Ellerman House
Cape Town, South Africa
Bantry Bay
Vibe
Terraced gardens slope toward the Atlantic, where an Edwardian mansion pairs a massive South African art collection with cliffside sunset views.
“Cliffside art heirloom”
A sculptural wine gallery with a carbon-fibre corkscrew rack, curated contemporary galleries, and modernist glass-walled ocean villas.
Private airport pickups, customized room provisions, an all-day guest pantry, and attentive residential-style hosting across thirteen rooms.
Curated private tours through a thousand-piece South African art collection, paired with sommelier tastings of Cape vintages.
On the cliffside slopes of Lion's Head in residential Bantry Bay, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
“It’s almost a century old now, and looks every bit as old as it is — which ... is a sure-fire way to distance yourself from the crowd.”
Rooms
Rooms in the historic house feature original South African artwork and heated floors, opening onto private terraces overlooking the Atlantic.
“Surrounded by bold artwork inside and magnificent ocean views outside, guests are never quite sure where to direct their gaze…”
Wellness
A heated lap pool rests on the lower ocean lawn, complemented by a sauna, steam room, and an open-air yoga deck.
Backstory
Built in 1906 for shipping magnate Sir John Ellerman, the seaside residence was restored in 1992 to house a landmark private art collection.
Eat & drink
Sip cocktails at Bar Roc, taste Cape vintages in the Wine Gallery, and graze from a complimentary round-the-clock pantry baked daily.
The neighborhood
Set along the residential cliffs of Lion's Head, the retreat sits minutes from the granite boulders and white sands of Clifton.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.