The Travelista

  • Home
  • About
    • Collaborations
    • Press
    • FAQ
    • Contact
  • Travel
    • Destinations by World Map
    • Hotels
    • Airlines
    • Restaurants
    • Itineraries
  • Life
    • Yorkshire
    • Style
  • Motherhood
  • Inspire Me
    • Adventure
    • Beach
    • City
    • Culture
    • Mountain
    • Tropical
  • Shop
    • E-mail
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Barefoot Luxury at Cape View Clifton, Cape Town

05/04/15 ᛫ 11 Comments

If heaven existed on earth, I think I may have found it; a home-from-home where you can still enjoy 5 star luxury overlooking Cape Town’s Clifton beaches and the relentless Atlantic waves. But this is no hotel, oh no, far from it in fact. The Cape View Clifton is single handily redefining the concept of relaxed luxury travel and getting their guests to ‘leave their shoes at the door’ in the process. It’s a unique accommodation style that I have never experienced before until now. So slip off your shoes, sit back and let me tell you why Cape View Clifton has jumped straight to the top of my travel hot list…

DSC_1143

The initial thing that hits you about this place is the view. Oh… the view. A breathtaking panorama of the ocean framed by the rugged 12 Apostles is the first thing you lay your eyes on after entering through the discreet top level of this private beach house. The majestic mountains, golden sands and crashing blue waves with white foamy peaks make the view both incredibly dramatic and wonderfully peaceful at the same time.

DSC_0980

Spiral two floors down and you reach the expansive open-plan living area which is the main communal space of the guest house. Light, bright and airy, the space has been immaculately designed and looks like one of those dreamy beach-front condos you see in Hollywood films.

The Guesthouse Concept 

Made up of just 7 rooms and suites, Cape Vieaw Clifton has a unique guesthouse concept designed to perfectly cater for the relaxed luxury traveller. The property is a converted family home, and that’s exactly how it still feels.

DSC_1069

An honesty bar is open 24-hours a day, meaning you can help yourself to cold drinks and freshly made snacks whenever you feel like it. You simply note down what you’ve taken on a notepad and it’s added on to your final bill, but teas and Nespresso coffees are always complimentary. Another little perk that makes you feel right at home.

DSC_1005

Home Cooking

Perfectly in keeping with the guesthouse concept, meal times are totally bespoke. Each morning a delicious daily special is put on to the chalk board if you need a bit of breakfast inspiration but the charming cooks are happy to whip up anything you request providing they have the ingredients. I asked for 2 poached eggs on toast which they cooked to perfection and creatively served on a bed of toast and spinach.

DSC_1009

A super-food breakfast buffet is also available with delicious yoghurts, granola, seeds, nuts, fresh fruits and juices. Cheeses, meats croissants and baked goods are also on offer for a little extra indulgence. I loved the freshly made green juice on offer with apple, spinach and cucumber. It was similar to the juices I make at home, so felt like another home comfort to me.

DSC_1007

Lunches and dinners are catered for based on a menu of fresh, local and seasonal produce. Pre booking is essential for lunch and dinner to ensure the kitchens are fully stocked but the kitchen is incredibly flexible at catering to personal tastes.

On our first night we sat out on the deck after the sunset and had a delicious 2-course meal starting with succulent rump steak, salad and sweet potato wedges followed by a rich chocolate brownie. The meal was above and beyond restaurant standard but it still felt like a home-style comfort food meal.

image2.PNG

Barefoot and Fancy Free

General Manager Cobus Bester encourages all guests to walk around the entire property bare foot. “You wouldn’t wear your shoes at home so why would you wear them here?”, he asked me. I loved his analogy, so off the shoes went!

It was strange prospect at first but after a while it felt liberating and it is incredible how one simple change such as taking your shoes off can affect your whole mindset into making you feel at home. Cobus told me he encourages all guests to go barefoot during their stay and commented on how much more relaxed they become once the shoes are off. I can say from experience, it works!image3.PNG

The Deck of Dreams

The real gem of The Cape View Clifton is the outdoor deck and balcony area. Directly connected to the communal living area, the deck is the best spot to drink in the spectacular views and soak up some relentless Captonian sun. A small plunge pool and a row of comfy sun loungers make it a blissful spot to unwind through the day, but the best time to be on the desk is at sunset.

DSC_0985Thanks to the panoramic ocean view, the Cape View Clifton is perfectly situated to witness truly magical sunsets. The sky and sea are set alight with pinky hues as the sun sinks and glow against the mountains. It’s an unmissable sight for anyone staying here.

DSC_1013

The Interior Design 

Another talking point about the Cape View Clifton is the stunning interior design and furnishings. It looks like it’s ready for a Vogue-interiors photo shoot at every angle and there is no doubt that the design concept has been imagined by a talented perfectionist.

DSC_0991

This perfectionist is Jessica Latimer, Founder and Owner of the Cape View Clifton. At just 29 years old, Jess has done an exceptional job of transforming her family beach house into a beautiful luxury guest house and has overseen the entire project. Her eye for detail consistently transcends throughout the whole property and it’s clear that it remains a project very close to her heart.

DSC_0996

I had the pleasure of meeting Jess during my stay at Cape View Clifton and it was fascinating to hear about the intricate process she went through to get the finished product she first dreamt of creating.

DSC_1076

All of the furnishings, fixtures, textures and tiny details work in perfect harmony to create a clean, fresh and stylish beach house interior that I absolutely loved.

DSC_1083

During my stay at the Cape View Clifton I got to stay in the Deluxe Suite, The Cape View Clifton’s premium suite. With a huge a private balcony in prime position for that view, large lounge area and luxurious chez longues, this room is truly heavenly. I felt like the cat that got the cream.

DSC_1085

All of the art and wall hangings in each room are unique and it felt as if I were staying in a beautifully designed home rather than a hotel or a guest house.

DSC_1080

The bedding was of the highest quality from the silky egyptian cotton bedsheets to the down-stuffed pillows and the embroidered headboard. It was all very White-Company esque which only added to the luxurious feel.

DSC_1078

The huge balcony had room for a table and chairs and two large sun loungers so I could soak up the sun in private if I didn’t fancy going down to the communal deck. To have this large outdoor space is a huge bonus and I could image couples requesting to have a romantic dinner served out here in complete privacy.

DSC_1073My stay at The Cape View Clifton could not have been more perfect. It’s a place where you can feel totally relaxed, casual and at home whilst enjoying luxury accommodation in truly spectacular surroundings. To have all of this on such a small and intimate scale really is something special.

DSC_1140

A stay at The Cape View Clifton is an incredibly unique experience and is now one of my favourite places I have ever stayed. I cannot wait to go back and would recommend it to anyone looking for relaxed, personal and luxury accommodation in Cape Town.

Read more reviews of Cape View Clifton and book

What did you think of my The Cape View Clifton Review? Have I inspired you to stay here or have you already experienced it for yourself? I would love to hear what you think so please leave me a comment in the box below if you have enjoyed this post. Thank you! 

Visiting Cape Town? Read my Top 10 Things to do in Cape Town

Room rates at Cape View Clifton start from ZAR2700 (approx £152) per room per night including breakfast. 

image1.PNG

11 Comments

Related Posts

  • Rose and Crown Yard; Our Whitby Holiday Cottage
  • A Spiritual Escape: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan | Review
  • My Luxury Mountain Retreat at Alpina Gstaad
« 10 Amazing Things To Do in Cape Town, South Africa
My First Time in Business Class with Qatar Airways »

Comments

  1. Follow Your Sunshine says

    11th June 2015 at 8:21 am

    You look right at home at Cape View Clifton, Jess! It’s absolutely gorgeous, I love all of the little touches and those views are to die for.

    Polly xx
    Follow Your Sunshine

    Reply
  2. violalevy says

    3rd June 2015 at 10:47 am

    Great post Jess – it looks gorgeous! Reminds me of our trip to Sardinia – seems ages ago now!! 🙂 xx

    Reply
  3. Sher says

    2nd June 2015 at 5:50 pm

    I’m going to South Africa in a month or so and can’t wait! Great review, I’l have to check out the cape view clifton hotel 🙂

    did you go on safari?

    Sher
    http://www.shershegoes.com

    Reply
  4. Lauren says

    10th April 2015 at 10:12 pm

    Wow! This place looks beautiful. The view is definitely gorgeous! Thanks for sharing so many details and photos from your trip.

    Reply
  5. Taylor Hearts Travel says

    7th April 2015 at 2:50 pm

    I can’t believe how affordable this place is. It looks amazing and I can see why you fell in love with it. It reminds me of a few of the lux places I visited in Puglia (southern Italy) so if you ever visit there let me know! x

    Reply
  6. Angie Silver (@SilverSpoonLDN) says

    7th April 2015 at 9:22 am

    It’s so much like Ellerman House, where I stayed. In fact I think they’re very close to each other. I agree with Kelly’s comment above, luxury is now all about personal service and special touches.
    Lots of love,
    Angie

    Reply
  7. denimfish says

    5th April 2015 at 9:20 pm

    Looks fantastic, if I go to Cape Town I’d want to stay here!

    Reply
  8. aroundtheworldin80pairsofshoes says

    5th April 2015 at 9:00 pm

    I definitely think that the Southern Hemisphere are redefining the luxury hotel experience; everyone is wanting something unique these days and it looks like Cape View Clifton have definitely nailed it and at a great price too! x

    Reply
    • thetravelistablog says

      5th April 2015 at 9:01 pm

      I think you’re absolutely right Kelly, they are definitely on to something! Have you seen many other concepts like his in the SH? If so would love to know where xxx thanks for your comment

      Reply
  9. Kam says

    5th April 2015 at 7:03 pm

    This place looks amazing. The interior design is stunning and I love the home away from home concept. Definitely one to keep in mind for a trip to Cape Town!

    Reply
    • thetravelistablog says

      5th April 2015 at 7:06 pm

      Thanks for your comment Kam! The photos can’t even do justice how beautiful this place is, and yes the interior design is so so stunning! I couldn’t recommend this place enough xx Happy Travels

      Reply

Spark a conversation! Cancel reply

Jess is an an award-winning travel blogger based in Yorkshire, navigating the world as a new Mum to baby Theo. Blogging about adventures both local and global.

Read More

Booking.com

Subscribe

Never Miss a Post!

Latest Posts

An Indulgent Escape at Columbia Beach Resort, Cyprus

14 of the most Instagrammable places in Leeds

3 Day Itinerary: A Family Friendly Durham Mini Break

Follow on Instagram

Ad I’m not like a regular mom, I’m a cool mom Ad I’m not like a regular mom, I’m a cool mom ✌🏼

Yesterday we hopped off the ship at Rotterdam and spent the day in Amsterdam on a shore excursion with a river cruise and 3 hours free time. We also found the best kept secret in Amsterdam, especially for foodies. Head to my stories to see what we got up to ⚓️

If you’re curious about any aspect of cruising leave a question as a comment and i’ll let you know! 💓

@princesscruises 
@traverseevents 
#discoverwithprincess 
#enchantedprincess
Ad On board and ready to roll! I’m cruising on E Ad On board and ready to roll! I’m cruising on Enchanted Princess for the next 5 nights and will be exploring Bruges, Amsterdam and Guernsey. 

Follow my trip on stories and see what I’ve been up to so far. ☺️⚓️

@princesscruises 
@traverseevents 
#DiscoverWithPrincess 
#EnchantedPrincess
Hi guys 👋🏼 I’m so excited to share that th Hi guys 👋🏼 I’m so excited to share that this Sunday I’ll be setting sail with @princesscruises for my second ever cruise.

Some of you may remember I experienced a cruise for the first time back in 2018 with Princess Cruises, embarking on an epic 10 day adventure around Russia and Scandinavia (swipe right for throwback photos). 

This time our 5 day cruise will be departing from Southampton and calling at Rotterdam, Bruges and Guernsey. 3 new entirely destinations for me to explore and share. I’m especially excited to see Rotterdam as it’s my Grandma’s home town and the place of my Dutch roots. 🇳🇱 

We also get a “sea day” which gives us time to enjoy all the luxurious facilities on board our ship, #EnchantedPrincess.

I’ll be travelling with some fabulous fellow content creators including @kirstyleannetravels @charliepauly @laurenacliffe @bonnierakhit @joshuanueva. Be sure to give them all a follow to see the same trip from different perspectives. 

