V&A Waterfront Cape Town, South Africa
Renovated
2023
Price
$$$$
Outside the door
The brand
One&OnlyWaterfront island redoubt
Triple-height lobby windows frame Table Mountain, while footbridges connect the bustling waterfront marina to two private palm-fringed islands.
“Much more of a resort than a city hotel, it has space in abundance and everything is dramatically scaled, including the reception lobby...”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Dedicated round-the-clock butlers attend every room with tailored aromatherapy turndowns and pillow menus.
Remarkable
A dedicated spa island houses hydrotherapy vitality pools and Bastien Gonzalez pedicure studios.
Remarkable
Two private islands host a heated infinity pool and paddleboarding along marina canals.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Eastern and Southern Africa
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
The location, first of all, is about as privileged as it gets, smack in the glitzy Waterfront area, with direct access to the shops and marina…
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The V&A Waterfront setting puts working harbour docks, craft markets, and the Two Oceans Aquarium within an easy stroll.
The rooms
Marina Rise rooms feature earthy tones, hand-carved kelp wood mirrors, and deep soaking tubs opening onto private waterway balconies.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Shaded cabanas line the heated island pool, and a rooftop plunge pool opens toward Table Mountain.
The spa
Treatment suites occupy a dedicated private island reached by footbridge, pairing indigenous botanical rituals with deep soaking tubs.
The gym and pavilion
Floor-to-ceiling windows line the fitness centre, looking past movement studios to reflective water gardens.
At the table
Vista Bar frames Table Mountain through triple-volume glass, and Isola serves wood-fired fare beside the island pool.
Though you’re just steps from the bustling South African metropolis, you’ll feel worlds away thanks to the waterways that snake around the property.
How it began
South African hotelier Sol Kerzner opened the urban resort in 2009 after insisting on sculpting two man-made islands into the marina.
Good to know
Stay here
One&Only 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.