21 Nettleton in Cape Town is an elegantly decorated, cliffside boutique hotel in Cape Town that will appeal to those who want mesmerising mountain and sea views and value exclusivity and absolute privacy. With just six rooms, the luxurious hotel combines the ambience of an affluent family home with 24/7 butler service and thoughtful amenities. The owner’s collection of artwork is a feature throughout the elegant lounge, dining room and vast central stairwell spiralling up to the suites.
Suspended between the ocean, the mountain and the African sky, 21 Nettleton sits in splendorous gardens on the slopes of Table Mountain’s Lion’s Head yet it is only 10 minutes from V&A Waterfront and five minutes from Camps Bay. From its exceptional vantage point, the superior property enjoys a peaceful and glorious elevated setting, which affords a grandiose 360-degree panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, 12 Apostles mountain range and Lion’s Head. This exclusive boutique hotel in Cape Town is an escape that offers luxury, privacy and, quite simply, an extraordinary experience.
Enviably placed against the slopes of Clifton, Cape Town’s most prestigious neighbourhood, 21 Nettleton boasts unrivalled elevated views of the dramatic craggy coastline, the Twelve Apostles, and the Atlantic Ocean as it rolls up over the stunning Clifton beaches. Striking the delicate balance between lavish and intimate, the magnificent boutique hotel in Cape Town consists of just six sumptuous rooms and suites, including the spectacular 250m2 Presidential penthouse – each individually decorated with an inimitable style. Accommodating up to 12 guests, 21 Nettleton offers maximum exclusivity and privacy.
Owner Hugo Jankowitz lives in the house and adds a personal element to your stay, making this feel more like staying in a beautiful luxurious home than a hotel.
The refined interiors with opulent decor feature high ceilings, a sweeping staircase, exquisite lounge areas and expansive rooms appointed with luxurious soft furnishings and the owner’s private collection of antiques and one-off pieces of art.
The house is set over eight floors, and with just 12 guests staying here, there are plenty of private spots where you can relax and unwind, from lounges and terraces to hidden corners of the garden inviting quiet contemplation.
With a setting of overwhelming natural beauty, this is where guests can marvel at the enormity of the ocean while embracing the surrounding serenity.
Embraced by lush grounds, the small boutique hotel in Cape Town is an outdoor oasis with a sweeping lawn, manicured gardens and a wonderful pool. Guests can dine under a pagoda or sunbathe on loungers, watching the Atlantic waves roll in.
21 Nettleton is only 10 minutes from Cape Town’s legendary Waterfront restaurants and bars, as well as Table Mountain and the city centre. Explore the city and surrounds by day and escape to the tranquillity of 21 Nettleton by night.
The ambient sound of the waves, uninterrupted coastal views, pristine natural landscape and grandiose sense of space and elegance are prompts for an unforgettable experience at 21 Nettleton.
An elegant mansion house
Housed in an extraordinary mansion house, 21 Nettleton is undoubtedly one of Cape Town’s most luxurious hotels.
It was designed as a private home and still operates as one, with the owner often in residence, albeit in his private quarters.
In 1999, Hugo Jankowitz walked up an old, rickety set of stairs on a rise above Nettleton Road. As he neared the top, he was mesmerised by a breathtaking view of Lion’s Head, Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles and the ocean. It dawned on him right then and there that this was the ideal place to build his dream house.
He built a remarkable, private mansion home that is timeless, elegant and grand, yet homely and welcoming. Exuding extraordinary character and beauty, the spectacular hill-top residence is filled with refined living spaces bursting with charm and charisma.
As time went on, and through his love of travel, Hugo Jankowitz decided to share his home, art and vistas with other travellers who are also seeking what he normally seeks – something unique and luxurious, but with a personal touch. In 2016, the house was meticulously converted into one of Cape Towns most amazing boutique hotels.
The extravagant interior features high ceilings, a triple-volume staircase, generously-proportioned living areas, expansive rooms and two grand pianos. It is complemented with an outstanding art collection, including an array of antiques and paintings from Europe, China, India and South Africa. The overall feel is one of sophistication and quiet grandeur.
