Hotel Spotlight

Waterfront Views and Vibes on Cape Town's Party Beach

by Jeralyn Gerba
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South Beach Camps Bay
Cape Town, South Africa
Miami Minimalism, $$ ($200)

The city of Cape Town, on the southwestern tip of the most southern country on the African continent, winds about the slopes of Table Mountain to the shores of Table Bay, to Lion's Head peak and the low and sandy Cape Flats beyond the Cape of Good Hope. Iconic seascapes are all around.

When you're visiting a city with 200 miles of coastline and access to not one but two oceans, you better get a hotel room with a waterfront view. South Beach Camps Bay knows a good thing when they see one: All rooms in the 19-suite hotel look out to the ocean, and the bright blues of the sky and sea will leave an indelible mark in your mind. 

Camps Bay, known for its white sand beach, natural rock swimming pools, and views of the Twelve Apostles mountains, is also known for its party vibes — not unlike South Beach, Miami — and the hotel takes its design cues from the American city whose dominant architectural style is Tropical Deco: think streamlined white shapes, glass block walls, rounded corners, chrome fixtures, and palm tree motifs. At South Beach Camps Bay, each suite has a fully equipped kitchen and a fridge stocked with daily breakfast items, lending an apartment building-feel to guests who decide to throw down their anchors here.

Book It

Rates start at $200. Click here for reservations. Or contact the Fathom Concierge and we'll book your trip for you.

At a Glance

The Vibe: Tropical Deco ... 7,648 miles from Miami.

Standout Detail: The views, the views, the views.

This Place Is Perfect For: A colony of beach bunnies.

Rooms: Nineteen suites face the waterfront and have kitchens, yoga mats, custom toiletries, Nespresso machines, cotton slippers, and either a balcony or private patio. Fridges are stocked daily with breakfast goodies. The bedroom penthouse pool suite has a private heated plunge pool.

On Site: Two swimming pools, 24/7 gym, laundry, bicycles.

What to Do Nearby

Just behind Camps Bay Beach is a promenade of chill cafes and outdoor restaurants with awesome views. Popular surf spot Glen Beach is also nearby. The city is a hiker's dream (with great weather and excellent peaks like Table Mountain and Lions Head) and is an exciting destination for good eaters (lots of fresh fish and global cuisine). The design is great, too (see: Cape Town Is the World's Next Great Art Destination). Extend your trip with a stay in the countryside at Fathom Favorite Babylonstoren. Get to know the local vines and explore the vineyards less traveled in Cape Town's wild wine country. Before you go, read up on the fascinating and infuriating socio-political history and post-apartheid identity (context is a MUST). Check out books by Alex La Guma, Miriam Tlali, Nadine Gordimer, J.M. Coetzee, and Njabulo Ndebele.

Keep Exploring Cape Town

Cape Town Is the World's Next Great Art Destination
Babylonstoren: The Technicolor Salad
Touching Down in Cape Town

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