Situated in the heart of Bantry Bay (one of Cape Town’s most exclusive neighborhoods), Ellerman House, Member of Relais & Châteaux, is an elegant mansion just ten minutes away from the city center and within walking distance of Clifton and Camps Bay beaches. Whether you choose the luxurious atmosphere of Ellerman House or the modern-art-gallery style of its two three-bedroom villas, you will fall under the spell of an address that lets you relish all the pleasures of Cape Town. Enjoy dining on gourmet cuisine, tasting fine vintage wines, and surveying the impressive private art collection; plus, the ocean view is spectacular!

Essential Info:

Property Size: 13 rooms + 2 villas

Room Style: Earthy Classic

Vibe: Sophisticated Gentry

Dress Code: Weekend Chic

Key Features: Epic Views, Cape Town, Cultural Immersion

Key Amenities: Pool, Spa

Restaurant Style: Gourmet food & wine

Best time to Go: May to Sep

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Price point: Special occasion splurge ($$$$)

Perfect For: Elegant couples looking for a romantic perch by the sea

HV Verdict: Unique experience worth the journey (and money)

What Works:

Almost everything at Ellerman House works effortlessly, from the seamless and attentive service to the late afternoon cocktail service on the terrace around the pool. The Edwardian mansion is a bastion of culture and elegance, filled with antique and art, and the extraordinary location and view cannot be overstated.

What Doesn’t:

The small size of the property is well suited to an intimate escape for couples, but anyone looking for a more lively atmosphere will need to look elsewhere. The location makes for incredible views, but you're on the edge of Cape Town, not in the middle of it, so better suited to a stay at the end of your journey rather than the beginning (because you won’t want to leave the pool terrace or your rooms).

Insiders tip:

This property has two impressive collections - the art collection is outstanding, capturing the true spirit of South African art and exploring the cultural and social shifts of South Africa's evolution, and the 7500-bottle collection of South African vintage wines offers an interactive, experiential journey into the world of wine.

The Terrain

Overview

With 13 rooms and suites, two ultra-modern villas and a tranquil spa, Ellerman House is the quintessential urban retreat for discerning luxury travellers wanting complete exclusivity and privacy in Cape Town. Located in Bantry Bay, the hotel offers spectacular Atlantic Ocean views and easy access to beaches and local attractions. Highlights include the owner’s extensive South African art collection and the Ellerman House Wine Gallery, offering an interactive wine experience amid a vast collection of South African vintage wines. Modern, locally inspired cuisine, generous-hearted hospitality and a tailor-made concierge service enhance a world-class guest experience that remains authentically South African.