It’s Cape Town’s new flagship hotel. It’s unique, one of a kind. It’s amazing, unrivalled and exclusive. It’s the One and Only – and it really does live up to its name.
So on a sweltering day in March, we decided to visit this extravaganza of a hotel. A crash of Rhino Africans donned hard hats – construction is still very much under way and the One and Only is due to open on 3 April 2009 – but we decided to get a sneak preview first!
And what an experience awaited us. Set in the heart of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the One and Only Cape Town is ideally positioned for travellers to the Mother City. Take a short stroll to any of the restaurants, bars and cafes lining the historic harbour or jump a cab to the beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton, the base of Table Mountain or city centre.
The hotel is nothing short of decadent. It has been built on a massive stretch of prime real estate with the Waterfront in the foreground and the mighty Table Mountain looming in the background. It is surrounded by a canal with bridges and walkways linking the two islands with the main building. The showpiece construction is the seven-storey high Marina Rise with two fine dining restaurants (one Japanese and the other specialising in seafood), connected by the circular Vista Bar, the ideal place for a sundowner cocktail with its glass windows opening onto the front terrace. We made a note to return as soon as possible.
There are 91 spacious rooms and suites in Marina Rise. Each faces the flat-topped Table Mountain with an expansive balcony to savour the views. The rooms are ultraluxurious with king-size beds, a home entertainment system, an oversized bathtub as well as separate shower and toilet. And if there is anything else you may desire, a butler will be at your beck and call 24 hours a day!
Moving onto the islands, firstly how many hotels in the heart of a bustling city have not one but two islands? One hosts the Spa, with 11 treatment rooms, as well a scenic relaxation room, sauna and steam rooms, changing rooms, and an infinity swimming pool which stretches to the horizon. The other island houses 40 Suites, each with two en-suite bedrooms, ideal for couples or families, while offering the utmost in exclusivity and privacy.
All the usual facilities are available from a business centre to a fully equipped gym, wireless connectivity to a Children’s club, a wine cellar to a boutique shop, but they are anything but usual. Each comes with the polished touch that is the hallmark of the One and Only brand.
Us Rhino Africans are a discerning bunch – you would be too if you visited the number of hotels we do – but we were all blown away by this landmark establishment. As we ducked in and out of rooms and under bridges, all you could hear from the consultants were hearty sighs and gasps of contentment. And believe me, that doesn’t happen too often.
And with the hotel due to open on 3 April, one thing is for sure – we will be back!
Contact us to plan your tailormade trip to Cape Town and the One and Only!