The decidedly urban vibe of the One & Only is offset by the omnipresent presence of the lofty silhouette of Table Mountain and the shifting shades of the Atlantic. Set on the marina, several storeys high, the hotel also makes the most of two manmade islands. One accommodates an ESPA spa, the other a series of swanky suites. The sum total is a glitzy and simultaneously reassuring base for forays into Cape Town and beyond.
The V&A Waterfront is literally on the doorstep, with all its myriad shops, ships, restaurants and bars, although dining at the One & Only is worth staying in for, with a Nobu able to rely on the freshest seafood, a bistro, and a bar with a perfectly framed poster view of Table Mountain. Both food and wine are a fine art here, and tours to explore the vineyards are available. In between the deluxe rooms with flourishes of African colour and flair, and a stunning pool provide relaxation in style.