The Cape Town EDITION Launches at the V&A Waterfront

The contemporary warehouse-inspired architecture of the brand-new Cape Town EDITION hotel feels perfectly attuned to its setting at the oceanward edge of the V&A Waterfront’s Victoria Basin. Uncluttered lines speak to the warehouses of the fishing wharf opposite; sand-coloured bricks echo the colours of the Cape landscape; and artisanal masonry is cleverly offset to create a succession of patterns, textures and gaps that play with the light. The massive Drum entrance is lined with a spiral staircase and crossed by walkways (leading to a mesmerising 360-degree vertigo-defying viewpoint), and a high-pitched roof creates spectacular rooftop vantage points. With the building’s long, narrow proportions and monumental scale, there’s a sense of an ocean liner arriving at a port it never wants to leave, and settling permanently onto the quayside.

A cosmopolitan meeting place

It’s more than a place to sleep. The philosophy across EDITION’s luxury hotels (a partnership between legendary hotelier Ian Schrager and Marriott International) draws on the individuality and cultural energy of a boutique hotel to create a sophisticated destination that resonates with locals as much as world travellers, with bespoke experiences – from art and design to live music and fashion – rooted in the culture of their city. Expect an evolving calendar of collaborations featuring chefs, winemakers and creative voices, from food and drink partnerships to rooftop stargazing. And with the new superyacht marina on the quay alongside, the hotel’s social spaces become the first port of call for ocean-crossing yachties and owners, adding to the cosmopolitan vibes.

Cuisine and mixology stars

Years working with Gordon Ramsay at Maze, with Jason Atherton, and at the London EDITION Hotel make chef Phil Carmichael a familiar name to international travellers, while local foodies who fell in love with the deliciously down-to-earth food at his previous Stellenbosch restaurant will be happy to find him again, as he explores wholesome coastal South African flavours. And with mixology credentials galore, George Hunter brings a wealth of creative talent to the bar (he’s currently South Africa’s bartending champion at the Diageo World Class awards).

The signature restaurant

Looking out at the harbour, with tables on the wharfside, Shale brings the Cape to the table through a seasonal menu, drawing on farmers, coastal fisheries, winemakers and independent producers. Phil and team dry-age meat in-house, while a predominantly South African winelist carries the regional story into the glass. Dishes are recognisable yet unexpected, such as Saldanha Bay mussels in a curry velouté with seaweed salad and braised black rice.
Opening times Daily, 7am – 10.30am; 12.30pm – 2.30pm; 5pm – 11pm

A rooftop perch

Eave offers a relaxed yet refined setting with panoramic views of Table Mountain and Robben Island. Set beside the heated pool, the indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar moves from leisurely afternoons to sundowners, dinner and curated music programming after dark. The menu pairs refreshing cocktails and a thoughtful winelist with small plates that showcase the flavours of the Winelands and the surrounding coastline.
Opening times Daily, 4pm – 12am

A bar with a view

The Lobby Bar takes on the warmth and ease of a Cape Town living room, with views to Table Mountain over the harbour, a place where hotel life and local rhythm meet. Anchored by a striking bar and pool table, the space seamlessly transitions from morning coffee meetings to light bites and evening drinks.
Opening times Monday – Thursday, 7am – 12am
Friday – Sunday, 7am – 2am

A hidden speakeasy

The Punch Room revives a centuries-old drinking ritual once carried along the trade routes that passed through the Cape. Wood panelling, velvet banquettes and low lighting create an intimate, opulent retreat, where punches are served in generous bowls for sharing.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 6pm – 2am

A secret sanctuary

The spa sits below sea level, cocooned from the energy of the waterfront above. Alongside five treatment rooms and a couples’ suite, there’s a sauna and steam room, while infrared beds and Therabody recovery boots offer targeted support for rest and recovery. The treatment menu combines skincare, massage, fascia work and aromatherapy with Omorovicza’s mineral-rich formulations.

Good to know You’ll also find a 24-hour gym and a daily programme of yoga, breathwork, sound baths and movement sessions beside the heated rooftop pool and sun deck.

Room to glow

Warm with reflected light from the water, light-wood floors, cleverly integrated joinery inspired by 19th-century travel trunks, natural textiles and the occasional pop of bright colour, the 142 rooms and suites echo the feel of being aboard a luxury ocean liner. Views over the ocean or harbour are framed by a brick balcony with private outside seating in every room. With bathrooms tiled in a deep ocean green, custom furnishings, and rugs woven by KwaZulu-Natal-based Shuttleworth Weaving, expect a five-star stay that feels contemporary, comfortable and chic.

African design

As you explore the various social spaces look out for progressive pieces from makers across the continent, including Zulu ukhamba vessels and mouth-blown recycled glass from Eswatini, and an art collection of established and emerging African voices curated by Southern Guild. You’ll find Zanele Muholi’s black-and-white photographic portraits in the Punch Room; Usha Seejarim’s Fading Dish Cloth, assembled from hundreds of wooden clothes pegs, in the spa; and Chuma Maweni’s smoke-fired ceramics lend a sculptural presence to the lobby and dining spaces.

Dedicated events spaces

The hotel offers a collection of light-filled areas for meetings, gatherings and celebrations. At its heart is the flexible ballroom with a capacity of up to 200 people, complemented by a boardroom, two meeting studios and a private event terrace. And an open-air rooftop venue, Vantage is a dramatic view-drenched setting for exclusive gatherings.

An exciting new destination that is deeply connected to the energetic pulse of both the V&A Waterfront and the city.
Contact 021 754 9000, [email protected]
Where to find it 7 E Pier Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
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