Gardens Cape Town, South Africa
Opened
1899
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Heritage ClassicOutside the door
The house
BelmondBlush pink garden salon
Nine acres of historic rose gardens and manicured lawns unfold beneath Table Mountain, operating as Cape Town's grand social anchor.
“Glamour and elegance of a bygone era make this blush-hued beauty a fetching retreat.”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Chauffeured classic car touring and attentive poolside service across nine lush garden acres.
Exceptional
A Victorian landmark dating to 1899, painted blush pink in 1918 celebrating peace.
Exceptional
An unbroken afternoon tea tradition served by a tea sommelier beneath crystal chandeliers.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Five-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Eastern and Southern Africa
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in The 50 Discovery.
It’s set amidst nine acres of manicured gardens, ancient trees, and rolling lawns, and its seven historic wings frame spectacular views…
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Gates open directly onto the Company's Garden, with the lively cafes and boutiques of Kloof Street a short walk uphill.
The rooms
Restored garden cottages open onto private rose-lined terraces, framed by woven rugs and original architectural mouldings.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The spa and pools
Librisa Spa occupies restored Victorian houses. Outside, heated swimming pools sit beneath the steep face of Table Mountain.
Restaurant
The Lounge & Verandah
Pastry tiers and warm scones arrive on shaded verandah tables or beneath the lounge's classical colonnades.
A wide, palm-lined driveway leads past lush lawns and flower beds to the grand porticoed entrance.
At the table
Oasis Bistro serves lunches under fringed patio umbrellas, and underground Red Room mixes cocktails alongside pan-Asian plates.
How it began
Built in 1899 for shipping line passengers, the hotel was painted blush pink in 1918 to celebrate the end of World War I.
“the Belmond property's elegant gardens are a highlight. These pruned and plucked acres could be a Chelsea Flower Show transplant, offering an oasis of calm”
Good to know
Stay here
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel
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Cape Town
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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.