The Last Word: Secret Sanctuaries in Cape Town + The Winelands

The Last Word’s “beyond boutique” family of hotels epitomises the ultimate escape: comfort, exclusivity, tranquillity, space and sumptuousness, beautiful settings, with awe-inspiring views – and not least of all the often elusive factor that makes a luxury stay feel like home: warm hospitality.

From leafy Constantia and foodie Franschhoek, to the beachy suburb of Kommetjie and even the Kruger National Park for a safari adventure, Last Word Intimate Hotels and Safari Camps is synonymous with kind, genuine service.

Last Word Constantia: The urban garden retreat

Surrounded by trees, a patchwork of vineyards, winding river trails and a well-trodden green belt, this intimate nine-roomed property is close enough to the city while feeling cocooned from the hustle. Managers Tess and Sam have a wealth of local experiences at their fingertips, advising guests on the best food, prettiest walks and picture-perfect wine-tastings. The lush, flower-filled gardens around Last Word Constantia’s pool are alive with birds, butterflies, chameleons and squirrels, and might tempt you to stay put and luxuriate, perhaps with one of Tess’s tailor-made picnic boxes.

The lodgings

• 9 spacious rooms and suites open onto private patios leading to the garden or pool
• complimentary tea and coffee tray
• port/sherry decanter
• bespoke amenities
• 300-thread-count cotton linen
• luxury gowns and slippers
• air-conditioning
• heated towel rails
• underfloor heating
• satellite TV + DVD player
• breakfast
• lunch and dinner by arrangement

Things to do

• explore the Constantia Wine Valley
• dine at world-renowned restaurants nearby
• walk the Constantia Valley greenbelts
• hiking and mountain biking
• acrobranching for kids at Constantia Nek
• golf at Steenberg, Westlake and Royal Cape
• visit False Bay beaches and tidal pools
• easy access to the City Centre and V&A Waterfront
• picnic in the garden, or enjoy afternoon tea in the lounge

Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Cost From R2 750 per room per night (includes breakfast)
Where to find it Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Last Word Kommetjie: The seaside sanctuary

The long white-sand beach that links Noordhoek and Kommetjie on Cape Town’s southern peninsula is what seaside dreams are made of – surfing, SUPing, morning dips in the ocean, exhilarating horse-riding along the beach, sunset strolls and glorious ocean views are what it’s all about here. The six rooms and suites at Last Word Long Beach look out over those views with the hypnotic sound of the waves lulling you to sleep. Hosts Fanie and Jackie will help you make the most of the idyllic beach lifestyle: hiring wetsuits and boards, sharing the natural beauty of the peninsula, serving a seafood feast in the ocean-facing dining room, or a romantic dinner on the balcony of your suite.

The lodgings

• 6 spacious rooms and suites facing the beach
• complimentary tea and coffee tray
• port/sherry decanter
• complimentary minibar and snacks
• luxury gowns and slippers
• 300-thread-count cotton linen
• bespoke amenities
• heated towel rails
• underfloor heating
• air-conditioning
• satellite TV + DVD player
• breakfast
• seafood dinner

Things to do

• book a beach picnic
• walking on Long Beach, right in front of the hotel
• hiking and mountain biking
• surfing, SUPing, kayaking
• paragliding off the mountains above the village
• horse-riding on the beach
• visit Boulders Beach penguin colony and Cape Point Nature Reserve
• wine tasting at Cape Point Vineyards
• visit the Silvermine Dam and Nature Reserve
• climb Slangkop Lighthouse
• golf at Clovelly Country Club

Child friendly? Yes, from six years of age
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Cost From R3 600 per room per night (includes breakfast + dinner)
Where to find it 1 Kirsten Road, Kommetje
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Last Word Franschhoek: The Winelands escape

In the heart of the village, Last Word Franschhoek is a 10-roomed boutique bolthole a mere stroll away from the string of eateries, bistros and sidewalk cafés for which Franschhoek is celebrated. It’s just as easy to take to the mountains for hiking adventures, advised by Conrad and Franklin, who know the village and mountain trails like only locals can. Visit the Saturday morning market or hop on the Wine Tram to explore award-winning wine estates. Then, return to your elegant suite (two have their own splash pools) where you can soak up the sun on the poolside patio or enjoy a private cap classique moment on the rooftop terrace with wraparound mountain views.

The lodgings

• 2 pool suites and 8 superior doubles
• complimentary tea and coffee tray
• complimentary minibar and snacks
• port/sherry decanter
• bespoke amenities
• luxury gowns and slippers
• 300-thread-count cotton linen
• underfloor heating
• air-conditioning
• heated towel rails
• smart TV + DVD player
• breakfast
• lunch + dinner available by arrangement

Things to do

• explore Franschhoek’s boutique shops and galleries
• dine out at award-winning restaurants
• hop on the Wine Tram to explore the Franschhoek Wine Route
• chocolate tasting at Huguenot Chocolates
• cheese tasting at Dalewood
• visit the gardens at Babylonstoren
• scooter tours in the mountains
• hiking and mountain biking

Child friendly? Yes, from 6 years
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Cost From R3 600 per room per night (includes breakfast)
Where to find it 68 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Our last words… secret sanctuaries that are a joy to discover.

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