10 Romantic Hotels in Cape Town and the Winelands you ought to visit

Everyone’s idea of a romantic weekend away is different. Some would love nothing more than to escape the big city lights and head as far into the mountains as possible. Whilst others are thrilled by the idea of luxurious spoils close to the goings-on of urban life. Whatever your preference, here’s our take on some of the most romantic hotels in Cape Town and the nearby Winelands.

Tintswalo Atlantic- Camps Bay

If you are looking for a secluded spot that offers tranquility and the crisp smell of the sea breeze, but like the idea of being close to city wanderings and festive markets, then Tintswalo Atlantic is the perfect place.

Situated on the lip of the Atlantic, Tintswalo has an exquisite ocean setting, with the scenic Chapmans Peak Drive above and views over Hout Bay towards the towering peak of The Sentinel.

If you aren’t completely blown away by the setting (hardly possible!), then the luxurious suites should do it. They are individually decorated to mimic the aesthetics of various well-known islands around the world. Who needs to travel to the island of Madeira when you can sleep in a perfectly replicated room whilst whale-watching from your private deck?

If you’re a bit of a foodie you’ll also love their cuisine and the interactive kitchen. It allows you to join the chef in the kitchen, trying your hand at creating a new dish. Quite a romantic activity, don’t you think? For more info see our detailed write up here.

Clarendon – Bantry Bay

Untainted class and beach-side charm. That is what you’ll get if you choose to stay at this luxurious boutique hotel loftily perched above the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean in Bantry Bay. If you are searching for a place to spoil your partner, look no further!

Although the cityscape is in view, you just need to take one glance at the turquoise bay and you’ll be at peace. A moment in your beautifully decorated room, with its contemporary mix of classic design and local flavour, will also do the trick.

If you’ve been told of the relentless wind in Cape Town, you’ll be pleased to know that the Clarendon Bantry Bay is both shielded from the winds and also within minutes of the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain, Camps Bay and Clifton beaches, and the cosmopolitan city centre with its shops and restaurants.

Want to know more? See our page on this gem here. 

Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa – Cape Peninsula

Do you love complete luxury? Spectacular ocean views, word-class spa treatments, deliciously prepared cuisine, relaxation like none other, and watching movies on a big screen? Believe it or not, such a place does exist! It is none other than the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa. There are so many unique features at this intimate and lavish spot that it is difficult to fault.

The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa backs onto the Table Mountain range, making you feel like you’re on the edge of the world. You can walk the wilderness trails in their mountain nature reserve. Relax in the indigenous fynbos garden perched above the ocean or enjoy the secluded jacuzzi and heated pools.

The Sanctuary Spa offers a full range of treatments. It includes hydrotherapy options with loads of extras like a brine pool, sauna, various jacuzzis, rasoul chamber, and steam rooms. A fitness room with a range of cardio and weight machines completes the picture.

Unwind in the Leopard bar before dinner at the Azure Restaurant, which offers an innovative Fynbos-inspired tasting menu. Or check out their 16-seater private movie theatre, complete with milkshakes and a popcorn machine on hand.

Who needs to be sophisticated all the time? All you need to say to your partner is, “Honey, do you really love me?” If they do, they’ll know where to make a booking! You can find all the juicy details here.

Last Word Long Beach – Cape Peninsula

Imagine waking up in a gloriously comfortable bed, walking out onto your private patio, and looking out at 8 kilometers of unspoilt powderey white sand. Sound like the ideal romantic hideaway to you? Although it might sound like a secluded tropical island hideaway, it lies somewhere between private haven and bustling city.  The Last Word Long Beach is right on the beach in the picturesque lobster-fishing village of Kommetjie on the Cape Peninsula. Yet it lies only a short 40 minute drive from the centre of Cape Town.

Choose one of their six beautifully decorated and ultra-luxurious rooms which all face the sea. The view is so captivating that they have made sure you can still see it from the bathroom! If you can tear yourself away from this haven, you can laze in the sun on the beach, go for a surf, ride a horse, or do some bird or whale watching. You also have the rare opportunity to catch your own lobster and request it for dinner!

Those who consider breakfast one of the best meals of the day will certainly salivate over this breakfast menu with its wide variety of interesting dishes on offer. There are very few hotels in Cape Town that lead straight onto the beach. So, if this appeals to you, The Last Word Long Beach is for you. It is also perfect for newly weds or couples wanting a romantic time away.

If this has awakened your appetite, read more on our page here.

The Marly- Camps Bay

If you’re seeking the perfect balance between luxury and being in the heart of the action, The Marly delivers exactly that. This sophisticated 38-room boutique hotel sits right on Camps Bay’s buzzing beachfront strip, making it ideal for active romantics or those who love to be close to adventure and excitement.

Taking its name from Chateau de Marly, built for the leisure activities of Louis XIV, The Marly is elevated above the vibrant Camps Bay Beach strip and celebrates sophisticated design with beachfront living.

Step out of the hotel and you’re instantly immersed in Camps Bay’s electric atmosphere – world-class restaurants, trendy bars, and the famous white sandy beach are all on your doorstep. The Deluxe Sea Facing Suites offer spacious accommodation with large balconies complete with jacuzzi, outdoor shower, and marvellous ocean views. Imagine sipping champagne in your private hot tub while watching the sunset paint the Atlantic in golden hues.

The crown jewel is the rooftop pool that displays 360-degree views of Cape Town’s most iconic landmarks, offering a peaceful area to soak up the summer without forgoing any of the views or action. It’s arguably one of the best rooftop experiences in the city, giving you sweeping views over the famous Camps Bay beach with the dramatic Twelve Apostles mountains as your backdrop.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or want to be at the centre of Cape Town’s most vibrant neighbourhood, The Marly offers luxury where the energy of Camps Bay meets five-star sophistication.

