Sea Five Boutique Hotel

If Ralph Lauren did Cape Town it would probably look something like the main floor. Squashy cream sofas, preppy cushions and beachy wicker chairs feel chic but relaxed and the space is light and fresh. A wooden bar stands in one corner, the perfect spot for coffee by day and an extravagant cocktail by night. Sliding glass doors open out to a neat swimming pool and deck, where fresh fruit and croissant are served in the morning, and the Atlantic Ocean sparkles brilliant blue across the rooftops.

Styled individually by designer Francois du Plessis and director Nicolo Pudel, the seven rooms are full of bleached furniture, sumptuous linens and perfectly chosen accessories. Long windows open out to various views – the sea (Ocean Suites), Table Mountain (Mountain Suites) or a white-flowered garden oasis (Garden Suites) – and each has a veranda with nautical loungers. For a real treat, try the Penthouse; spread across the entire top floor, it has no less then four terraces (for all the views!) and a spa bath. Bliss.

For ultimate chill-out time, Sea Five fits the bill perfectly and it’s definitely worth making the most of the terrific views from the pool, garden or your private veranda. But Cape Town doesn’t disappoint when it comes to activities and Sea Five can help you organise just about all of them. Try hiking to the top of Table Mountain, a trip to Robben Island, a picnic on the picture-perfect beaches, shopping at the V&A and a drive down the stunning coastline for starters.