For 25 years Ellerman House has held the top spot as Cape Town’s most exclusive boutique hotel. Situated in the prestigious suburb of Bantry Bay, a mere 10 minutes from the hustle and bustle of central Cape Town, this Cape Edwardian mansion with its immaculate terraced lawns is the destination of choice for those in search of seclusion and privacy. But its main jewel in the crown, is that it is home to South Africa’s most notable private art collection.
An in-house gallery of modern African works by young artists pushing boundaries is a major draw of this eclectic sleepery, where periodically changing displays act as a mirror to the country’s political and social state of affairs. Few hotels are able to offer dedicated art walks through their premises, but to view the more than 1,000 works at Ellerman House, a guided tour is a necessity. It comes courtesy of the hotel’s very own art historian Talita Swarts, who shares her expertise with guests to contextualise a collection that spans over two centuries and is spread across the property’s common areas, 11 rooms, two suites and two private villas.
From $US678 per night /Ellerman.co.za
From the (art) concierge
Zeitz Museum
Located in the V&A Waterfront’s historic Grain Silo, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) is the continent’s largest art museum. Spanning over nine floors, it showcases a renowned collection of cutting- edge artworks and installations from across Africa.
Eclectica
Thought-provoking contemporary African art fills the carefully curated spaces of this art and design gallery located in the up-and-coming neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap. Experimental works and project-based exhibitions will excite art aficionados all year round.
Art Route
Tailor-made art tours to the city’s fine art establishments, curated by Ellerman’s very own art expert Talita Swarts. Expect exclusive access to the best galleries, artist studios and show spaces in and around Cape Town.
BANTRY BAY
Just outside of the lively suburb of Sea Point, perched on the rocks overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is one of South Africa’s swankiest bays on the Atlantic Seaboard. The modish beaches of Clifton and Saunders Rocks are just a short stroll away, and restaurants and quaint boutiques are dotted throughout the neighbourhood.
