Why Cape Town Is A Must-Visit Destination

The southernmost tip of Africa is one of the most magnificent parts of the world, a paradise full of exquisite scenery, beautiful beaches, two oceans – the icy Atlantic and the warmer Indian Ocean – and a wide variety of attractions to make any holiday-maker happy.

This is where Cape Town is located. They call it ‘the Fairest Cape’, and there’s a reason for this. It really is a magical city, with flat-topped Table Mountain looming over it. It stretches around the mountain, and wherever you are, there are often glimpses of sea and golden beaches, not to mention that iconic mountain as its beautiful backdrop. 

Not far from Cape Town on the other side of the mountain you’ll find fabulous beach towns worth spending time in, including Muizenberg with its colorful beach huts, Fish Hoek, Simon’s Town and Boulders Beach, where penguins reign supreme.

Spreading outwards from Cape Town are myriad other fabulous places to visit including the exquisite Cape Winelands in the interior and the West coast with its charming little villages, each with its own distinct personality. 

Before you start exploring, make sure to spend time getting to enjoy all that Cape Town has to offer. With azure summer skies flecked with white clouds ever-present, and an abundance of activities to choose from, from scouring markets to wine tastings, shopping for world class international fashion and dining on some of the best food this part of the world has to offer, Cape Town is a dream destination and a great place to enjoy a number of bucketlist adventures – ascend the mountain in the cable car for breathtaking views from the top, go shark diving and whale watching, commune with the penguins while soaking up the sun, ride an ostrich or enjoy a wildlife safari a few miles outside of the city. And that’s just a taste of what’s in store!

Where to stay

The Mount Nelson

The grandest of the grande dame hotels, called ‘The Nellie’ by the locals, is set right in the heart of South Africa’s Mother City, nestling in 9 acres of exquisite landscaped gardens on the slopes of Table Mountain. While the hotel is reminiscent of an elegant bygone era, with its exquisite fountains and two stunning heated pools, it still has one of the funkiest bars in the city, definitely the place to visit at cocktail hour. Best of all, the Nellie’s location is ideal, close to fabulous shops, restaurants, cafes and galleries, and a short ride to the trendy V&A Waterfront with its African market, entertainment and famous eateries. Take time out from Cape Town’s many attractions to enjoy the hotel’s excellent spa facilities and its famous High Tea, a tradition in Cape Town and a sumptuous treat.

The 12 Apostles

Situated in what feels like the middle of nowhere but actually just a short hop from the popular resort area of Camps Bay, this exclusive hotel is surrounded by nothing but azure sea and the Twelve Apostles Mountains, part of the iconic Table Mountain Reserve. A member of the international Red Carnations hotel group which is renowned for its superlative service, gourmet dining options and plush accommodation, this magnificent hotel offers all of that plus arguably the best views in the city. People come here to escape the madding crowd, but don’t despair – your luxury shuttle will take you to enjoy Cape Town’s many attractions and bright lights whenever you wish. On the premises itself are some unmatched offerings including a world class spa, an unsurpassed high tea experience and a gorgeous swimming pool to while away the hours when you’re not relaxing in your magnificent accommodation.

The Winchester 

With an ideal location right on Sea Point’s famous Promenade, superlative ocean views and a world of luxurious amenities, the newly refurbished The Winchester is an ideal accommodation choice. This Cape Town landmark is now even better looking than it was, but still boasts that inimitable cachet and an unsurpassed, timeless elegance. Known for its exceptional accommodation, dining options and style, this glorious establishment has local and international visitors flocking. In its latest iteration, the historic Dutch architecture is still evident inside and out, and the air of sophistication and romance still pervades. Featuring just 76 plush rooms and suites on three floors with mountain or sea views, The Winchester offers a choice of places to eat, all sought-after by visitors as well as residents, a concierge service, Wi-Fi, laundry and dry cleaning, secure parking and transfers to and from the airport, city and restaurants. Of course, Sea Point is abuzz and the promenade is a delightful place to stretch your legs and soak up the sea views. And that is all right on your doorstep.

The Silo

Part of the South African hotel group The Royal Portfolio, this eye-catching luxury hotel opened in 2017. Small and personal, with every luxury facility imaginable, The Silo is situated in what used to be the grain elevator of the historic grain silo building in Cape Town’s harbor which was originally built in 1924. It occupies six floors above a famous local attraction – the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA), a superb contemporary art museum. The hotel was decorated by its founder, Liz Biden and her husband, Phil, owners of the The Royal Portfolio. All the guest rooms offer awe-inspiring views and high ceilings and many feature pillowed window bays to enjoy the surroundings.

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat

Located just over 167 miles from Cape Town in the spectacular Cedarberg Mountains, this magnificent retreat offers superb opportunities to commune with nature. Nestling in 18,532.9 acres of a private nature reserve that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this natural paradise is the ideal base from which to explore the stunning surroundings. The retreat is close to a number of Bushman rock art sites worth exploring as well as some unique flora and fauna, making it a spectacular natural wonderland. On site is a superb healing spa where guests refresh and rejuvenate themselves and the legendary dishes prepared here are all created using the organic herbs and vegetables from the on-site vegetable garden. Aside from sumptuous accommodation and superb meals, the retreat offers a wide selection of exciting activities, including nature drives, trips to see Rock art, hiking, fly fishing, archery and canoeing. One can also venture further afield and go shark cage diving from Bushman’s Kloof.

What to do

When you’re not climbing Table Mountain, exploring the spectacular Cape Winelands to sample some of the best wine on the continent or visiting historic sights such as the Cape Castle, it’s a good idea to head for the V&A (Victoria & Alfred) Waterfront, which is home to some excellent hotels, great shops and restaurants as well as some famous sights. On the Waterfront, you’re in the heart of the action night and day, whether you’re looking for great entertainment or the opportunity to visit Cape Town’s world-famous Aquarium, the harbor itself, or watch seals frolic while you savor some seafood after a bout of retail therapy. You can also ride the Cape Wheel, an observation wheel with 30 enclosed air-conditioned cabins offering sweeping city, mountain and sea views.

There’s s much more, I haven’t even mentioned soaking up the sun on golden beaches, dining on gourmet fare or traveling to Cape Point, the southernmost tip of Africa. With so much to see and even more to do, it’s time you packed your bags and embarked on a bucketlist adventure.