Luxury

If you like nothing but five-star luxury when it comes to travel, Cape Town promises to cater to your every whim … and then some.

The Oprahs, Bonos and Stings of this world have all been seduced by Cape Town’s magic, and for good reason – it’s a fantastic place to take a deliciously luxurious break, no matter the season.

Cape Town offers some of the best five-star accommodation in the world from small 5-star guesthouses and boutique hotels where proprietors pride themselves on paying attention to the tiniest details, to the gracious grand old lady of the city's hotels, the Mount Nelson (+27 21 483 1000 www.mountnelson.co.za).

Or for something more modern and trendy, why not book a penthouse suite at the Waterfront’s Cape Grace (+27 21 410 7100  www.capegrace.com) – touted by Conde Nast Traveller magazine (UK) as one of the finest hotels in the world? You can also consider Sol Kerzner’s 6-star luxury "One & Only" resort also in the V & A Waterfront.

If you need some pampering, Cape Town offers a number of private spas. Replenish your energies in the garden gazebo of the Twelve Apostles Sanctuary Spa (+27 21 437 9000 www.12apostles.co.za). You could always try a chardonnay-inspired therapy at Constantia Uitsig’s new spa (+27 21 794 0433 www.constantia-uitsig.com) in the Constantia Valley.

If you’re on a gourmet safari of sorts, look no further than Cape Town – the city is one of the foodie capitals of the world. (Read more about Cape Town's fine eateries in our top restaurants section).

Stop over at the Cape Grace’s whisky bar, Bascule (+27 21 410 7100) for a choice of over 400 whiskies on offer, including the sought-after 50-year old Glenfiddich. Alternatively taste the best of our local wines at any of the wine farms in the Constantia Valley – and make sure you organise a meal in the vineyards.

Cape Town’s wine experience also includes the Durbanville wine route and the Helderberg wine route, to the north of the city. Contact Cape Town Tourism (+27 21 487 6800, or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)) for advice on planning an extra-special visit to a wine farm, such as a private visit with a wine-maker, or a function such as a wedding or special celebration.

You're a culture vulture? Cape Town is home to a number of fine artists and galleries including the South African National Gallery (+27 21 467 4660 www.museums.org.za/sang) and the Irma Stern Museum (+27 21 685 5686 www.irmastern.co.za). Ask Cape Town Tourism to put you in touch with private galleries if you are looking for a unique piece.

For theatre lovers, there is always something on the go in Cape Town. Visit the opera or enjoy one of our local productions at The Baxter Theatre (+27 21 685 7880 www.baxter.co.za), Artscape (+27 21 410 9800 www.artscape.co.za) or at one of the may local theatres across the city.

If you’d like to see the gorgeous Cape from another point of view (other than the top of Table Mountain), take a helicopter flip over the Mother City and Peninsula. For a different take on things, swing your leg over a Harley Davidson and feel the sea breeze in your hair. Contact Cape Town Tourism for more information on luxury transport.

Hiring a private yacht is also an option – there are a number of luxury sail and motor yachts for hire. Make sure you include the services of a local chef to take care of all your culinary needs.

What luxury tour would be complete without 19 holes on one of Cape Town's many beautiful golf courses? Some of the courses on the Blaauwberg Coast offer sweeping views of Table Bay and Robben Island. There are a number of premier courses with fabulous views of the vineyards and mountains too. Hire the services of an experienced caddy or improve your game with tips from your own private local golf pro.

Perhaps you'd like to rent out an entire course for a few hours or a day. Contact Cape Town Tourism (+27 21 487 6800, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)) for advice on how to go about it.

A memorable experience is taking an early-morning horse-ride along the long, white, Noordhoek beach. You'll ideally need to be a fairly experienced rider, as the horses are strong and fit from regular exercise on the beach.

Getting to Cape Town can be a marvellously luxurious experience in itself: travel on the colonially indulgent Rovos Rail (+27 21 421 4020 www.rovos.co.za) or the world-renowned Blue Train (+27 21 449 2672 www.bluetrain.co.za) and enjoy the spectacular scenery from the comfort of plush cabins. Air-conditioned tour buses are also an option.

Once in Cape Town you can arrange to be taken around in a chauffeur-driven luxury vehicle. Contact Cape Town Tourism for details of luxury operators and guides.

Shoppers love Cape Town – there is so much on offer for the discerning buyer. Look out for local brands, designers and stores. Contact Cape Town Tourism for details of luxury shopping locations.

Some of the country’s finest designers can be found in Cape Town, look out for names like Gavin Rajah (+27 21 683 5188 www.gavinrajah.com), Elzbieta Rosenwerth (+27 21 674 2910 www.elzbietarosenwerth.co.za) and Errol Arendz (+27 21 423 7973 www.errolarendz.co.za).

Whatever luxury your heart desires can be found in Cape Town. Contact Cape Town Tourism to help you arrange the holiday of a lifetime.