What it is

An elegant 132-room retreat with two man-made islands (one of which is a spa) on the Victoria & Albert Waterfront.

What it isn't

Viewless. The hotel famously sits with a sweeping, uninterrupted overlook of flat-topped Table Mountain.

What we think

Chef Nobuyuki ‘Nobi’ Matsuhisa doesn’t work with just anybody. So it says a lot that his first outpost in Africa is here, in this gem of a hotel—where the 104-seat restaurant nods to Japan with warm origami-inspired light fixtures and a staircase that took its cues from a fan. But Nobu is only one of many delights at One & Only Cape Town: the spa—with vitality pools, and aroma-steam room and an ice crusher fountain—is on its own private island shrouded by gardens; the infinity pool is the biggest in South Africa; and staffers are also happy to arrange hair-raising excursions (if shark cave diving is on your bucket list, get excited).

You're here because

It’s among the few hotels in the region that’s truly family-friendly, with a Nintendo Wii, Xbox and board game stocked KidsOnly Club, gratis loaner baby gear, and even welcome gifts tailored to their age.

The Moment

There’s something about this Nobu location that feels like an extra treat. Is it the prime view of Table Mountain? The glitzy sake lounge? Or the fact that the myriad bento box options include a dessert version stocked with warmed chocolate cake and green tea ice cream? Sweet.

Restaurants & Bars

Nobu – Japanese World-class master chef Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa expands his eponymous empire with his first restaurant in Africa

Isola – Contemporary casual dining also servicing guests around the pool (closed during winter)

Vista Bar & Lounge – Light snacks offering incredible panoramic views of Table Mountain. At night, Vista transforms into a sophisticated bar offering an array of wines and cocktails.

Wine Loft – With a spotlight on South Africa, a collection of worldwide vintages both rare and undiscovered

Location

Just a 25-minute drive from Cape Town International Airport (via One & Only Cape Town’s private chauffeur, natch). Along the Victoria & Albert Waterfront, you’re within a quick stroll of all manner of must-see sights, including a former grain silo that’s now the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa.