Review: The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa

Start us off with an overview.
The coastal road between Camps Bay and Llandudno is a conservation area so it’s undeveloped—fynbos-clad mountainside to one side and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean to the other. You wonder where the hotel is until you round a curve in the road and catch your first glimpse of the hotel, which is named after the Twelve Apostles mountain range that runs parallel to the coast from Camps Bay to Llandudno. Built into the contours of the mountainside, there’s a lot of hotel packed into its relatively small footprint. The imposing white hotel buildings are all above the road - accessed by vehicle via a ramp, which brings you to a carpark and the front entrance. Like all Red Carnation hotels, it’s a grand entrance with a plush, mirrored interior and lots of staff to welcome you. Definitely a soft landing, especially after a long-haul flight—fear not, you’re in experienced hands.

Who else is staying there?
It's a mix of international visitors from all over the world.

Onto the good stuff: Tell us about your room.
Initially a little disappointed to be allocated a room facing the mountain, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Quiet and tucked away, I could fling open the sliding door and tune into the fynbos fragrance and pre-dawn chorus of the birds. I’ve heard that the sound of early morning traffic on the coastal road may be disturbing to light sleepers, but the sound of the ocean makes up for it. Sea-facing rooms have views of passing ships, cavorting dolphins and the magnificent sunsets. Flamboyant, old-school glamour best describes the Twelve Apostles’ luxuriously appointed rooms, designed and decorated by the owners, the Tollmans. Although every room’s layout and decoration is slightly different, the overriding effect is riotous pattern (wallpaper and fabrics match), sumptuous layering (throws and cushions galore), elegant mirrors and original art. The bathroom had a roomy tub, large shower, double vanity and very good lighting. Optimal sea views from rooms on the upper floors.

Were there other features that impressed you?
Enriched with botanical extracts, the in-room toiletries are unique to Red Carnation hotels and available to purchase in the spa.

What are the dining options here?
There are two restaurants, which is a good thing because the closest restaurants are 15 minutes away by car in Camps Bay. As extravagantly decorated as the guest rooms, Azure’s blue and white interiors would be a great date-night choice—a combo of watching the sun sink below the horizon, excellent cuisine and fabulous wines (try something from the owners’ South African estate, Bouchard Finlayson). Chef Christo Pretorius’s food is predictably good, such as beef fillet drenched in Cafe de Paris butter and a side of crunchy golden fries. His tasting menus (even a vegan version) are a treat, too. Breakfast, included in the rate, is a decadent affair, especially if you enjoy the complimentary freshly shucked oysters and bubbly. The mountain-facing cafe now specializes in sushi and seafood. Afternoon tea is often themed - for example, all things pink in October in aid of breast cancer awareness. The Leopard Bar’s best tables are on the terrace for sundowner cocktails.

Anything stand out about other services and features?
The award-winning spa, tucked below the hotel, has a loyal local following. There are two swimming pools, and a cute 16-seat cinema (with drinks, popcorn and candy, of course). The hotel runs a complimentary all-day shuttle to the V&A Waterfront, which is about a 20-minute drive away.

Bottom line: worth it, and why?
On the one hand it’s isolated, on the other it’s beautifully remote. The Red Carnation service and hospitality is impeccable. If you’re planning to visit the Constantia wine route and tour the Cape Peninsula, from Llandudno down to Cape Point and all the way round to Simonstown and Kalk Bay, you’ll be well placed.