Ellerman House Hotel is one of the finest boutique hotels in South Africa. It is situated in a beautiful Edwardian mansion perched on the cliff side of the ‘Lion’s Head’ in Bantry Bay.
The hotel enjoys spectacular views of the bay and the Atlantic Ocean beyond – as far as the horizon..
The hotel stands on Kloof Road in Bantry Bay which has some of the most expensive real estate in Africa. Ellerman House Hotel is exclusive and showcases the best of South Africa including warm hospitality, a huge and rich art collection, a choice of fine wines, lush gardens and incredible views. Ellerman House is the perfect setting for a memorable holiday- and we decided to to put this to the test (don’t miss my Stories on Insta for more videos from this hotel)!
The relaxing ambiance of the hotel is one of a large manor house where guests are treated like family members. Describing the place as a ‘hotel’ may be technically correct, but rather underplays its house atmosphere and also makes usual no-go areas like the kitchen very unapproachable. In my eyes, it’s more like a beautiful private a seaside house.
On arrival, guests are greeted by the manager. She measured our temperature and asked us to fill in electronic check-in form on our mobiles- how cool is that! This is an advanced check-in experience, with no need to stay in a long line at the reception whilst waiting for somebody to scan your passport. Interestingly, there is no reception desk near the hotel entrance. Arriving guests see antiques and original architectural detail, highlighted by accent colours and contemporary textiles- definitely a more personal and homely welcome. It is not only the welcome to the hotel that is relaxing, the Ellerman House Hotel is an adults-only hotel and only children aged 14+ are admitted, so there is an air of tranquility throughout.
There are only 13 bedrooms in this gorgeous hotel and each one has its own colour palette, antiques and glorious wall paintings. All but two of the rooms share the same sweeping views of Bantry Bay.
The guest rooms capture the elegance of the Edwardian period, but are well-equipped with all the modern-day comforts. Each room has a balcony or terrace and has tea and coffee making facilities for relaxing moments.
We climbed the stairs to our Ellerman House Suite on the top floor. Passing the corridor, with walls uniquely decorated with stunning pieces of arts, it was an experience we loved to repeat for any excuse! The Deluxe House is an elegant extra-spacious room of 44 m2 with triple aspect windows with views of the Atlantic Ocean, the hotel gardens and towards Cape Town. Furnished in tones of pale cream and green, like the other rooms, comfort is the top priority. Attention to detail includes Ellerman House and Charlotte Rhys bath products in the sumptuous marble bathroom.
As well as the 13 guest bedrooms, there are two contemporarily styled villas standing in the hotel ground’s which are ideal for families and groups of friends.
Ellerman House Hotel is well known for its excellent and extensive collection of art. There are paintings hung on every wool within the hotel and also in the con temporarily designed gallery in the hotel gardens and the hotel’s collection easily rivals the country’s best art museums. Discovering the wealth of the art is fun and you are guided through the collection by the hotel’s iPad.
The day starts with an extensive breakfast buffet that is complemented by a breakfast menu of hot dishes.
Lunch is enjoyed on the terrace and dinner in the art-filled restaurant.
The restaurant is really outstanding. Every dish on the menu is well cooked and perfectly presented and uses organically grown produce. The highly-talented Executive Chef, Rudolph Blaauw wows guests with his selection of dishes; each plate bursting with flavour, eye-appeal and sheer creativity. For those with a certain menu in mind, the Chef is happy to prepare your chosen dishes and if you have special dietary needs, these can be easily accommodated.
I was impressed with the brunch a South African Braai. We had seafood from braai: wood-fired gurnard, peri-peri grilled prawns, Cape Malay mussel potjie, west coast crayfish tails with garlic bread, Caesar salad, potato salad, beetroot and goats cheese salad and corn-on-cob – what a banquet! For desert, we enjoyed African-style Tiramisu with local fruit salad. To complement the hotel’s superb cuisine, there is an extensive 7,500 bottle wine cellar featuring many of South Africa’s top labels.
South African Braai in Ellerman House
Can you imagine, the child-like delight of being able to choose from a tempting array of freshly baked home- made treats every day? The guest pantry next to the kitchen is a ‘snack station’ with a good variety of sweet and savoury pastries and a good drinks selection including an array of teas. As well, as being perfect for snacks during the day the treats are perfect to enjoy during your day out exploring Cape Town.
The Chef preparing pastry. Open kitchen in Ellerman House
The Ellerman Spa welcomes you to a world of sensual pleasures. Its well-qualified therapists use cutting-edge massage techniques and anti-aging beauty rituals that are relaxing and restorative. The sensation shower, sauna and steam room take you a step further into total relaxation and a feeling of rejuvenation. The treatment menu is extensive and the therapists are happy to customise treatment according to individual needs.
Other hotel amenities include a beautiful swimming pool in the terraced garden and a well-equipped gym, winery. We didn’t miss a chance to do a complimentary wine tasting in Ellerman House Wine Gallery. Integrating outstanding contemporary architecture with breathtaking sculptural elements and cutting-edge design, the new Ellerman House Wine Gallery is not only a showcase for this extensive, award-winning wine collection but offers guests a unique, interactive journey into the world of wine.
For those who want to simple relax and enjoy this gorgeous boutique hotel, it is very easy, but for those filled with wander lust to explore Cape Town and beyond, it is important to note that Ellerman House Hotel is not within walking distance of any restaurants or the city centre. Having said that, the hotel offers a complimentary transfer into the city centre whenever you want – which is ideal for sightseeing during the day. The iconic Victoria & Albert Waterfront is less than six kilometres away, Camps Bay is just a five minute drive and Table Mountain, a 10-minute drive away. The nearest beaches are Clifton and Saunders Rocks Beach which both lie 550 meters from the hotel and both can be reached on foot.
As the sun begins to sink though, the ideal place to be is enjoying the house cocktail- an Artilleryman (made with South African gin) at the hotel’s granite bar on the terrace. The sunsets over the ocean are unbelievably spectacular viewed from here are more than a little romantic!
What’s you next holiday when everything come back to Normal? Don’t miss a chance to book a stay in one of the most beautiful hotels in South Africa.
P.S. Also, check out their instagram – it’s such a sourse of inspiration:)
.jpg)
