Oysters at breakfast, a floatation pool, and one of Cape Town’s most exclusive neighbourhoods is just a smidgen of what’s on offer at the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa. Zoe Macfarlane reveals all.
The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa stands solo on the shoreline between Cape Town’s famous Camps and Hout Bays. This 2-story, 70-room property draws its name from the 12 Apostles Mountains, an (actually) 18-peak range on the backside of South Africa’s most iconic landmark, Table Mountain.
I checked in – and checked out – one of Cape Town’s most desirable hotels.
CHECK-IN & BEYOND
Twelve Apostles mountain walks – Credit 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa
Entering the 12 Apostles Hotel is like walking into a fairy tale, with the stylish white façade, plush furnishing, and assured ambience acting like a fairy godmother’s wand across my day (or was it life?). While one attentive staff member parked my car and whisked my bags to my room, another checked me in with the warmest of welcomes.
Thoughtfulness and attentiveness is everything at the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa. A pre-arrival form ensured my room was filled with personal touches, including a natural duvet, neck-support pillow, almond milk, and yoga mat. Plus a birthday treat – yum!
THE ROOMS
Mountain-view room – Credit Zoe Macfarlane
Rooms at the 12 Apostles Hotel are varied thanks to the individual décor and furnishings in every single one. Mine was light, airy, and mountain-facing, with an earthy-feminine palette that seemed to extend the Fynbos gardens into the room.
The peace of this side of the hotel afforded many mindfulness moments as butterflies explored the foliage against the stunning peak backdrop. The sea-facing rooms have, well, sea views, but also a road that separates the property from the Atlantic. If the sound of a little traffic doesn’t bother you, upgrade to the Atlantic-facing rooms.
FOOD & DRINKS
Twelve Apostles Leopard Bar High Tea – Credit 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa
Sleeping mountainside didn’t mean I missed out on the thrashing waves of the Atlantic. The ocean-facing sophisticated Azure Restaurant kickstarted the day with a roar. And not just with the waves, the breakfast is a sublime 4-station spread, resplendent with oysters and sparkling wine (mimosa, anyone?).
For lunch and dinner, Azure is the property’s fine dining option, with bookings imperative. For more casual fare, opt for Café Grill or head to Leopard Bar for fabulous cocktails or the delectable ‘tea by the sea’.
FACILITIES
Twelve Apostles Spa Gazebo – Credit 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa
The 12 Apostle Hotel’s award-winning spa accompanies the two onsite pools, fitness centre, and a 16-seat cinema. With an extensive spa menu to choose from, a Dead Sea floatation pool, plus the usual sauna and steam room, you’re doing it wrong if you leave here with any level of stress.
Don’t miss out on a treatment in the spa’s mountainside gazebos – it made my Ballabaci treatment – a massage and Chinese cupping combo – even more therapeutic.
LOCATION
Twelve Apostles Spa Balcony View – Credit Qantas
The 12 Apostle Mountain Range is the all-star backdrop to the property, with the accompanying white-sand crescent of Camps Bay beach a close runner-up. If you feel like exploring either, the hotel will provide a running or hiking buddy to accompany you.
The hotel provides an hourly complimentary shuttle to the V&A Waterfront – fab for shops, eats, and exploration. As a solo traveller, this provided a reassuring and safe introduction to Cape Town.
ECO
The 12 Apostles Hotel is committed to sustainability. Aside from a reduction of single-use plastics and water consumption, the hotel is also involved with community initiatives. All align with their mantra, to #maketravelmatter.
THE VERDICT
This is the high life! The 12 Apostle Hotel’s Camps Bay location, luxe furnishings, and exceptional attention to detail make this a stay beyond any standard 5-star hotel.
THE DEETS
Fly direct to Johannesburg with Qantas or South African Airways, and on to Cape Town. From the airport, it’s a 30-minute ride to the hotel. Organise a private shuttle, or hop in an Uber from around R300.
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