There are just six bedrooms and suites spread over three floors, with plenty of areas to relax indoors and out – aside from the indoor lounge-dining room, there are several outdoor areas: comfortable sofas on the covered patio; a table under the creeper-clad pergola; loungers on the lawns.
An eclectic art collection
A striking, distinguishing feature of this boutique hotel in Cape Town is the collection of hand-selected pieces owner Hugo Jankowitz has picked up during a lifetime of travels, providing glimpses into the variety of cultures and people he has encountered.
The eclectic art collection boasts over 150 pieces, including antiques, paintings, sculptures and decorative objects. The private collection predominantly focuses on iconic South African art but also features unique pieces from Europe, China, India and the Middle East. Chinese vases, Rococo clocks, figurine candelabras, grand pianos, baroque gold-framed mirrors and artworks dot the home.
Hugo Jankowitz’s personal collection of artwork is found throughout the property and gardens, and he is happy to share the stories of each piece if you are interested to know more.
Here, guests will bid farewell to the days of sterile rooms and say hello to thoughtful, bespoke experiences, with a captivating collection right at your fingertips (bedsides, bathrooms, etc.) and throughout the hotel.
Accommodation
With only four exclusive suites and two bedrooms, including the lavish 250m2 Presidential Penthouse Suite, 21 Nettleton feels more like a well-staffed private home than a hotel.
Dramatic scenery provides the backdrop, with five of the suites opening onto private terraces with expansive ocean views while the Lions Head Room looks out onto the Table Mountain Nature Reserve.
The deluxe rooms and suites provide perfect hideaways, with every inch of each of the spaces being designed with style, elegance and comfort in mind. Each suite is spacious and individually styled, with antique furniture, Persian rugs, beautiful artwork (from the owner’s extensive private collection), plush beds, luxury linens, gilt gold mirrors and, depending on the room, luxurious marble bathrooms with deep-soaking tubs.
Every room has a ‘Concierge iPad’, from which you can request anything from ice or tea to a reservation, which is all delivered with alacrity.
Regardless of which suite you choose to stay in, you will be transported to a world of languid, cosseted luxury.
PRESIDENTIAL PENTHOUSE SUITE – 250m2: In a class of its own, this opulent penthouse offers supreme luxury and absolute comfort, backdropped by sweeping views. Commanding the entire top floor, the exclusive penthouse is the epitome of privacy.
The 360-degree ocean and mountain views are breathtaking, but the suite itself is just as impressive. There are two bathrooms, a steam room, several balconies, a separate lounge and daybed relaxation space, a dining area and a drawing room with a fireplace and TV.
The lavish decor and refined elegance punctuated by modern accents provide the out-of-this-world experience. The Presidential Suite’s interior evokes early 19th Century Europe with its various Biedermeier pieces and Renaissance artworks, topped off with traditional Pixiu dragons guarding the entrance. There is a comprehensive in-room minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, as well as an upscale snack bar.
STEINWAY SUITE – 150m2: This tastefully decorated suite sets itself apart with its panoramic views, expansive rooms and grand piano. At 150m2, there is ample space to relax and unwind.
The Steinway Suite boasts magnificent views of the Twelve Apostles mountain range, while a large terrace facing the ocean provides infinite views of the Atlantic. With its own private library, a separate lounge and indoor dining area, and home to a Steinway Grand Piano, this plush suite is truly unique.
Some of the favourite pieces here are the Turkish silk tapestry in a door frame, ‘Montagu Mountains’ by Francois Krige, a jade sculpture of monks watching over the building of the Great Wall of China and a cosy fireplace.
The spacious en-suite bathroom is centred around a large bathtub. The private in-room minibar, snacks and tea- and coffee-making facilities complete the Steinway Suite.
EMPEROR SUITE – 75m2: Stylish accents, elegant artwork and warm flourishes make this family-friendly suite an inviting and characterful haven.
Asia meets Africa in the Emperor Suite, where jade artwork, bronze sculptures of Zulu warriors and Chinese vases are some of the notable highlights. This large sweeping room has antique pieces, granite floor inlays and beautifully upholstered chairs, which add extra warmth to the gracious feeling.
