One&Only Cape Town

One&Only Cape Town is a waterfront resort for divers who want the city within reach and a proper place to recover between outings. You have Table Mountain views, a sun-lounger terrace, an outdoor infinity pool and a spa, with the practical comforts of air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and room service waiting upstairs.

The mood is polished rather than rustic, with balconies, marble bathrooms and several places to eat without leaving the property. You can keep the evening simple with a drink and a meal, or make use of the nearby waterfront when you still have the energy for civilisation after a day in the water.

Families are catered for as well, with family suites, a kids’ club, supervised programmes, indoor and outdoor play areas, and a secure garden area. For adults travelling together, the soundproof rooms and large suites make it easier to retreat from the bustle.

You are in Cape Town, South Africa, on the V&A Waterfront. This is a city-and-marina location rather than a beach resort: Mouille Point Beach is about 0.9 miles away on foot, while Three Anchor Bay Beach is about 1.6 miles away. The waterfront itself gives you restaurants, cafés and attractions close to the door.

The Two Oceans Aquarium is about 550 feet away on foot, and the Springbok Experience Rugby Museum is roughly 1,450 feet away. The South African Maritime Museum is around 1,650 feet away, with the Clock Tower and Nelson Mandela Gateway also within the waterfront area. For a longer city walk, Greenmarket Square is about 1.6 miles away.

Public transport is practical here. MyCiTi stations at Granger Bay and Cape Town Stadium are around 0.5 to 0.6 miles away on foot, while Cape Town’s main railway station is about 1.5 miles away. Signal Hill is around 1.8 miles away on foot, and Lion’s Head is about 4.1 miles away by road.

The rooms are built for proper recovery rather than merely storing a suitcase. Every room has a private balcony, air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, a television with satellite channels and a private marble bathroom with both a rain shower and a separate bath. Bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries are also provided, which is useful when your legs have had enough of the day before your brain has.

For a couple, a King Room keeps things straightforward, with a super-king-size bed and a choice between marina and mountain outlooks. The Double Queen rooms suit families or small groups better, while the family suites give you separate bedrooms and more room to spread out. The Island rooms and suites offer a little more space, and the larger Marina and Grand Suites are aimed at guests who want a sitting area as well as a bedroom.

Soundproof rooms help if you are a light sleeper, and the sofa in the living area gives you somewhere to sit without turning the bed into an office. The private check-in and check-out service, daily housekeeping and room service keep the practical work out of your evening. If you are travelling with children, cots and extra beds can be requested, depending on the accommodation chosen.

You have three restaurants on site, including Nobu, whose menu is Japanese. That gives the resort a clear dining anchor rather than leaving you to work out dinner from a room-service menu and good intentions. The waterfront also puts further restaurants within an easy walk if you want a change of scene.

Breakfast covers a broad spread: continental, Full English or Irish, American, vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free and kosher choices are available, with buffet and takeaway options. Breakfast can also come to your room, which is the sensible choice when an early start has made conversation optional.

A bar and a snack bar cover the less formal moments, while room service means you can eat without changing out of whatever passed for respectable clothing that day. Tea and coffee facilities are in the rooms, and wine or champagne can be ordered when the evening calls for something more deliberate than a quick drink.

The outdoor infinity pool and sun terrace give you somewhere to stretch out without planning an expedition. Pool and beach towels are available, and the spa adds a sauna, steam room, relaxation area and a range of massages, including back, neck, foot, head and couples’ treatments. Body treatments, facials, manicures and pedicures are also available when the post-dive recovery plan needs a little administrative support.

The fitness centre offers fitness classes, yoga classes and personal training. If your idea of exercise after diving is a short walk followed by sitting down, the movie and game lounge, live music and evening entertainment provide gentler alternatives. Cooking classes and local-culture classes are available on site, while game drives and hiking are offered away from the property.

Families have plenty to occupy younger travellers, with a kids’ club, supervised programmes, a playground, indoor play equipment, board games and puzzles. There is also a golf course within 3 km. You can book sightseeing through the tour desk, or let the concierge organise the day while you concentrate on remaining horizontal.

Cape Town International Airport is about 12 miles away by road, with a journey of roughly 17 minutes by car. An airport shuttle is available, and the hotel also offers a shuttle service; arrange the relevant transfer with the property. Car hire is available on site, while free private parking and valet parking cover guests arriving with their own vehicle.

Check-in runs from 14:00 to midnight, and check-out is from 06:00 to 11:00. You need photo identification and a credit card at check-in, and the minimum age for checking in is 18. Cash is not accepted, so keep a card to hand rather than discovering the rule at reception with luggage in tow.

The front desk operates around the clock, with concierge service, luggage storage, a tour desk, currency exchange and express check-in and check-out. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. The hotel is wheelchair accessible, with accessible facilities including toilets with grab rails.