Itching to know more? Visit our page about The Marly  here.

Kensington Place – Cape Town Centre

“I can order breakfast, all day?” That most certainly appeals to me! Of course, Kensington Place has a lot more to offer. This urban retreat is a real spoil for couples in search of a touch of luxury and peace just minutes away from the buzz of the city.

Kensington Place is situated on the slopes of Table Mountain, overlooking the Mother City. For the perfect city-romance, book into one of their eight suites. Each room is an extraordinary blend of contemporary European décor and African art and textiles.

Enjoy exploring Kloof Street and other cultural and culinary wonders of the city. It’s a mere stroll from the action in Cape Town’s city bowl. The charming Provencal-style garden, with a secluded pool and deck, offers peace and tranquility whenever you feel like escaping the humming city below.

To find out more about this inner-city treasure, read our page here.

Steenberg Hotel – Constantia

Fancy staying at South Africa’s oldest wine farm in the prestigious Constantia Valley, perfectly positioned for golfers and spa enthusiasts? Steenberg Hotel & Spa is set on the wine estate backing onto Table Mountain, featuring one of the finest Cape Dutch houses dating from 1682.

This boutique hotel offers 24 elegant rooms built around an exquisite Cape Dutch Manor House, combining Food and Wine, Spa – do rmeber to book your treatment in advance!- and world,class Golf. Premier rooms offer contemporary luxury with private patios, whilst Heritage Suites provide the ultimate in stylish living.

The grounds feature a large swimming pool, the popular Gingko Spa offering a full range of treatments, and a championship 18-hole golf course with special rates for hotel guests.

The location is ideal – Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are 10 minutes away, Constantia’s wine estates are on your doorstep, and Cape Point is easily accessible. Award-winning dining at Catharina’s Restaurant completes this exceptional wine farm experience tucked away in one of the most scenic areas of the Cape.

Have a closer look on our page here.

Now for a few romantic lodges that stand out in the Cape Winelands …

Hawksmoor House – Winelands

Some couples would happily trade the traffic lights and noisy restaurants for a peaceful, romantic weekend away. Situated in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, Hawksmoor House offers you just that! Set amidst rolling vineyards with spectacular views of Table Mountain, this original Cape Dutch wine farm is picturesque and serene in every way.

The 16 rooms all have contemporary touches with silver-painted bedposts and old chairs covered with beautiful fabrics. This is a working farm. The grounds are laid out to gardens complete with a pond, lavender beds, and vegetable, rose and herb gardens to wander through.

If a gorgeous wine cellar, wine tasting and a cosy fireplace make you weak at the knees, then you’ll love what they have on offer here.

Hawksmoor is just 15 minutes from Stellenbosch and 25 minutes from Cape Town and Franschhoek. So it is a great base from which to explore the winelands and the buzzing city. For a sophisticated and romantic, yet ultra-relaxed country home feel, you cannot go wrong!

Have a look at the details on our page on Hawksmoor House here.

Babylonstoren – Winelands

Babylonstoren Hotel and Wine Estate is something quite special. Set in the heart of the Cape Winelands, this beautiful winelands farm is perfect for a romantic or restorative break.

Some of the existing farm buildings have been transformed into sophisticated guest suites. These cottages are a perfect blend of history and contemporary design. It’s definitely worth mentioning that all suites have access to a massive outdoor swimming pool, made from the original farm dam. There’s also a hot spa area that includes a salt room, sauna and hot pool.

A lovely feature of being on a working farm is that there is so much fresh produce around. A formal-French 8-hectare garden, with giant orange pumpkins, yellow citrus orchards, scented herb beds, a block of mulberries, and bright vegetables, lies in front of you.

If you prefer to sit back and forget about food preparations, then their acclaimed restaurant, Babel, is your go-to. There, you can treat yourself to all of their fantastic foods. It is open on selected days and a supper platter or gourmet pizzas are on offer on other evenings.

If this has wet your appetite, see all the details on our page here.

Le Quartier Francais – Winelands

Fancy staying at one of South Africa’s most celebrated boutique hotels in the heart of Franschhoek, the gourmet capital of the Winelands? Le Quartier Français combines ‘Cape Provencal’ style with supremely comfortable accommodation, offering easy access to boutiques, cafés and galleries.

Set around a garden with a central swimming pool, this boutique hotel offers spacious rooms and suites with modern fittings, vibrant colours and hand-painted fabrics. The Four Quarters Suites provide the ultimate luxury with their own private courtyard, pool and butler service.

What truly sets Le Quartier apart is its culinary reputation. The Tasting Room is widely recognised as one of the best restaurants in Africa, offering exceptional tasting menus with specially paired wines. You can also enjoy casual fine dining at Protégé or intimate dining at Épice.

The location means plenty to do within walking distance – explore Franschhoek’s quaint shops and art galleries, indulge in wine tastings at nearby wineries, or simply soak up the atmosphere of this charming French Huguenot village.

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“10 Romantic Hotels in Cape Town and the Winelands you ought to visit” was written by Cedarberg Africa

Cedarberg Africa is a travel and safari company specializing in Southern and East African tailor-made itineraries. As we have special rates with all the hotels and game lodges, booking through us will cost no more than booking direct, and sometimes less. So our expertise and knowledge comes at no extra cost to you!

Feel free to contact us if you want us to plan a special romantic getaway.