This classically styled suite has ample space with a king-size bed, his-and-hers washbasins, separate dressing room and lounge areas and a large private terrace with stunning mountain and ocean views. The suite was designed with an additional pull-down Murphy bed, which is ideal for children. The bed is tucked away neatly when not in use, providing a very open and elegant space to relax. The in-room minibar, snacks and tea- and coffee-making facilities complete the Emperor Suite.
QUEEN SUITE – 63m²: The Queen Suite has an open, warm, and spacious feel with a charming décor of pastel pinks, featuring the much-loved ‘Giraffe in drag’ (a brightly painted giraffe with diamanté earrings and necklace). The floral patterns blend beautifully with decorative features from the late 1800s, an intriguing art piece of the empress and a Flemish Tapestry that hangs above the hand-carved desk piece. The suite is also graced with a gilded mirror and a fireplace.
The suite has a large private outdoor terrace with uninterrupted panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Apostles. This can be opened up to include the King Room and Emperor Suite, which is ideal for families or large groups. The suite features a king-size bed, walk-in closet, a free-standing feature bath in the bedroom and an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower. The in-room minibar, snacks and tea- and coffee-making facilities complete the Queen Suite.
KING ROOM – 56m2: The King Room offers total comfort, whether in the plush bed or on the outdoor terrace.
The elegantly styled suite has a super-size king bed and a deep outdoor terrace overlooking the ocean and the Twelve Apostles. The beautiful open-plan bath area – complete with hardwood floors – includes a free-standing bathtub and walk-in shower. As this space allows the natural light to illuminate the understated decor, the large and king-sized furniture carefully adds a warm contrast to the local colours. White on dark oak, grey against ornate gold, and black set with dark royal hues of red.
The King Room has a separate lounge that can interconnect with the Queen Suite. The in-room minibar, snacks and tea- and coffee-making facilities complete the King Room.
LIONS HEAD ROOM – 45m2: Naturally peaceful and quiet, the room overlooks one side of Lion’s Head, the iconic peak in Table Mountain National Park.
This warm and intimate space features a comfortable, stylish timelessness with a touch of modern flair. The double-volume ceiling allows for warm afternoon light to stream into the room, creating a wonderful place to relax. The room itself is reminiscent of safaris. The art complements this desert setting, stemming from Arab and Jewish descent with a Renaissance feel. The camel bone chest underneath the ornate cabinet keeps with the nomadic theme. This suite has no terrace or separate minibar/lounge area, however, the main bar and coffee/tea station is open to guests staying in the Lion’s Head Room.
Staying in any suite or bedroom at 21 Nettleton includes the following benefits:
- Full English and Continental breakfasts.
- Baked treats in the afternoon and all-day snacks
- Daily canapés during sunset
- Minibar including house wines, house beers, and house spirits (includes select premium brands), as well as non-alcoholic beverages
- VIP airport transfers in luxury vehicles, which include a fast-tracked airport process and a meet-and-greet service
- Private transfers to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and Zeitz Mocca Art Museum
- Personalised in-room iPad for easy connectivity and communication with concierge
- High-speed uncapped internet (WiFi), with personalised Netflix account for in-room entertainment
- Use of sauna and steam room
- Secure parking, 24-hour monitored security
- Laundry services, including dry cleaning
- Premium toiletries from Africology in your suite or room
The hotel does not accept children under the age of 13 and has a peaceful, elegant atmosphere, so it is best suited to couples looking for a tranquil and beautiful retreat.
Exclusive use – book 21 Nettleton for sole use
With only six suites and bedrooms, 21 Nettleton offer complete privacy and exclusivity.
Closed to the public and accommodating only 12 adults (and up to six children), boutique hotel in Cape Town provides uninterrupted privacy and 5-star hotel service in a magnificent clifftop mansion – the epitome of elegance and luxury. For the ultimate celebration, the entire property can be enjoyed on an exclusive basis.
Staying at 21 Nettleton is about the experience of being pampered – with a commanding setting that embraces the ocean, mountains and nature, guests will enjoy an unprecedented air of peace, serenity and beauty. With only six rooms and suites, the sumptuous mansion house tailors a completely bespoke experience during your stay at Cape Town’s most sought-after residential address.
