The 12 Apostles | Best South Africa Hotels

The place

With staggering views of the 12 Apostles mountains behind me, and the Atlantic Ocean ahead, The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa certainly knows how to make an impression. In fact, the Table Mountain National Park stretches to both sides of us. As part of South Africa‘s Cape Floral Region, it’s a World Heritage Site – and it’s easy to see why. Despite being surrounded by so much nature, we’re just 20 minutes (or an even shorter helicopter flight) away from Cape Town’s city centre, or the white sandy beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton.

With staggering views of the 12 Apostles mountains behind me, and the Atlantic Ocean ahead, The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa certainly knows how to make an impression.

In fact, the Table Mountain National Park stretches to both sides of us. As part of South Africa‘s Cape Floral Region, it’s a World Heritage Site – and it’s easy to see why. Despite being surrounded by so much nature, we’re just 20 minutes (or an even shorter helicopter flight) away from Cape Town’s city centre, or the white sandy beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton.

The room

Although we were torn between rooms with mountain or sea views, we couldn’t resist the sea in the end, with its sensation of endless space (and promise of spectacular sunsets) stretching all the way to the horizon. Plus, there’s a good chance we’ll see whale and dolphin through the floor-to-ceiling windows of our open-plan suite. I walk down the three steps that separate our bedroom from the sunken lounge and its private terrace, to gaze out at the deep blue sea in the fresh Cape Town air. My partner calls me in, saying I can continue my sea gazing from the Leopard Bar, where high tea is about to be served. With a table groaning under an array of delectable treats, it’s no surprise that that one of the best South Africa hotels is renowned for its culinary creations: dainty finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, cupcakes and pastries, and delicious creative treats such as macaroons with chocolate filling and strawberry mousse. Awash in feelings of gastronomic wellbeing, we almost miss seeing playful dolphin swimming in the waves, but a neighbouring table alerts us with much excited pointing towards the ocean. Though we could take a quick helicopter flight to the V&A Waterfront for shopping and sundowners, we decide to make our first day at the hotel count, opting for a spa treatment under the gazebo. Lying here looking out over the sea, surrounded by the indigenous fynbos of Table Mountain, I feel completely at ease – after all, the only decisions I have to make are whether to dine at the famed Azure restaurant, or out on our private terrace.

Although we were torn between rooms with mountain or sea views, we couldn’t resist the sea in the end, with its sensation of endless space (and promise of spectacular sunsets) stretching all the way to the horizon. Plus, there’s a good chance we’ll see whale and dolphin through the floor-to-ceiling windows of our open-plan suite.

I walk down the three steps that separate our bedroom from the sunken lounge and its private terrace, to gaze out at the deep blue sea in the fresh Cape Town air. My partner calls me in, saying I can continue my sea gazing from the Leopard Bar, where high tea is about to be served.

With a table groaning under an array of delectable treats, it’s no surprise that that one of the best South Africa hotels is renowned for its culinary creations: dainty finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, cupcakes and pastries, and delicious creative treats such as macaroons with chocolate filling and strawberry mousse.

Awash in feelings of gastronomic wellbeing, we almost miss seeing playful dolphin swimming in the waves, but a neighbouring table alerts us with much excited pointing towards the ocean.

Though we could take a quick helicopter flight to the V&A Waterfront for shopping and sundowners, we decide to make our first day at the hotel count, opting for a spa treatment under the gazebo. Lying here looking out over the sea, surrounded by the indigenous fynbos of Table Mountain, I feel completely at ease – after all, the only decisions I have to make are whether to dine at the famed Azure restaurant, or out on our private terrace.

What sets it apart

The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa is so special – it’s hard to know where to start. Perhaps at the beginning, with its delicious breakfast buffet that includes freshly-harvested oysters and sparkling wine. I also adore the mountainside picnics, surrounded by indigenous fynbos. With a wonderfully informed concierge and a scheduled shuttle service to the V&A Waterfront – as well as helicopter transfers (for spectacular aerial views) – we’ve had no trouble exploring the Mother City. That said, some days we’ve chosen to stay at the hotel, enjoying the fine food and swimming pools. To sweeten the stay-in deal, there’s a private, 16-seater cinema and even a Sport Buddy service – when an staff member will exercise with you if your partner is too busy relaxing! Above all, the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa’s location sets it apart. On one side, you can stroll the mountain trails in a national park, and on the other, you can dive a wreck in a marine sanctuary … and just around the corner is Cape Town’s vibrant city centre!

The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa is so special – it’s hard to know where to start. Perhaps at the beginning, with its delicious breakfast buffet that includes freshly-harvested oysters and sparkling wine. I also adore the mountainside picnics, surrounded by indigenous fynbos.

With a wonderfully informed concierge and a scheduled shuttle service to the V&A Waterfront – as well as helicopter transfers (for spectacular aerial views) – we’ve had no trouble exploring the Mother City. That said, some days we’ve chosen to stay at the hotel, enjoying the fine food and swimming pools.

To sweeten the stay-in deal, there’s a private, 16-seater cinema and even a Sport Buddy service – when an staff member will exercise with you if your partner is too busy relaxing!

Above all, the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa’s location sets it apart. On one side, you can stroll the mountain trails in a national park, and on the other, you can dive a wreck in a marine sanctuary … and just around the corner is Cape Town’s vibrant city centre!

At a glance

Luxury hotel nestled on the edge of Table Mountain National Park with a Jacuzzi, spa, fitness room, 16-seat cinema, helipad, bar, two heated swimming pools and three restaurants. There are 70 mountain- or sea-view rooms or suites, including a Presidential Suite.
National park, private dining, concierge service and flexible schedules. The Presidential Suite has a private butler.
Hiking, jogging, swimming, meditation, stargazing, films, wine tasting, picnics (additional cost), spa treatments (additional cost), helicopter trips (additional cost) and wreck and ocean diving (additional cost).
Children are welcome, with children’s activities provided. Babysitting services are available (additional cost).

Luxury hotel nestled on the edge of Table Mountain National Park with a Jacuzzi, spa, fitness room, 16-seat cinema, helipad, bar, two heated swimming pools and three restaurants. There are 70 mountain- or sea-view rooms or suites, including a Presidential Suite.
National park, private dining, concierge service and flexible schedules. The Presidential Suite has a private butler.
Hiking, jogging, swimming, meditation, stargazing, films, wine tasting, picnics (additional cost), spa treatments (additional cost), helicopter trips (additional cost) and wreck and ocean diving (additional cost).
Children are welcome, with children’s activities provided. Babysitting services are available (additional cost).

Prices

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.