Belmond Mount Nelson, Cape Town
South Africa

Located at the foot of Table Mountain, Cape Town’s iconic pink lady – affectionately known as ‘The Nellie’ – opened her doors in 1899, and has attracted a loyal (and often royal) following ever since.

Towering palms, exotic prints, elegant chandeliers and chequerboard floors give this place a sense of old-school glamour, while the immaculate art-strewn manicured lawns, magnificent flower beds, two pools and tennis courts offer a tranquil escape from the bustling city.

Take high tea in the lounge where a tea sommelier will help you choose from over 100 varieties. While you won’t get a perfect sea or mountain view from your bed, it is in a wonderfully convenient location for city sightseeing, and close to the restaurants and bars of fashionable Kloof Street, to dine on exotic Cape cuisine. Book one of the garden cottages, where G&Ts appear at exactly the right time every evening, served on your private terrace, opposite a private pool and lawn.