The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa

Set inside a 1929 gabled farmhouse renovated and added to over the years, the hotel has a classic look that allows the surrounding natural scenery to shine. A red-brick driveway at the entranceway overlooks the ocean, which is also visible from a small rectangular pool surrounded by blue-striped lounge chairs. The lobby is perhaps the most classically decorated space, with blue floral-patterned chairs, royal blue carpeting, blue porcelain vases, and round pillars. Elsewhere, at the Azure Restaurant and Cafe Grill, shades of blue, pale teal, and white, along with paintings of seashells and ocean ephemera, create a casual beach-appropriate vibe. The Leopard Bar is a warmer and richer space, with saturated colors, touches of gold and brass, and heavy wood chairs at the dark-wood bar. Guests range from couples to families, who are made to feel pampered from start to finish here, starting with sparkling wine on arrival and daily tea with pastries.

The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is set on a quiet, somewhat secluded road along the Atlantic coast, about a five-minute drive from Camps Bay Beach and 15 to 20 minutes from the center of Cape Town. The hotel runs a free shuttle bus to popular area locations, including the V&A Waterfront, about 20 minutes away. The airport is within a half hour's drive. 

Guest rooms are clean and bright, with modern furnishings and an effortlessly put-together style: Some are all white and creamy beige, while others have multicolored striped carpeting, bold murals, and breezy floral wallpaper. All rooms have balconies, 24-hour room service, and entertainment centers with flat-screen TVs and DVD players, and include access to the movie theater's DVD library. Turndown service, pillow and soap menus, and coffee- and tea-making facilities are nice extras. Some rooms face the mountains, while others face the sea, and suites with one and two bedrooms are available. The Presidential Suite offers panoramic views from a wraparound terrace, as well as a collection of artwork from South African masters, and personal butler service. 

Guests can dine at the more formal Azure, which serves locally sourced meat and seafood, and has a lauded wine list. The 24-hour Cafe Grill is a more casual option, serving California-style cuisine such as salads and burgers. The Leopard Bar hosts live entertainment from Monday through Saturday, and has a long list of cognacs and ports on offer. The bar also hosts Tea by the Sea, a daily afternoon tea with pastries, tea, and coffee. 

The spa is a grotto-like space with hydrotherapy pools, flotation tanks, and a health bar, as well as mountaintop gazebo treatment rooms with glass walls. A small gym is on-site, but guests may want to take advantage of free passes to a nearby fitness center for more options as far as equipment. The 16-seat cinema shows classics and newer films, with meals available. Other highlights include twice-weekly wine tastings and helicopter flights to the waterfront (for a fee). Wi-Fi and breakfast are included.