best tastings we have. Their wine cave is like no other and an experience.
Elevated above the vibrant Camps Bay Beach strip, The Marly Boutique Hotel and Spa offers guests an urban hideaway that celebrates sophisticated design, beachfront living and five-star service. Set the tone of your stay with a sea-facing or mountain-facing suite and experience the essence of the Mother City.
My thoughts: Location wise this is ideal if you want to be on Camps Bay. Absolutely loved their rooftop pool which has really yummy food and the most comfortable day beds to sunbathe on!
Just make sure to book a sea facing view rather than the mountain view as there is a large generator on the mountain view side that can be noisy at night.
Staff really nice and parking is available.
Located In the heart of Constantia, a hotel rich in heritage and filled with modernity awaits. As is required of all great things, this iconic property nods to the past in order to look toward the future. Having evolved into an exceptional five-star boutique hotel, with luxury in every detail, guests are ensured a world-class experience from the moment they arrive. Feel at home in the undeniably timeless hotel with every modern touch imaginable.
The Alphen Boutique Hotel & Spa boasts 18 designer suites, overlooking the magnificent, sprawling gardens and surrounding nature; the perfect juxtaposition to the modern, crisp interiors. Original buildings, doors and fireplaces from centuries past are complemented with heated pool, lush lawns, a tranquil spa and three restaurants; Cape Town doesn’t get any more tasteful or timeless than this.
Hotels Franschhoek/ Stellenbosch
Part of The Royal Portfolio, La Residence is the finest hotel in Franschhoek. “It is surrounded by Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz vineyards, olive groves and plum orchards, with a spectacular mountain backdrop and breath-taking views of the undulating countryside.
Be transported to a world of exquisite beauty, opulence and complete tranquillity at this luxury Franschhoek hotel.”
My thoughts: This place, what can I say… Probably my favourite hotel I have ever stayed in and also Elton John’s favourite hotel in South Africa and I can see why. The staff, the food, the ambience, our room, everything… We arrived to staff waiting outside and greeting us which was a really nice touch as we felt at home straight away. If you are visiting Franschhoek, you must stay here!
My thoughts: We had an incredible suite here with our own private pool and we loved it! Such gorgeous views of the mountains and the area. The only thing is so many people had mentioned how good the food was here but unfortunately we found the food really poor and actually not enjoyable. Chefs have changed which is probably one of the reasons but I do recommend staying here, I just think there is better places to book lunch/dinner if you are recommended to dine here.
“Mont Rochelle is a stunning 26-bedroom hotel and vineyard just under an hour’s drive from Cape Town in the town of Franschhoek in South Africa. Franschhoek is a traditional vineyard town in the Western Cape Province famously known as the French Corner of the Cape and is considered to be the food and wine capital of South Africa owned by Sir Richard Branson.”
Our thoughts: Really great location and probably the nicest staff we encountered on the whole trip. You are right next to the wine tram so it’s a great hotel if you want to stay in the heart of Franschhoek.
Stellenbosch Manor is a beautiful Victorian gem which is situated within walking distance from the Stellenbosch city centre, university, sports facilities, schools, restaurants, tourist attractions and the botanic gardens. It is the ideal place to stay if you want to explore Stellenbosch, Cape Town, the winelands and do some whale watching in Hermanus which is a mere hours drive from Stellenbosch and if you’re a golfer, there are many first class courses within 30 minutes.
Hotels Hermanus
Part of The Royal Portfolio, Birkenhead House sets the standard for luxury hotels in Hermanus. With its exhilarating cliff-top position overlooking the whale watching paradise of Walker Bay, Birkenhead House provides luxury accommodation for those seeking time out to relax and recharge body and mind. Watch surfers carving through the waves and, for several months each year, witness Southern Right and Humpback Whales breaching just metres from the shore.”
My thoughts: If you are visiting Hermanus, you must stay here. We literally didn’t leave the hotel for our stay here except to go down to the beach. All your meals are included in your stay here and so is your laundry!!! The food here is incredible with a daily changing menu and the chef is so passionate about what he does. Everyone who works here is so friendly and we loved our stay here.
