Hotel Snapshot
It is not often that one gets a taste of how the local upper echelon live while traveling, for even the most luxurious hotels are simply hotels, and you are a guest. Driving up the narrow perch of Nettleton Road, however, one gets the sense that they are entering a rarefied stratosphere of Cape Town. The only way to inhabit Nettleton—widely regarded as the most expensive residential street in Africa—is by owning your own cliffside aerie, or booking one of the six suites at 21 Nettleton.
The hotel was originally built as the private residence of owner Hugo Jankowitz, who dreamt of creating an art-filled sanctuary nestled in Table Mountain National Park. In 2016, the residence was converted into an ultra-luxury boutique hotel, in which Jankowitz lives between travels. He oversaw every detail of the transformation, from the en suite Dr. Vranjes Milano fragrance diffusers to the thoughtful placement of over 150 pieces of art from his personal collection. In this way, 21 Nettleton feels less like a traditional hotel stay and more like a visit to the home of your most well-traveled friend-of-a-friend—if that friend had a discreet staff, a private chef, and 24/7 butler service.
Design & Character
Upon entry to the seven-story cliffside mansion, a few things immediately catch the eye. First, a grand staircase lined with a gallery of masterful artworks. Just beyond, a set of doors opens to a sprawling lawn overlooking some of Cape Town’s most treasured sights: Lion’s Head, Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles, and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
At its heart, the design story is built around an extensive personal collection of art spanning eras and continents, from ancient China to 20th-century South Africa. Rather than sourcing art to fill the space, Jankowitz designed the space to house his collection, accumulated over many decades of travel. The result sits in opposition to the overly modern, clean-line aesthetic typical of Clifton. Instead, it is more textured, layered, and lived-in.
The beauty of 21 Nettleton’s surroundings plays a natural role in the design story. It is the golden light of sunset spilling into the living room, glinting off the Bösendorfer grand piano; the natural wood grain of Biedermeier furniture creating the perfect perch from which to admire the sparkling ocean just beyond. Rarely does a hotel owner have a personal story about every piece of art and furniture—a story that can be shared on a private art tour upon request.
The Rooms
The hotel has only six suites, each appointed with its own bespoke collection of art, antiques, and luxe finishes. No room is like the next, so you could stay here several times and have a different experience. I stayed in the Superior Oceanfront Suite, bestowed with a large soaking tub and an oversized private terrace with front-row views of Cape Town’s evening sunset spectacle. The decor was impeccable—beautiful wallpaper, ornately gilded frames housing dreamy watercolors, and a large wooden writing desk for those moments when the beauty of my surroundings struck a chord.
Worth noting: the Grand Oceanfront Suite boasts a private library and a Steinway piano, while the paragon Penthouse is a lavish private quarter with floor-to-ceiling windows, authentic Italian furniture, and panoramic views that may make you question every other oceanfront suite you’ve ever stayed in.
The Food & Drink Situation The approach to dining is less formal restaurant and more private chef, adding to the palatial feel of the place. Breakfast is included and a proper feast, from soft scrambled eggs dotted with fresh herbs to tart Greek yogurt topped with berries and house-made granola that should be sold by the bag. Come evening, complimentary canapés and a cocktail commemorate the Cape Town sunset, best viewed from the lounge just off the main living room.
Though there is no formal lunch or dinner service, you can order anything you’re craving through an in-room tablet connecting to 24/7 butler service and a talented kitchen staff. No request is too outlandish, be it cheeseburgers at midnight, a traditional South African braai on the lawn, or an intimate oceanfront picnic with shareable small plates. A full room service menu is also available.
Amenities
Suited to the private residence feel of the place, amenities abound in a way that feels seamless and intuitive. En suite, a well-stocked mini-bar, a Nespresso coffee maker, soaking tubs, and plush bathrobes leave no creature comfort unrequited.
A heated swimming pool, subtly echoing the shape of a music note, overlooks the ocean from its perch on the manicured lawn. There is also an outdoor sauna and steam room, plus easy access to exclusive hiking trails up Lion’s Head, Signal Hill, and Table Mountain.
Spa & Wellness Scoop
Though there is no brick-and-mortar spa, services can be arranged and tailored to precisely what you’re looking for. Treatments can be taken anywhere on site—en suite, from your private terrace, or poolside.
Wellness is equally bespoke. A dedicated wellness consultant has a stacked Rolodex of local guides and trainers and can arrange anything from guided hikes to private Pilates classes.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Spend a morning exploring one of Clifton’s four beaches, each impossibly beautiful with frigid azure waters. Each beach has its own feel, with Second Beach known to be a trendy hangout for the model set. Take a guided hike up nearby Lion’s Head or Table Mountain, visit the shops at the V&A Waterfront, and spend a Saturday morning at the beloved Oranjezicht City Farm Market.
You'd be remiss to leave the city without learning more about how it overcame its turbulent history. District Six Museum is a good place to start, along with a visit to the colorful historic homes in Bo-Kaap. While you’re there, try a koesister, a traditional spiced doughnut drenched in syrup and rolled in shredded coconut.
For a taste of Cape Town nightlife, have dinner and drinks at Kloof Street House, followed by a night out at The Athletic & Social. If you’re limited on time and can’t make it out to the wine country, a visit to Groot Constantia offers an introduction to the city's world-class winemaking traditions.
Fast Facts
Location: Clifton, an affluent neighborhood in Cape Town, South Africa
Vibe: The opulent, art-filled mansion of your well-traveled friend-of-a-friend
Rating: Five-star
Room Count: 6
Pricing: Nightly rates for the entry level suite start at $623 in low season and $1,047 in high season. There is also an option to rent the full, 6-bedroom villa starting at $6,789 per night—a dreamy wedding or events venue.
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The owner’s expansive private art collection and breakfast on the sweeping lawn with arguably the best granola in Cape Town.
Dining: More private chef than formal restaurant. Daily breakfast and evening canapés and a cocktail are included. Guests can order anything they’re craving to be made bespoke by the in-house culinary team.
Amenities: 24/7 butler service, ocean view pool, sauna and steam room, daily breakfast, a sunset cocktail and canapés, free WiFi.
Nearby Attractions: Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Twelve Apostles, Bakhoven Beach, Clifton Beaches, V&A Waterfront, De Waterkant, Sea Point, Bo-Kaap.
Airport: Approximately 35 minutes from Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
Cape Town, South Africa
