Cape View Clifton
Cape Town

In a city of Instagram-worthy views, the boutique Cape View Clifton can boast one of the most spectacular settings. Looking over the expanse of Clifton and Camps Bay, the ever-changing Atlantic Ocean, the Twelve Apostles and the iconic Table Mountain in the distance, the hotel is justly proud of its vistas. We recommend taking one of the rooms with a jacuzzi on a private balcony to watch the sunset – the orange glow lighting up the Twelve Apostles before slowly fading to black as the twinkling lights of the city take over is a sublime experience. It is one of the best places to get a wide view of the Twelve Apostles – worth a stay just for that.

Just off the Kloof Road, Cape View is as unassuming as it is intimate. The 7 suites are built into the cliff and have the air of a sophisticated beach house; think white and pale blue soft furnishings, taupe carpets and chrome hardware. The rooms can feel slightly on the tight side, but the expansive views almost make up for that. Sink into crisp white linens in rooms that have floor to ceiling sliding doors – maximising your chance to enjoy the view. Breakfast is another highlight with perhaps the best Eggs Benedict in the Cape which can be enjoyed in the communal drawing room or out on the terrace. There is also an open fridge with snacks available throughout the day.

For a chilled stay, the decking is great for sunbathing and the beaches of Clifton are a short 5min drive away. The more adventurous guests can take advantage of the many gorgeous hikes that surround Cape Town (hiking up Lion’s Head at Full Moon or sunrise comes highly recommended). Breakfast is included at the Cape View Clifton and if one of the Cape’s many delicious eateries doesn’t take your fancy (very unlikely!) it is possible to arrange a small meal to be made in advance for you in the evenings.

If luxury beach house vibes are what you are after and the energy of central Cape Town doesn’t grab you, then a stay at Cape View Clifton is a great choice.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson