A New Era Of Hospitality – Cape Grace’s Reinvention by 1508 London

Cape Grace Exterior

Embracing a new era of hospitality, the iconic Cape Grace Hotel steps forward onto the scene after a reinvention of international proportions while humbly maintaining its local charm. This new chapter comes after a nine month renovation by world-renowned design firm 1508 London. The legendary V&A Waterfront hotel captures the spirit of South Africa through elegant design and authentic cuisine as it reopens its doors to a world of experiences incomparable to anything guests have indulged in before.

When 1508 London’s Dubai Studio was appointed by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts to the esteemed task of transforming the Cape Grace, the brief stretched across every area of the hotel. The transformation needed to reflect inspiration from South Africa’s heritage, culture, and artistry, as well as Cape Town’s evolution from a bustling trading port to one of the world’s most beloved cosmopolitan hubs. Originally established in 1996, this endeavour is the most extensive reimagining the hotel has ever seen, and one that exudes contemporary sophistication among a city deeply rooted in its heritage.

ATM 8132
Reception

The city’s sanctuary
Cape Grace welcomes guests into 112 elegant rooms and suites, hosting an experience of the best in Cape Town’s cultural, culinary, and historical treasures, making for an unrivalled sanctuary in the city centre. Under its new guise, the interiors are a curated celebration of the country’s diverse narrative from its landscapes and languages, vibrant arts, and varied cultures. Curated artwork from local artists throughout the new hotel is a clear showcase of local love, while materials have been chosen for a contemporary, understated look that harmonises with the location’s natural surroundings. The palettes in the rooms vary from bold and vibrant to subtle yet inviting, but one thing remains consistent across each one — a contemporary take on classic luxury.

With unrivalled views of the city, each of the rooms and suites also draw on international features, such as large French windows and balconies that look out onto the Marina or the famous backdrop of Table Mountain. An offering in the sublime, the stand-out suite has to be the two-bedroom Cape Grace Suite with an expansive terrace offering panoramic views of the mountain range, a stylish lounge, and a dining area with a private bar and butler’s pantry. Dynamic and decadent, the space perfectly accommodates families, couples, or individuals looking to entertain in style.

Cape Grace Final 006
ATM 7246

Elevated Heirloom
To suit this sophisticated space, 1508 London needed to ensure the culinary vision was as delicious as the food it served, with an emphasis on presenting locals and international guests with elevated South African-inspired cuisine. The Heirloom Restaurant’s name is a tribute to the hotel’s family roots and timeless, intimate setting. The highlight, the Degustation Menu, features seven cleverly composed courses using locally sourced ingredients, naturally.

Back at Bascule
The evenings are saved for a pre- or post-dinner drink in the revamped Bascule Bar & Lounge. The bar is known for its extensive whisky collection, exclusive wine cellar, and a design that celebrates South Africa’s rich history and shebeen culture, with an ambience of a high-class take on a Prohibition-era speakeasy adorned with paintings by local artists.

Heirloom 17
Library View 4

Urban oasis
The epitome of serenity, the new Fairmont Spa at Cape Grace features treatments inspired by local natural elements including tailored bath rituals, jet lag recovery, detox massages, a salt room experience, guided meditation, and curated packages to help guests sink into an oasis of relaxation. It is an urban retreat, an exclusive space to indulge and feel the essence of South Africa’s soul.

By landing on the doorstep of the city’s finest cultural, culinary, and historical landmarks, Cape Grace quickly developed a reputation for being the best in town. Nearly three decades later, the treasured hotel embarks on a new venture. With the grace of its namesake, the hotel will grow in its legacy of leading luminaries from the world of politics, film, and business. In doing so, a welcoming offering a new era of hospitality emerges and presents the perfect destination to explore the very best of the Cape.

This article is an extract from our October issue. Read the full issue here.

Latest issue

Sign up to our mailing list

You may also like

Subscribe to our mailing list

Join our mailing list and keep up-to-date with our publications and news.