The boutique hotel in Cape Town offers five sumptuous suites and a spectacular top-floor penthouse with unrivalled views of the Twelve Apostles mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean. Each room is individually appointed with unique art, antique furniture and luxurious soft furnishings – styled in a modern fashion. Indulge the senses in the finest linens, relax in the comfort of plush beds, or linger longer in beautiful baths with premium amenities.
For the ultimate celebration, make the entire boutique hotel in Cape Town your own. Book the entire property on an exclusive basis. Your stay will include:
- Fully serviced: Private chef, service staff, concierge services provided by the villa manager
- En-suite bathrooms in all rooms and suites
- Dining areas
- Drawing room
- Sauna and steam room
- Multiple lounges throughout the home
- Fireplace
- TV’s in all rooms and suites
- Minibars for all rooms and suites
- Snackbar for all rooms and suites
- Concierge iPad
- Tea and coffee facilities
Daytime distractions include elegant dining, relaxing in the gardens, enjoying coffee on the terrace, swimming in the pool and hiking along picturesque trails. Other outings include the city sights and waterfront, the vineyards of Constantia and venturing along the rugged coastline.
Dining
Breakfast is cooked any way you want, while the breakfast buffet features fresh croissants, a selection of cheese and cold meats, delicious home-made granola, double cream yoghurt and a great selection of fruit and berries.
Guests can enjoy a lazy lunch, intimate dinner or private barbeque on one of the many terraces, patios, decks and dining areas. The memorable garden dinners under the southern hemisphere stars, while sipping a fine South African vintage, leave a lasting impression. A special picnic can also be arranged in a secluded spot in the gardens, or in the mountains or on the beach.
Treat yourself to our delicious Afternoon Tea, while daily sundowners and canapes are the ultimate way to end the day. There is also a well-equipped honesty bar with a variety of snacks, replenished daily.
In partnership with Buitenverwachting, an award-winning wine estate in the Constantia Winelands, 21 Nettleton boasts a fine wine list. Private tastings with a sommelier or the winemaker are avaliable on request. Reverse osmosis filtered drinking water is provided in all rooms and at all meals.
And for those wanting to explore the city, Cape Town is home to the most celebrated restaurants in the world, and 21 Nettleton would be delighted to make a reservation for you.
Facilities & services
With only up to 12 guests, the atmosphere of the boutique hotel in Cape Town is reminiscent of an elegant private home. It ensures personalised service and individual attention to each guest.
STAFF: Due to a small number of guests and high staff-to-guest ratio, service is beyond wonderful, with guests enjoying 24/7 butler service and household treats such as afternoon tea and sundowners tailored to individual preferences.
POOL: The marvellous swimming pool, running into natural rock pools, offer tranquillity in an undisturbed setting. Luxurious sun loungers further enhance the environment’s privileged feeling.
GARDENS: The setting is absolutely breathtaking: the beautiful gardens have a towering backdrop of the Twelve Apostles and the views at the front look out over palm-fringed beaches and the vast Atlantic Ocean. As one of Clifton’s largest private gardens, the magnificently manicured garden is simply stunning with its refreshing swimming pool wrapped around gigantic granite boulders. A secret gate from the garden leads straight onto the national park for hiking right on your doorstep. Also, yoga lovers will find their Zen during the early morning yoga sessions.
SPA TREATMENTS: With bird songs, wild strelitzia and trickling water features forming the soothing backdrop, guests can enjoy in-house massages, reiki sessions and other spa treatments in the comfort of the outdoor treatment area near the pool grotto. The hotel also features a sauna and steam room.
GREEN INITIATIVES: The following green initiatives are in place at 21 Nettleton: Solar energy; 100% water recycling; composting; energy saving light-bulbs; and 100% bio-degradable cleaning products.
Activities
As a destination, Cape Town is just about perfect. It is a city with roots that go deep and where the good life is savoured and shared with a welcoming spirit that has defined the city since the beginning.
At 21 Nettleton, you will enjoy the best that Cape Town has to offer, right at your fingertips, yet the hotel’s private setting allows you to relax in comfort and luxury, whether next to the pool, on the garden terrace or in one of the many lounges. And when you are ready to explore, 21 Nettleton can tailor activities according to your particular tastes and interests.
