Cape Town, South AfricaGardens
Kensington Place
Intimate Higgovale villa
Gardens Cape Town, South Africa
Renovated
2012
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe LocalOutside the door
Intimate Higgovale villa
Eight suites make this hillside villa feel like an attentive private residence sheltered beneath Table Mountain.
“Extremely private, behind high walls, yet surrounded by natural beauty—tantalizing glimpses of the sky, Table Mountain or Lion’s Head from every room.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Solid timber floors and contemporary South African art across eight owner-styled suites.
Notable
All-day cooked breakfasts served on private balconies, with staff arranging local reservations.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
just eight suites, in a magazine-ready contemporary-luxe style, with all the bells and whistles, including sprawling king beds and decadent bathrooms complete with custom-made tubs and heated marble floors.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Table Mountain rises directly behind the garden, and the dining spots along Kloof Street sit a short walk downhill.
1 of 4
The rooms
Suites open onto private balconies facing the mountain or city, with heated marble floors and custom tubs inside.
The plunge pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A rectangular plunge pool sits on a timber sundeck in the courtyard garden, flanked by curtained daybeds.
Restaurant
The Kitchen
Seasonal South African dishes are served under a vine-draped pergola on the garden terrace throughout the day.
At the table
Inside, dinner tables face a blue-lit cocktail bar pouring regional wines from across the Western Cape.
How it began
The property began as a private family home before owner Chris Weir converted it into an eight-room hotel.
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.