Restaurants Cape Town
Below are the restaurants that you must try visit on your trip to Cape Town!
“The eatery takes on modern industrial elegance, where natural materials add a touch of cosiness. A space people from all walks of life to feel comfortable and inspired.”
Tip: If they have the crayfish definitely order it!
“As you ascend the winding road on Silvermist estate, time seems to slow down. At each bend, as the city tilts away beneath you, you rise to new heights of quiet anticipation.
There’s a reason you feel this way – you’re on top of a mountain and about to dine at La Colombe, 2019 Eat Out Restaurant of the Year and no stranger to S.Pellegrino’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants”
Tip: Definitely visit this restaurant during your stay, fine dining at it’s best and one of the top restaurants in the world.
A Neoteric Japanese-African Restaurant
“At FYN, South Africa’s wild freedom is tempered by the rigours of contemporary cuisine to create a restaurant at the edge. Check your assumptions with your coats and join us on a journey of flavour discovery.”
Tip: Do the wine pairing as they are matched perfectly with the food- an amazing experience
The most popular restaurant in Camps bay for over 20 years
“We Have An Amazing Extravaganza Of Fresh Fish, Delectable Shellfish And Delicious, Innovative Sushi. The Freshness Quality And Variety Is Spectacular – Prawns, Oysters, Langoustines And Crayfish, Tender Falkland’s Calamari And Huge Variety Of The Freshest Linefish.”
Tip: Try get a seat over by the window and if you are ordering white wine get the Hamilton Russel Chardonnay or the Eklipta for red.
“Working with Chef Nate Coe, Liam Tomlin has built a contemporary Indian restaurant around the concept of ‘thali’.
Traditionally, ‘thali’ is a complete meal consisting of 10 or more regional Indian dishes.
This eating style adapts itself to the Chefs Warehouse model perfectly and allows us to take guests on an aromatic journey through our interpretation of the cooking of the subcontinent.”
Tip: Go around 5.30pm so you are not waiting a long time, the restaurant takes no bookings
“Ingredients are sourced from a selection of small, sustainable local suppliers with a focus on marine produce, a homage to the ocean that gently enfolds this exceptional boutique hotel at the foot of Chapman’s Peak Drive.”
Tip: Book ahead- the views are incredible and take a drive along Chapman’s Peake where it’s located for sunset- breathtaking views.
Restaurants Franschhoek
“Chef David Schneider joins Liam Tomlin in transporting Chefs Warehouse’s style of casual fine-dining to a refined country setting.
Maison, on the edge of the historic Franschhoek Village offers a contemporary set-menu lunch or dinner. It’s a riff on traditional tasting menus and small-plate sharing experiences, served in four courses.”
Tip: Get the summer rolls & the oysters they are the best I have ever had!
“Housed in the old cow shed, Babel Restaurant is a wonderful mix of Cape Dutch architecture and contemporary glass walls that makes for a simple yet edgy environment in which to try our tasty yet often unconventional combinations.
We have a farm-to-fork philosophy which means we like to serve food that is seasonal and that reflects our “pick, clean and serve” approach.”
Tip: Book in advance and give yourself time here
“A farm environment has been part of La Colombe’s DNA since its inception and with the setting of Leeu Estates in Franschhoek being the epitome of ‘location with a sense of place’, La Petite Colombe is now nestled in an outstandingly beautiful venue, in the midst of vineyards and manicured landscapes, offering views of the Franschhoek Valley and the Franschhoek Pass”
“Ōku Franschhoek’s first Asian eatery
The two acclaimed chefs, with over 30 years of hospitality experience, are pooling their culinary prowess to create Franschhoek’s first South East Asian eatery.”
