The Twelve Apostles Hotel

Hotel description

Think of a luxury hotel in South Africa and your thoughts may run to isolated safari estates, old-world colonial compounds, or opulent waterfront mansions. Rarely, though, would the mind conjure images of boutique elegance, of a smartly designed spot that would look equally at home in Miami Beach.

That's exactly what Twelve Apostles is — but boutique hotels with hip interiors are spreading all over the world, and the mere fact that one has arrived in Cape Town would not be big news in itself. The other half of the story here is the location — though just fifteen minutes outside of the city, and thus convenient for business travelers, the location feels remote, sandwiched as it is between the stark Twelve Apostles mountain range and the rocky Atlantic coast.

The hotel is just two stories high, low along the rocky coast, and many rooms have nearly an entire wall made of glass — so the view is simply blue sky and blue sea. You may not even notice the satellite TV in every room; you will likely be too busy exploring the outdoors, hiking through the foothills, deep-sea diving, or just strolling along the beach. And for those who need more intensive relaxation, the Sanctuary Spa features the standard Clarins products and a slightly less than standard Rasul chamber, a small tiled room used for a sort of combination mud and steam bath.

This place is the kind of stylish and luxe hotel one expects in the main drag, not well outside of town in such a picturesque setting. But fear not — if you have business or are planning some pleasure in Cape Town, the city is a short shuttle ride away.

How to get there:

The Twelve Apostles Hotel is a 15 minute drive from the center of Cape Town, 40 minutes from Cape Town International Airport and 10 minutes from the Cape Town Train station. Please contact customerservice@tablethotels.com to arrange transfers.

Travelling with Kids

Guests over the age of 16 are considered adults. Some rooms accommodate 3 or more. The "Superior Sea Facing Rooms and Suites" room sleeps up to 4 guests. For crib/cot, must book "Luxury Room" room or larger. For 2 adults + rollaway bed, must book "Superior Sea Facing" or larger. For 2 adults + 2 kids beyond crib age, must book "Superior Sea Facing Room" room or larger. Connecting rooms available. Must be confirmed upon check-in.

Cribs are available and may be subject to an additional fee. Roll-away beds available for an additional fee of R350.00. No additional charges for kids beyond crib/roll-away.

Pool available that allows kids. Babysitting services provided by screened outside help at R60.00 per hour. The restaurant is kid-friendly with high chairs and a kids menu. Room service offers a kids menu.

Emergency amenities include An assorted selection of Purity Baby food is also available on request. DVDs, toys in the room, lists of “things to do” in all types of weather, children’s bathrobes, prams, cots, car-seats Safety items such as corner cushions, electric plug socket protectors, doorstoppers and flexi-loop locks are available for toddler proofing the rooms Milk and Cookies at turndown •Assorted baby products are available from Housekeeping including disposable nappies as well as nappies for swimming, nappy gel, bathing lotion etc. Babysitting is outsourced to an organisation with minders aged 20 to 35 who have a minimum of 2 years experience, a driver’s licence, a car, a first aid certificate and a qualification in childcare. A wide variety of Board games & Jigsaw puzzles are available from Guest Liaison. Over Christmas and Holidays the hotel has a Children’s Activity program for a period of 4 hours daily. Activities are hosted in the garden and weather permitting and are fully supervised by childcare professionals. 16-Seater cinema with four screenings a day.