Barefoot Luxury at Cape View Clifton, Cape Town

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Thanks 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

My 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.

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.

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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! 

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