Are we having a “deja vu” of the Amalfi Coast or the Cote d’Azur , my husband and I asked ourselves as we walked into the Ellerman House, a Cape Town luxury hotel.
Our room had floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony with epic views of the Atlantic Ocean down the cliff and over the nearby bays.
Our arrival was discrete. There are no signs outside Edwardian-era mansion in a “billionaire’s residential neighborhood of Bantry Bay (home to some of the most expensive real estate in Africa, often called Cape Riviera).
My husband and I smiled at each other in that way that says, ” we may never want to leave the gardens or our elegant room.”
It feels more like a luxurious private estate than a hotel. The five-star property is located on 1.5 acres of sprawling lawns, with pools, wine cellars, and a private art gallery. Although it is located ten minutes from Victoria and Albert Waterfront and five minutes from Table Mountain National Park, this exclusive retreat is a world away from the buzz of tourists.
Ellerman House has eleven rooms, two suites and two private villas, decorated in soft colors, orchids, antiques, architectural designs and original art.
We wondered where the other guests were, and then realized, the exclusivity and privacy of the property are highly valued. Guests include those who prefer not to be disturbed; celebrities, honeymooners, discerning couples and art collectors. The hotel is tight lipped about their guests and respects their privacy.
Ellerman House’s private art collection features almost 1000 works from mid-18th century Thomas Bowler’s Cape Town landscapes to the oeuvre of New Group artists Pierneef, Maggie Laubser and Irma Stern.
Staying at the Ellerman House is like taking a crash course in South Africa Art, in the past, present and future. The owner’s paintings and sculptures, considered one of the largest and most important collections of South African art are displayed throughout the property.
Complimentary amenities include full breakfast (and the best Eggs Benedict and flakiest croissants imaginable), secure parking, a complimentary airport or local shuttle, evening cocktails and a well stocked mini bar that is replenished daily. Oh yes, and complimentary laundry. A guest pantry / snack station is open 24/7 with freshly baked macaroons and cookies, quiche, sandwiches and alcohol. What more could we want? If you prefer to work out, the swimming pool and 24/7 gym offer lots of opportunities, and perhaps you will indulge in a spa treatment afterward.
Fine dining and fabulous wines
Indulge in Chef Veronica Canha-Hibbert’s continental cuisine in the formal dining room, with world-famous paintings and sculptures as your companions, or on the terrace overlooking the twinkling lights of the exclusive suburb of Bantry Bay.
When we thought we’d see it all, we were invited to visit the extensive wine cellar and tasting room.
From the moment we entered the doors of Ellerman House, we were treated like royalty. www.ellerman.co.za
Gutsy Traveler was welcomed to Ellerman House as a guest, however my opinion is as always, my own.