“Protégé is an exciting new casual fine dining eatery under the guidance of previous Eat Out Chef of the Year, La Colombe’s Scot Kirton”
Restaurants Stellenbosch
It wasn’t great for restaurants in Stellenbosch but one of our favourites and must-try is The Fat Bucher
Tip: If you can get the roast chicken, I know it’s a steak restaurant and the steak is incredible, but the roast chicken gravy is out of this world! I asked for the recipe and it had over 20 ingredients in it! We came a few times! Best casual restaurant in Stellenbosch hands down. Book in advance.
Wineries to try
“Award-winning wine and food experiences, a rich heritage & spectacular natural landscapes.”
Tip: If you are on the wine tram, give yourself at least 80 minutes here or you will be really rushed.
“Mont Rochelle is a stunning 26-bedroom hotel and vineyard just under an hour’s drive from Cape Town in the town of Franschhoek in South Africa. Franschhoek is a traditional vineyard town in the Western Cape Province famously known as the French Corner of the Cape and is considered to be the food and wine capital of South Africa.”
Tip: Order the MIKO wine
“Our farm was established in the Franschhoek Valley in 1694 by French Huguenot, Pierre Jourdan.
Founded on the values of family, community and sharing, the von Arnim family of Haute Cabrière has been artfully harnessing the unique terroir (sun, soil and vine conditions) of the Franschhoek Valley since the property was bought in 1982.”
Tip: My favourite winery- do the Pinot Noir flight- only £5 and so worth it! Best rosé I had in South Africa.
“Through their extraordinary collaboration and unrivalled artworks, Pigcasso and Joanne Lefson aim to create an awakened connection between our food, animals and climate change in order to inspire a kinder, more sustainable world.”
“Vrede en Lust origins back to 1688 when the then Governor of the Cape allocated this 66ha farm to the Flemish merchant, Jacques de Savoye, who fled Europe due to religious persecution.
During the last 329 years, the estate had many ups and downs with various owners. Vrede en Lust had always been a wine farm and current vineyards reflect the plantings of 1745.”
“The ultimate Cape Winelands experience, Delaire Graff is dedicated to beauty in its many forms.
Much like polishing a diamond to reveal its brilliance, jeweller Laurence Graff has transformed an extraordinary natural setting into a world-class destination for wine, art, cuisine and escape from the everyday.”
“Babylonstoren is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, set at the foot of Simonsberg in the Franschhoek wine valley.
It has a fruit and vegetable garden of beauty and diversity, unique accommodation, fine food and wine, and evokes a sense of wellbeing.”
“Sitting in the magnificent Franschhoek Valley in South Africa’s Western Cape, her lush vines spread across 47-acres with gentle vistas over the valley floor, with the rugged mountains beyond.
This is heartland South African wine country at its very finest.”
“Waterford Estate is situated in the picturesque Blaauwklippen Valley, in the world-renowned Stellenbosch region. We believe in the old adage of ‘less is more’.
For this reason we have also chosen to use only half of the total 120 hectares of our land for the planting of vines in order to preserve and protect the natural fauna and flora on the Estate.”
“Situated in the foothills of Stellenbosch’s iconic Simonsberg Mountain, Warwick’s terroir offers the perfect confluence of elements to grow grapes of consistently outstanding quality”
Other activities to do
Climb Lion’s Head
Lion’s Head is a mountain in Cape Town. It peaks at 669 metres above sea level. It will take you about 1 hour and 45 to complete but it is worth it!
Climb Table Mountain
Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town in South Africa
You can climb up and get the cable cart down or get the cable cart up and down.
Kayak with The Penguins
One of my favourite activities, kayaking over to Boulders Beach and seeing the penguins in their natural habitat.
Visit Clifton 4th Beach
One of South Africa’s most popular beaches, Clifton 4th makes up one of the 4 beaches found in the Clifton area
Visit the V&A
“The V&A Waterfront is a 123-hectare mixed-use development, which caters to both local and international visitors, offering everything from residential to commercial property, hotels, retail districts, extensive dining, leisure and entertainment facilities.”
Swim in Dalebrook Tidal pools
Located in Kalk Bay, Dalebrook Tidal Pools is one of the most loved tidal pools in the area.
