The vibrant city of Cape Town ranked number 10 in the Top 25 Destinations in the World by Tripadvisor and it’s no wonder why because the second largest city of South Africa is packed with history, culture, and activities that can satisfy any kind of traveler.
Now when it comes to an accommodation that will serve as a wonderful sanctuary amidst this lively city, there is one hotel that will grant you all the comforts, facilities, cuisine and services that you need: One and Only Cape Town. Besides being a luxury hotel, it is also perfectly located right beside Table Mountain, one of the new seven wonders of nature, thus granting you mind-blowing views during all your stay.
Staying at the One and Only Cape Town was a dream come true. Glamorous, trendy, sophisticated, elegant, vibrant and chic are some of the words that describe my stay at this hotel.
If you come here, you are going to be fascinated by the comfort and decoration of the rooms, the majestic infinity pool, the top restaurants and bars that offer haute cuisine and delicious drinks, the peaceful SPA to relax and on top of this, its favored location in Waterfront, close to many touristic attractions.
I stayed here on a holiday planned with Encompass Africa, travel specialists that design luxury tailor-made holiday and safari travel for guests from all over the world. They have 17 African destinations and they handpick the accommodations, activities, safaris, flights and even the insurance that suits you best.
I was more than happy to arrange my holidays with them and impressed with the great expertise, and passionate and professional service. Furthermore, I love they are involved in wildlife conservation.
I want to thank Michael Rupp @ruppmedia for the amazing video and pictures he took for this post. Check his website!
You can see the video at the end of the post!
Let me share with you the main characteristics of the hotel, the different kinds of rooms where you can stay, the various restaurants and bars, its amenities, services, and the activities that you can do.
1. Main Characteristics of One and Only Cape Town
a. One and Only Resorts
First of all, I have to mention that One and Only Cape Town is part of the award-winning One and Only Resorts. They operate in Australia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Rwanda, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates offering awe-inspiring luxury with world-class facilities and amenities.
b. Prime Location
Only 25 min. drive from Cape Town International Airport, One and Only is located in Waterfront, very close to different Cape Town landmarks: Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Cape Town City Center, Bo-Kaap, Green Point, and Sea Point, between other.
c. Easy Access
The hotel also has its own private docking place so you can swiftly arrive here by taxi. What’s more, if you are coming with your own car there is a private garage with valet.
2. The Rooms
a. My Room
With 131 rooms, each of them with its own urban chic style as well as their own views. I personally had the chance to stay in their Presidential Suite and it was definitely a dream come true. It had two bedrooms, private kitchen, 12-seater dining room, a stunning living space, entertainment area, and personal gym with a massage bed.
I loved the elegant and classy design. One and Only prides itself on the best luxury features it offers. Each room and suite is presented with clean lines, contemporary art, and dark African woods.
b. Breathtaking views
When I opened the windows of my room, I was in completely astonished by the sweeping views that surrounded me. I was impressed because One and Only has the perfect panoramic point over Table Mountain!
c. Other types of rooms
As a standard, all rooms and suites in One and Only have air-conditioning, satellite TV, minibar, telephone, safe, hairdryer, showers, and baths. The rooms and suites are located either in the Marina Rise or the Island (there are two man-made islands in the middle of the resort).
Marina Rise
Has 91 rooms and suites with private balconies, offering views of Table Mountain or the harbour.
- Marina Rooms
- Marina Suites / Marina Grand Suites
- Table Mountain Suite
- Presidential Suite
Island
Has 40 rooms and suites are secluded on an island, surrounded by waterways, featuring large outdoor patios or balconies providing the ultimate private escape.
- Island Superior Rooms
- Island Suites (One-bedroom)
- Island Grand Suites (Two-bedroom)
3. Dining
When you stay at One and Only, you get to taste a diverse variety of gourmet indulgence every day! You can choose from the following three restaurants, one bar and one wine tasting room:
a. Nobu
Starting from the place, the entrance to the restaurant is impressive, walking down the stairs I felt like in a movie; and continuing with the food, here the renowned Michelin-star chef, Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa, creates contemporary Japanese cuisine with Peruvian influences. All of it absolutely delicious!
b. Reuben’s
I had dinner at Reuben’s on the first night of my stay and it was amazing, everything, from the starters, main, dessert and wine was exquisite.
And how couldn’t it be if the distinguished South African celebrity chef, Reuben Riffel, creates here amazing dishes combining Cape Malay spices with a Dutch and British fare.
c. Isola
Isola is the perfect place to have lunch, it is located on one of the private islands, so after sun tanning and swimming on the pool I was able to pamper myself with a healthy salad and tasty tacos that made me remember Mexico. Isola offers a combination of Mediterranean and South African cuisine.
d. Vista Bar & Lounge
The perfect place to relax as the day ends would be the Vista Bar & Lounge. It has a wide variety of choices for fresh cocktails, beers, wines, champagne, and more.
e. Wine Loft
Additionally, One and Only counts with an outstanding tasting room that showcases an impressive a collection of over 5000 bottles of wine.
I couldn’t be more in love with this place, don’t forget your camera because the design is spectacular.
