Ellerman House, Cape Town
South Africa

Once the stately home of a shipping magnate, this meticulously-restored Edwardian mansion is one of Cape Town’s finest boutique hotels, with an elevated cliffside position and fantastic views over the ocean.

With just 13 elegant, individually-decorated rooms, Ellerman feels more like a private house than a hotel, and the service is warm and slick. There’s a vast collection of South African art, including the hotel’s own respected art gallery, and rooms have plush carpets and private terraces overlooking the roaring Atlantic. If you want more space, opt for one of the two contemporary villas in the gardens, with their own roof terraces.

Cocktails and canapés are served every evening at the glamorous bar built around the granite rocks and facing the sunset. While you are not within walking distance of any restaurants or beaches, hotel staff will happily arrange complimentary transfers to the city centre, the bustling Waterfront or beach – all a 10-minute drive.