Have you ever thought of doing a cruise or are you already a cruise covert? Hope you can all follow along 🚢 💫

(1st photo from my recent Abu Dhabi trip, taken at @beirutsurmer) 

This upcoming trip is a paid campaign so all posts / stories during the trip will be marked as ad. This post is not part of the campaign.
(Ad - press invite) Me and my boy 💓 I hope ever (Ad - press invite) Me and my boy 💓 I hope everyone had a lovely early May bank holiday. Ours has included an incredible meal at @billsrestaurant in York to try out their brand new menu. Swipe for some serious #foodporn 👉🏼

I took Theo and my parents so we were able to sample lots of different dishes (as well as the kids menu) and we were all so impressed with both the quality of the food and also the service. 

The menu is a very international so you can pretty much eat your eat around the world in three courses (or stick to one type of cuisine). But either way there’s definitely something to appeal to everyone around the table

Here are my recommendations from Bill’s new menu;

Starters
✔️ Cheese and truffle fondue with sour dough bread - hands down the best of the 3! Ridiculously good
✔️ Burrata and chargrilled red peppers - insane creaminess in the Burrata, my Dad loved it
✔️ Crispy calamari with roast garlic and basil aioli - a staple starter for me! You cannot go wrong 
✔️ Bill’s sticky duck salad - so light, fresh and flavoursome 

Mains 
✔️ Bill’s sea bass thali - What I ordered. An Indian feast on one plate with so many elements. Loved it!
✔️ Halloumi shawarma - a strong choice from my Mum, I kept stealing her halloumi 
✔️ Miso salmon and aubergine - My Dad raved about this. I was also tempted to order it

Dessert 
✔️ Chocolate and salted caramel tart 
✔️ Eton colada 

The kids menu was also great at £5.95 for two courses and a side, and lots of great / tasty / healthy options beyond the classic kids menu dishes.

Thanks to the team at York Bill’s for such a great experience ✨

Which of the above dishes sound like a bit of you? 🤤🍽
(Ad - press trip) If you’re in search of a luxur (Ad - press trip) If you’re in search of a luxurious family-friendly hotel / holiday this summer, I have a great recommendation for you.

New on the blog is my review of @columbia_beach_resort, which I visited with my family in March with @jet2pics. Find my full review via the link in my bio. 👆🏼#Jet2Cyprus 

Whilst this was a press trip, I researched and selected the hotel myself, and it didn’t disappoint. A few reasons why I chose Columbia Beach Resort:

🍋 It’s part of @smallluxuryhotels 
🍋 Spectacular beach front location
🍋 Beautiful aesthetics whilst also child-friendly
🍋 30 minute transfer from Paphos airport
🍋 Excellent Trip Advisor reviews on food and service
🍋 Kids clubs for babies to age 3 and ages 4-12 (free for 4-12)
🍋 Small play area and shallow children’s pool 

This holiday was part of an Indulgent Escapes package with Jet2Holidays, which come with lots of additional benefits such as:

🌥25kg baggage allowance per person
🌥 Private transfers to and from your hotel
🌥 Priority lane passes through security
🌥 A round of complimentary drinks on board your Jet2 flight (including beer and wine)
🌥 A luxurious gift on arrival at the airport (ours was a beautiful leather travel wallet)

All of these little extras really added up to make our journey so much easier and more enjoyable, especially the priority lane pass at @leeds_bradford_airport and the private transfers on arrival. The driver even had a toddler car seat so we didn’t need to worry about bringing one along with us. I was so impressed.

Hope this review comes in handy for some of you! Check out the blog post and feel free to ask any further questions about this hotel in the comments ☀️
Magic moments in Marbella 🌞✨ If anyone is pl Magic moments in Marbella 🌞✨

If anyone is planning a hen party / stag in Marbella and would like details of the villa get in touch and be sure to check out @mymarbellaweekender for inspiration and help with planning (a friends account) 🌴

Subscribe

Never miss a post! Subscribe for Travelista updates and newsletters

Latest Video

  • 3847likes
  • 19680followers
  • 10039followers
  • 2030subscribers

Copyright © 2022 · Design by Gatto

Copyright © 2022 · The Travelista on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

  • Privacy Policy
  • FAQ
  • Contact