Sea Five

Cape Cod meets the Med in Cape Town: a simply scrumptious boutique hotel overlooking breezy and beautiful Camps Bay

One of South Africa’s top interior designers - Francois du Plessis - has put his stamp on Sea Five with a stimulating mix of cool blue Mediterranean colours and warm African earth tones. The main floor is a large airy space with a sitting area of comfy cream sofas and a smart bar decked with lilies; sliding glass doors lead onto a terrace of wicker chairs and a slender pool. The feel is relaxed, sophisticated and fresh, and the clean, uncluttered lines extend to the 6 rooms above, which include a magnificent 2-bedroom penthouse on the whole second floor with sweeping views of both the mountains behind and the ocean in front.

The restaurants and shops of trendy Camps Bay are a short walk away, although the hotel will provide breakfast and can arrange light lunches. Evening sundowners by the bar shouldn’t be missed - the sunsets over the bay are brilliant and it’s a chance to meet the other guests, friendly and young, like Sea Five itself.

Highs

• Location: you're on a peaceful residential street but only minutes from the beach and Camps Bay's restaurants
• Rooms are lovely and luxurious, and all have a private outdoor terrace with loungers
• Friendly and professional staff who blend into the background but emerge when you need them
• Excellent homemade breakfasts plus complimentary afternoon tea and free bar snacks at sunset cocktail hour
• The well-stocked and regularly replenished minibar is included in your room rate (beers, wine, spirits, soft drinks and lovely snacks; ask the bar for ice)

Lows

• There are no lifts and lots of stairs
• The terraces in some rooms can become intensely sun-baked and they don’t have umbrellas
• Pretty expensive but totally worth the money
• There isn’t a traditional reception desk like most hotels, but this is in keeping with the chilled ‘beach house’ vibe