4. Amenities
One and Only counts with a wide variety of amenities to keep your mind and body at the greatest levels.
a. Infinity Pool
One and Only counts with the largest infinity-edge pool in Southern Africa. To be honest, I don’t usually swim in pools in Cape Town because the water is usually very cold, but this one was heated so finally I was able to have a good swim.
Furthermore, there are shaded beds if you want to sunbath or read a book or a magazine.
b. The SPA
Rejuvenate yourself after touring the city of Cape Town by booking a spot in One and Only SPA. Skilled therapists perform a range of spa treatments.
The SPA counts with 12 treatment rooms, a couple’s treatment rooms and a Relaxation Room – as well as private wet areas, saunas, and Thermal Suites.
c. Pedi:Mani: Cure Studio By Bastien Gonzalez
Cape Town is full of beaches, pools, cruises, and nightclubs so (if you are a girl) you will have plenty of opportunities to wear nice sandals or high heels.
Hence, treat your feet, legs, hands, and arms in this studio, that fuses beauty, well-being, and relaxation.
d. Fitness Centre
For the guests who don’t want to skip on their daily regimen, the hotel has an equipped gym featuring Kinesis™ and Technogym® equipment.
This was perfect because after some holidays I really wanted to achieve my daily exercise goals and I was able to spend some time here.
e. Conference, meetings, and weddings
For the working professionals and for the couples who want to celebrate an impressive wedding, One and Only has fully-equipped facilities that will cater to all their needs.
- Ballroom: accommodates up to 250 guests alongside iconic Table Mountain views.
- Marina Meeting Room: hosts up to 60 guests with impressive views of Waterfront Marina and Table Mountain.
- Business Centre Boardroom: features six workstations and hosts up to 12 guests.
5. Service
a. 24 Hr. Reception
It doesn’t matter the time of the day, when you stay at One and Only, you’ll have somebody in the reception that can help you. The staff is very nice and they will be more than happy to assist you!
b. Friendly Staff
One and Only’s people were one of the most attentive hotel staff that I have ever dealt with! Just call them up whenever you want and they’ll be at your back to assist you on your needs.
c. Private garage with valet
If you’re coming with your own vehicle, there is ample space in the hotel for parking.
d. Free Wi-Fi
Limited complimentary WiFi access is available throughout the resort.
6. The activities
One and Only Prime Location is perfect to enjoy all the activities that Cape Town offers.
a. On-site
- KidsOnly club: offers an array of exciting complimentary activities for children.
b. Walking distance
- Two Oceans Aquarium: showcases the incredible diversity of marine life found in the Indian and the Atlantic oceans. Don’t forget to take your camera, this place is perfect to take some pictures surrounded by blue exciting backgrounds.
- V&A Waterfront Shopping Centre: this mall is amazing, it has a wide variety of retail stores, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. Read more about the V&A Waterfront here.
- Robben Island: you will find ferries departing to Robben Island, the island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned and that today works as a museum.
- Shimmy Beach Club: outdoor restaurant with sea view, plus bar, pool, and music. I recommend you to come here for dinner and also enjoy the concerts; last time I went to see Goldfish playing and it was AMAZING.
c. Nearby
On V&A Waterfront, I was able to book different activities as helicopter rides, cruises and shark cage diving that were offered in several stands in front of the harbor.
But there are so many things you can do in Cape Town, hiking, safaris, museums, wine tours, and more. I recommend you to read the post The Ultimate Cape Town Guide: 10 places you must definitely visit!.
7. One and Only Cape Town Contact
- Reservations: Booking.com
- Address: Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town 8001, South Africa
- Telephone: +27 21 431 5888
- Email: reservations@oneandonlycapetown.com
Social Media
- Website: oneandonlycapetown.com
- Facebook: @OneAndOnlyCapeTown
- Instagram: @OOCapeTown
- Twitter: @OOCapeTown
8. Conclusion
I loved my stay at One and Only, from the moment that I arrived at the entrance I knew it was going to be something different. The warm welcome and hospitality of its staff make you feel at home but its luxurious style makes you feel you are getting the chic holidays that you deserve.
It’s perfect location, comfort, restaurants, bars, pool, and SPA made it a pleasant and unforgettable stay. I definitely recommend it for any type of holidays with family, friends or as a couple.
Disclosure: this is a sponsored blog post, but all opinions are my own
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This hotel is beautiful and Cape Town is beautiful! If I ever get the chance to visit, I will definitely have to look into this hotel. So dreamy!
this post was amazing! so detailed and well written, the hotel looks unbelievable!
This place looks stunning! Those views are fabulous!
Sounds like a very beautiful resort hotel! I love that your room is roomy and luxurious. 🙂 I also love the views that you are able to see from your room.
I have yet to visit Cape Town. Your post is a wonderful mix of review and looksee for the possibilities of holiday in this region. The hotel which I is utterly luxurious is calling my name – I ready for some R and R. 👍🏼
Cape Town has always been in our travel list and if we might have the possibility to stay in a hotel like this one then…. How was your favorite thing?
This place looks like a dream come true! It looks like you had an amazing time. All of your travel posts give me such wanderlust!