There’s a new reason to visit this Cape Town landmark

It may be the oldest working harbour in the southern hemisphere, but since the late 1980s, Cape Town’s redeveloped V&A Waterfront has also been the place to be seen in the Mother City, enticing tourists and locals with its upmarket restaurants, bars and boutiques, galleries and studios, as well as heritage sites and attractions, all set against the picturesque backdrop of Table Mountain.

New look … Cape Grace.

And since 1996 the Cape Grace Hotel has been a centrepiece to all that, earning a reputation for being the best hotel in South Africa’s oldest town and legislative capital, hosting leading lights from politics, the arts, science and business in its eateries, bars and lodgings.

Now, after finding new owners, the landmark hotel has upped its game, and has just relaunched as Cape Grace, a Fairmont-managed hotel.

A new look in the foyer and reception, bedrooms and suites, the refreshed swimming pool and spa, signature restaurant, Library bar and the Bascule Bar has been “inspired by South Africa’s heritage, culture, and craftsmanship” and is by 1508 London. Their work encompasses many other high-end hotels and residences. Art from local practitioners is showcased throughout.

New look inspired by South African heritage.Credit: Credit

Each of the property’s 112 rooms and suites have been redesigned with incredible views of either the waterfront or Table Mountain.

There’s also a new Fairmont Spa.

And if your budget doesn’t extend to checking in – rooms start around $1500 a night with the Cape Grace Suite starting at a cool $15,000 a night – maybe it might cover a little food and drink.

The hotel’s whole culinary offering has been reimagined by acclaimed French-born chef Gregory Czarnecki, a former MasterChef South Africa judge, member of Michelin-starred kitchens and exponent of “contemporary minimalism” in cuisine.

Enjoy a bite and one of 400 whiskies at the legendary Bascule Bar and Lounge when it reopens in June sporting an exciting new look. That surely won’t break the bok.

See capegrace.com