South Africa 5 Star Western Cape

Cape Town: City Sparkle & Coastal Glamour

I started in Cape Town at the ultra‑stylish One&Only Cape Town, perfectly placed between the marina and Table Mountain. After a quick refresh, I headed to the V&A Waterfront for a relaxed late lunch before a thrilling helicopter flip over the bay. Seeing Table Mountain, the city bowl and the Atlantic coastline from the air is the most spectacular way to arrive in the Mother City. The day rounded off with pre‑dinner drinks and a hosted dinner back at the One&Only.

The next morning was all about big views again, this time from the top of Table Mountain. The revolving cable car gave 360‑degree panoramas as we ascended, and from the summit the city, beaches and mountains looked even more dramatic.

In the afternoon I swapped car seats for sidecars. Classic sidecars took us along the Atlantic Seaboard to The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa for a site inspection and lunch overlooking the ocean, before an evening at Gold Restaurant with a lively pan‑African dining experience.

My final day in the city was dedicated to flavour. A guided Cape Town food tour revealed local markets, street‑side vendors and Cape specialities that I would never have found on my own. That evening I checked into the elegant Cape Grace Hotel on the V&A Waterfront and enjoyed a refined dinner at Signal Restaurant, pairing creative Cape cuisine with beautiful harbour views.  

Winelands: Stellenbosch & Franschhoek

Leaving the city behind, I travelled into the Cape Winelands and straight into Stellenbosch’s leafy, historic charm. The day began with a sparkling wine and nougat pairing, then a Bites & Sites walking tour through Church Street, Dorp Street’s Cape Dutch architecture and the wonderfully nostalgic Oom Samie se Winkel. Dinner was at one of Stellenbosch’s favourite steakhouses, before heading back to Lanzerac, my historic wine estate hotel set among vineyards and mountains.

A private wine tour the next day showcased some of the region’s standout estates. One of the real highlights was a hosted lunch and site inspection at Mont Rochelle in Franschhoek, where French‑influenced charm meets sweeping valley views. Evenings at Lanzerac were about world‑class wines, polished yet relaxed service and that feeling of being cocooned by the mountains.

Whale Coast & Grootbos: Nature, Whales & Fynbos

From the Winelands I continued to the Whale Coast. Weather allowed for a whale‑watching cruise with Southern Right Charters, searching for southern right whales along this spectacular stretch of coastline.

Afterwards I checked into Grootbos Nature Reserve, a luxurious eco‑retreat surrounded by fynbos‑covered hills and overlooking the ocean. Afternoon and morning activities included guided nature drives, coastal walks and the chance to learn more about the unique Cape Floral Kingdom. Meals were beautifully presented and focused on local, seasonal ingredients.

One day was dedicated to the Hemel‑en‑Aarde (Heaven and Earth) Valley, where I enjoyed a wine‑paired lunch at Creation Wine Estate, renowned for its cool‑climate Pinot Noir and fantastic views. Returning to Grootbos each evening, with fires crackling and stars overhead, felt incredibly special.

Heading Home… Or Taking It Further

On my last day, I was unfortunately set for home, flying back with a head full of ocean views, mountain skylines, world‑class wines and warm South African hospitality.

However, this is exactly the point where you could choose to carry on:
You can easily extend this itinerary along the Garden Route, spending time in Plettenberg Bay, and then continue to the Eastern Cape for a stay in one of the region’s superb safari reserves. It is the perfect way to finish with a Big Five safari and create the ultimate South African adventure.

If this Western Cape 5‑star experience sounds like your kind of journey, contact me and I will design your own tailored Cape Town, Winelands, Whale Coast and, if you wish, Garden Route and Eastern Cape safari itinerary.