The Mother City continues to shine after being named Time Out’s annual ‘Best Cities in the World’. With countless attractions available, I share a few of my favourite new highlights from Cape Town.
Wellness: One & Only Spa
Have you ever found yourself gazing up at the stars, blissfully immersed in a sense of escape? Cape Town’s One & Only enhances that experience with a no-expense-spared renovation of their spa – now embracing the theme ‘Stardust’ and offering a stellar experience.
Start by crossing a bridge over the waterfront canal to a private island – complete with all the expected island features: enticing pools, lush vegetation, and an abundance of escape vibes – and then into the spa. My top-rated treatment is the ‘Essence of Cape Town’, a signature African treatment using indigenous plants. It begins with an invigorating sea salt scrub, followed by a seaweed wrap, then by a stimulating scalp massage and a warmed seashell massage.
Pre- and post-treatment relaxation includes access to thermal suites (separate for men and women), featuring aroma-steam rooms, saunas, bubbling vitality pools, and cooling ice fountains. The indoor relaxation area offers loungers and a selection of healthy or indulgent drinks and snacks (including the delightful One & Only Cap Classique Brut). Outside, the spa garden and island pool round off the island indulgence and sensory splendour.
Dine: Rooi
Since you’re already on the resort’s grounds, why not also check out the new star on Cape Town’s culinary scene? ROOI is One & Only’s new restaurant – paying homage to South African flame-cooked dishes and the rich flavours of South African cuisine.
The journey begins in the spacious and creatively designed dining room with the arrival of the bubbly trolley. Next is a choice of nine unique cocktails, each representing a different province with ingredients native to that region. The extensive selection of grilled meals – featuring aged mutton and an 800-gram T-bone – are definite highlights. From the breadbasket with biltong-dusted butter to the Saturday live band and the warm, engaging staff, ROOI is a must-visit for both visitors and locals alike.
Stay: Kyanos
Cape Town boasts an abundance of cosy accommodations, so enhance your stay with something truly special. First among my new favourites is the brand-new and stunning Kyanos. With a prime beachfront location on Cape Town’s desirable strip, it offers ocean tranquillity accompanied by Camps Bay luxury.
Kyanos is a two-bedroom apartment situated on the 5th floor, featuring an ocean theme throughout, complemented by surfboards, abstract marine artwork, and gently pebbled shower floors. Every shade of coral and light blue accents the apartment, which includes three dining spaces, a fully equipped kitchen, and two bathrooms.
The crowning glory of the apartment is undoubtedly the veranda, offering captivating Atlantic views – we hardly left the couch, except for brief dips in the ocean below. All the Camps Bay restaurants are just a two-minute walk away. We were impressed by the lush interiors and beach views from the family-owned Mantra Café, rented bicycles for a coastal ride with Up Cycles, and indulged in the iconic high tea served at the 12 Apostles Hotel.
The home is managed by the property company Nox Cape Town, and as local experts, they provide a comprehensive concierge service to arrange everything for your Cape Town stay, including reservations, stocking your fridge before arrival, or hiring a private chef. Days before arrival, a WhatsApp message delivers all the information you need, with a team available to answer any questions.
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Stay: Lobster Villa
A few streets up in the prestigious Camps Bay, another new favourite is the extraordinary Lobster Villa, undoubtedly one of Cape Town’s most uniquely designed and perfectly located villas. This family-friendly villa features six bedrooms, three lounges, and a bar, all spanning four levels, ultimately cascading into the outdoor space complete with a deck designed for entertaining, a garden, and a 25m swimming pool!
Accommodating up to 14 guests, I invited three families with children to join me, and Lobster Villa proved to be a haven for both adults and kids alike. At any given moment, our group was spread across the four levels of Lobster Villa. The three sets of kids, unfamiliar with each other at first, quickly found a safe space in the villa and as a bubble of laughter, exploring the endless spaces. With six rooms and several lounges, there was also plenty of room for retreat when needed.
A stay here comes with all the usual support from the Nox Cape Town and Lobster Villa team, which includes a host and two housekeepers who magically restored the villa to perfection each day while preparing sumptuous breakfasts. Both services were very welcomed by parents seeking a little reprieve. The bar fridge was stocked with complimentary soft drinks and reasonably priced wine, toys were provided for children, sparing parents the hassle of traveling with them, and flowers arrived for one guest’s birthday… a host of thoughtful touches adding up to make a big difference for our unforgettable stay.
Jared Ruttenberg
Jared Ruttenberg is a travel writer from Cape Town, South Africa. He enjoys connecting people and experiences through words, images and social media.
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