Lakeside Cape Town, South Africa
Renovated
2016
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe WellnessOutside the door
Eclectic hillside manor
The mustard-hued manor runs like an intimate private estate, filled with global antiques and looking out across False Bay.
What it’s good at
Listed
Eight suites themed from Chinese lacquer to Moroccan decor, filled with global antiques.
Listed
A twelve-unit energy enhancement system and rooftop massages beneath a Bedouin tent.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Colona Castle is a Tuscan-style villa, an intimate eight-room hideaway, high on a hillside, affording panoramic views of the mountains, the lake district, Cape Town’s city lights and the Atlantic coastline.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Old Boyes Drive winds along the hillside outside, looking down over Zandvlei Lake toward the beaches of False Bay.
The rooms
Suites carry distinct global themes, from Chinese lacquer cabinets under beamed ceilings to Moroccan furnishings.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The terrace pool looks out across Zandvlei Lake toward the mountains, filled with filtered alkaline water.
At the table
Breakfast arrives on the balustrade terrace overlooking Zandvlei Lake. Evening meals use organic produce from the Western Cape.
How it began
Scottish physician Dr. Munro Grier built the turreted mansion in 1928, styling it after the highland estates of his homeland.
Cape Town
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.