Rates From: Single R1,300. Sharing R1,500.

Location: St James

Category: Guest House   (definitions)

Official Grading: 

Customer Rating:

95%

Redefining elite seaside holidays in Cape Town is five-star Rodwell House in the sun-soaked village of St James. It nestles between the Kalk Bay Mountains and False Bay, world famous for whale-watching, warm sea bathing and a sheltered Mediterranean climate.

Rodwell House is a place of spiritual influence with an ancient meridian line running through the property.

This is the kind of boutique hotel that would make Gatsby weak at the knees. Rodwell’s owner Robin is a CT and London financial entrepreneur, but as an avid collector of art and an enthusiast of greatest wines and fine food, the design and attention to detail is remarkably evident.

His personal mission is that Rodwell delights guests in an exclusive, stylish and luxurious manner.

His extensive South African Masters Art collection can be seen all over the house, including original pieces in the rooms.

The eight suites have been positioned so that you appreciate the sea, either from windows or private balcony. The modern, open-plan bathrooms are separated from the bedroom only by a risqué waist-high wall.

Calm, modern and sophisticated, these suites offer unrivalled space, with comfortable couches and chairs, fine finishes and extra length beds. The entire 2nd floor is set aside for guest bedrooms.

The first floor has wide welcoming terraces and public rooms including a formal drawing room, romantic dining room, library and sunroom to relax in.

Period fireplaces, teak panelling and a magnificent staircase, feature amongst the impeccable furnishings and artwork.

There is an intricately tiled Moroccan courtyard with terracotta walls offering welcome shade, and a tinkling fountain to get you in the mood for that siesta.

The trimmed lawns and vine-covered walkways of the front garden are accessed from the wide terraces with classic Cape Town views of the St James tidal pool and multicoloured beach huts.

The swimming pool is fed by a mountain stream and invites pure, unadulterated leisure.

But the pièce de résistance has to be the 15 000 bottle refrigerated wine cellar, with a collection to rival top restaurants in New York or London.

With over 600 different choices of international and South African wines, the choice could be mind-boggling – but Robin ensures that advice and help is at hand to turn wine into an unsurpassed experience.

The wine cellar has a tasting room, and a sweeping bar enhanced by cutting edge design, décor and lighting.

Despite walled seclusion, and food and wine heaven on site, Rodwell House is a stroll away from activities, 10 minutes from top vineyards, gold medal restaurants and Simons Town, 20 minutes from either Cape Town’s CBD or Cape Point, and light-years away from boredom or tour groups.

Rodwell holidays are like none other, invigorating yet relaxed - a complete break from routine.