One of Cape Town’s great joys is its remarkable proximity to both the mountain and the beach. And 21 Nettleton makes it even easier to do both. The boutique hotel offers beach activities, an in-house personal trainer and guided hiking or trail running on Lions Head and Table Mountain.
HIKES AND TRAIL RUNS ON THE ICONIC TABLE MOUNTAIN: The back of the property opens onto the Table Mountain Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, allowing guests private access to several hiking trails up Lion’s Head, Signal Hill and Table Mountain itself. A guided hike leading from the secret gate of the back garden is also offered.
THE ATLANTIC SEABOARD: Sandwiched between the Table Mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean on Cape Town’s western coastline, the Atlantic Seaboard is one the city’s most scenic road rides. Exquisite natural beauty – graced with majestic mountain backdrops, stunning sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean and unspoilt beaches – characterise Cape Town’s Atlantic seaboard. Restaurants along the Atlantic Seaboard, particularly those in Camps Bay and Hout Bay, offer exceptional seafood menus coupled with quintessential seaside allure.
CAPE POINT NATURE RESERVE: A short drive down the Atlantic Ocean coastline, and you will reach the picturesque town of Hout Bay and the iconic Chapman’s Peak Drive. Beyond that lies Cape Point Nature Reserve, one of the most scenically spectacular parks in the whole of South Africa.
It falls within the southern part of the Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO declared World Heritage Site. The reserve is home to dramatic scenery, fantastic hiking trails, pristine beaches, unique flora and fauna with great bird watching (over 250 species of birds).
CAPE’S FAMOUS WINELANDS: Along with world-class wine, the Cape’s wine routes deliver some of the most majestic scenery in South Africa, attractive architecture – gabled Cape Dutch homesteads steeped in history alongside cutting-edge modern cellars – and a generous dose of South African hospitality.
Cape Town, the heartland of South Africa’s wine culture, is within an hour’s drive of the most popular wine routes in the country, where wine lovers can sample a wide range of homegrown wines – all within an easy day trip from 21 Nettleton. Closest to Cape Town is the leafy suburb of Constantia, the country’s oldest wine region. After that, the historical districts of Stellenbosch, Paarl, Robertson, Wellington and Franschhoek are equally famous.
Location – one of the most prestigious addresses in Africa and Cape Town
With Cape Town’s most prized address, this boutique hotel in Cape Town is ideally placed just below the mountains and above some of Africa’s best beaches. Set high on the slopes of Lion’s Head, it looks out over Clifton’s famous beaches and the blue Atlantic Ocean, with the Twelve Apostles mountain range stretching off into the distance.
This beautiful hotel is an idyllic oasis to relax and unwind, yet its location on the outskirts of the city puts you within a stone’s throw of all the attractions, from art galleries and museums to trendy street markets, historic landmarks and world-class dining.
A mere 10 minutes away from Cape Town’s legendary Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, 21 Nettleton is located in Clifton. Glamorous Clifton is home to jet-setters and celebrities, and it is not hard to see why they choose these views and these beaches. Sheltered from the wind by the slopes of Signal Hill and facing into the sunset, Clifton’s four sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters are Cape Town’s top-ranking beaches.
From Clifton, it is a short drive into central Cape Town for sightseeing and restaurants, even closer to Camps Bay for trendy eateries and chic bars and to Sea Point for the colourful local character, plenty more good food and the famous promenade.
21 Nettleton is just 30 minutes from Cape Town International Airport.
Book 21 Nettleton for a luxury holiday in Cape Town
Representing the epitome of gracious beauty and refined exclusivity, 21 Nettleton delivers an elevated boutique hotel experience where every moment hits a high note.
Commandingly sited high above the glorious beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, the expansive views of the ocean stretching all the way down the Twelve Apostles are mesmerising. Everything about this amazing boutique hotel in Cape Town is enchanting – the sound of the waves and pristine landscapes, beautiful gardens with granite boulders, swimming pool, extravagant décor, impressive art collection and private decks… Everything exudes tranquillity, luxury and offers you a one-of-a-kind experience.
