CAPE TOWN
The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa
What it is: A midsize boutique hotel conveniently close to Cape Town; a mere 15 minutes by car yet located in relative wilderness, between its namesake mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.
The rooms: The 55 guestrooms and 15 suites face either the Apostles or the sea; the decor is the design equivalent of Charlize Theron in HD—contemporary African with a classic European background, and some high tech thrown in. Most deluxe rooms feature private patios or balconies.
Amenities: Lodging includes access to the hotel's Sanctuary Spa. Transfers to the Camps Bay beach area and the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, one of Cape Town's most active shopping and dining zones, are offered free of charge.
Activities: Arrange a private tour of the Cape Winelands. If you don't want to miss out on what the ocean has to offer, schedule a scuba outing to see sharks or a whale-watching trip. Young guests can enjoy an age-appropriate film every afternoon in the hotel's private 16-seat cinema or they can learn the fun way at the nearby Two Oceans Aquarium or the MTN ScienceCentre.
Details: Victoria Road, Camps Bay; from 1,500 rand (approximately $200) for a standard room.
Cape Grace
What it is: A recently renovated luxury hotel. The large contemporary-classic structure is set in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, one of the city's top shopping areas.
The rooms: Each one of the hotel's 121 rooms and suites is individually decorated, but they all reflect the past and present of Cape Town's artisanal vision. No matter which room you book, expect to find hand-painted fabrics and custom-made metal, glass, and leather objects.
Amenities: There's no need to use the hotel's luxury transfer service (included) to get in on the gastronomic action—Cape Grace is part of it. Visit the hotel's own Bascule Whisky, Wine & Cocktail Bar. With a cart that includes 400 whiskies from around the world, a fine representation of Cape's wines, and light breakfast and dinner menus, no wonder it's even favored by the locals.
Activities: The guest liaison can arrange a private yacht outing for the whole family or a car tour around historic Cape Town, where you can see the star-shaped Castle of Good Hope or visit the Cultural History Museum, which includes a collection of musical instruments and toys. Back at the hotel, the children can join in the storytelling or gingerbread-decoration sessions that take place every afternoon or peruse Cape Grace's collection of kid-friendly DVDs and video games.
Details: West Quay Road, Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. From 5,590 rand (approximately $757) for a luxury room.
Mount Nelson Hotel
What it is: A centenary British-colonial-style resort located at the foot of Table Mountain, a geological landmark so connected to Cape Town that it is the star of the city's official flag.
The rooms: The 144 rooms and 57 suites in the hotel are separated into four wings, each with its own private courtyard. Ornate old-world furniture and textiles meet clean, contemporary accents.
Amenities: Young guests are greeted with a welcome package and given bathrobes and slippers of proportionate size. Hot milk is available free of charge throughout the day, and milk and cookies are served at night.
Activities: Table Mountain is literally a few steps away; why not hike up to its plateau, or take the cableway to comfortably enjoy the views of the Cape Peninsula? If the hike seems impossible with a child, you can always use the hotel's complimentary shuttle. Or if you happen to visit Cape Town during December and January, kids can participate in the Festive Season Holiday Programme, which includes treasure hunts, face painting, and cricket matches.
Details: 76 Orange Street; from 6,140 rand (approximately $832) for a double superior room.
Colona Castle
What it is: A boutique hotel in the style of a Tuscan villa, situated in a secluded hill overlooking False Bay, 20 minutes away from Cape Town.
The rooms: The style of decor differs from room to room—all eight of the rooms range from reinterpreted Victorian to Moroccan.
Amenities: Make sure you try the (included) breakfast: The in-house cuisine is made with local and organic ingredients; health is the main focus of the dishes. And though it's not be advertised, in-suite spa treatments and the services of a private butler can be arranged upon request.
Activities: Arrange a tour to Boulders Beach, where a colony of penguins is always on parade, or brush up on your surfing skills; or have your kids acquire some at Surfers Corner, a relatively tame beach located nearby.
Details: 1 Verwood Street. A luxury suite with a King bed and two twin beds starts at ZAR 2,970 (approximately $402).
Outeniqa Mountains
Teniqua Treetops
Set along the gorge of the Karatara River are these eight eco-friendly tree houses. The bedrooms are tented rather than roofed, giving occupants an airy exposure to the trees. All kitchens are fully equipped, and all day the bathrooms are sun-dappled, due to their limb-nestled position. Guests have access to a swimming pool and a jungle gym. The two houses that sleep 3 or 4 in one bedroom are most suitable for kids under 12. N2 in Sedgefield, from 985 rand (about $65 at time of publishing) per house.
