Taj Cape Town

Hotels with prime views of Table Mountain could easily rest on their laurels, but Taj pulls out all the stops, always. For one thing, traditionally-designed guest rooms are absolutely exquisite, from the tufted headboards to the walk-in marble showers and soaking tubs. But you didn’t fly all the way to South Africa to chillax in your suite, not when Taj Cape Town has so many jaw-dropping thrills on your to-do list right on site. We’re particularly obsessed with their plush lobby lounge’s afternoon tea, arguably the finest in Cape Town, thanks to original chandeliers that twinkle off the fluted marble columns and a pastry chef that makes every morsel as Instagrammable as the hotel itself.

A 176-room den of luxury in the former old Reserve Bank, with an Indian-inspired spa.

Hands-off. Expect doting service in classic Taj style, complete with attentive butlers and even gratis walking tours.

You have a serious obsession with Indian comfort food, and the hotel’s newly renovated Bombay Brasserie restaurant has perfected it—down to the saffron and pistachio crème brûlée.

The hotel’s Jiva Spa has dug deep—as in, 6,000-years into the past deep— to come up with treatments that wow in the modern era, yet soothe in ancient ways. When you booked your Pada Mardana foot massage, you hardly would have guessed that your therapist would pamper your travel-tired toesies in an intricate copper bowl dusted with fresh flower petals, or that you’d feel so much like a Hindu god—but you do. And you’re coming back for another tomorrow.

Bombay Brasserie - Fine dine Indian cuisine Mint Restaurant, the local Grill - International and local fare in a relaxed atmoshphere Twankey Bar - All-day tapas, Champaign, craft beers, excellent wines Lobby Lounge - Afternoon tea Twankey Bar - Tapas, Champaign, fine wine and craft beers, the perfect place to mingle with the locals Lobby Lounge - Cocktails and Afternoon Tea Cigar Lounge - A wide selection of cigars, cognacs, whiskeys and brandies