Fodor's Expert Review One&Only Cape Town

In the spirit of founding investor Sol Kerzner's "go big or go home" philosophy, the One&Only Cape Town is a splendid tribute to excess with its four-story glass window views onto Table Mountain from the aptly named Vista Bar and decadent island spa surrounded by a moat. The island lends a tropical resort feel, added to by a spectacular outdoor infinity pool and the presence of Cape Town's very own branch of the renowned Nobu restaurant. With all of this, it's easy to forget that you're still in the center of the city, just steps from the V&A Waterfront.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Word of warning: the place is gorgeous, but it is extremely expensive. Be prepared.

room

All rooms are much larger than you'd find in most other hotels and beautifully furnished in contemporary African design chic. All offer pretty impressive levels of luxury - even basic rooms have king-size beds (or two queens) and private balconies with views (or they surround the gorgeous pool on the island), Nespresso machines and huge TVs.

If you really want to blow the budget, you have plenty of opportunity here - maybe try Justin Bieber's favourite suite, the Table Mountain suite, or how about the first ever Champagne suite experience in Africa, by Dom Perignon? Needless to say, the decoration is swish and your 'experience' involves a lot of champagne.

bathroom

Bathrooms are also massive and luxurious, with double sinks, baths and showers. Some rooms have dressing rooms, too.

lobby

The hotel lobby sets the pace--a huge, light-filled and gorgeous circular space, with the aforementioned huge windows, which drops down into the bar, then out down some steps onto the lagoon island and then ultimately the two islands beyond--one which houses the spa, the other more rooms.

Despite all the swankiness, the hotel welcomes children, with a KidsOnly club and activities for teenagers, too.

pool

A knockout infinity pool is basically all you'd expect from a property of this caliber.

spa

A spa on an island is a pretty cool concept, and the One&Only spa delivers: lush landscapes, beautiful interiors and talented therapists take the relaxation to the next level. There are beauty treatments available too.

gym

The hotel's predictably large, well-equipped gym also boasts Pilates classes, personal trainers and yoga. They also lend out fitness equipment to the rooms.

dining

There are more superlative experiences available here: Africa's first and only Nobu; Reuben's brasserie, a chic restaurant showcasing local flavors; and Isola restaurant, a poolside Mediterranean place focused on seafood and pizza on the private island.

drinking

We've mentioned what is effectively the lobby bar, Vista Bar. Here, it is elevated to star status in the middle of the circular space, with the mountain views behind it, glinting through the bottles of spirits. Afternoon tea is served here too, with live music in the evenings, and the cocktails are delicious. The gorgeous Wine Loft, with 5,000 bottles available, is basically a temple to wine.