The Last Word In Luxury?

The Last Word In Luxury?

South Africa is awash with five-star hotels, with most of the major players now present – One&Only, Belmond, Taj, Hilton, Marriott, Four Seasons, Radisson. However, the desire for travellers to downsize and to have their stay ever more personalised is on the increase, with more and more smaller, high-end properties opening to cater to these needs.

Early flag-bearers for this type of accommodation in the Cape region were the Last Word collection of luxury five-star boutique hotels, who over the years have seamlessly perfected the hospitality art of providing top quality accommodation, personalised service and expert local knowledge.

Their three properties are amongst some of South Africa's finest hidden gems – located in the picturesque Cape Town suburb of Constantia, the heart of the winelands in gourmet central Franschhoek, and alongside the beaches of Kommetjie - and they combine beautifully to offer the great Cape escape.  

Having recently visited all three, Africa Travel are in the perfect position to guide you through what makes these hotels so very special.

The Location

Hidden away in Cape Town’s stunning wine-producing valley, the Last Word Constantia is just a short drive from the city and its myriad of attractions and is also ideally located for those wanting to explore the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens and the beaches of nearby Hout Bay.

The Last Word Franschhoek is located smack-bang in the heart of the village of Franschhoek, with the novel advantage of being within easy walking distance of the many eateries, cafes and characterful boutiques. It is also the perfect base for visiting the numerous surrounding wineries for a spot of wine-tasting.

Set in the picturesque village of Kommetjie, the Last Word Long Beach certainly lives up to its name, located as it is on a seemingly endless beach. Ideal for those wanting to explore the Cape Peninsula, as the adorable penguins at Boulders Beach are just 20 minutes away and the stunning must-see Cape Point 30 minutes.

The Food

All three properties are renowned for their extensive, delicious breakfast buffets and menus, and they certainly do not disappoint. Those wanting a healthy start to the day can enjoy a selection of brand new smoothies & shakes, as well as breakfast veggie jars, which include seasonal ingredients and fresh summer flavours, while the traditionalist can be sated with a full, freshly-cooked English.

Although surrounded by restaurants, both the Last Word Constantia and Franschhoek offer a lunch and dinner menu, with the Long Beach property having recently introduced complimentary dinners, which adds amazing value to any stay there.

The Added Wow

• In Constantia the wow is the beautifully-tended gardens, in Franschhoek, it is the doorstep location, and at Long Beach, it is the complimentary seafood dinners.
• Highlighting the personal touch, all stays at the Last Word include a complimentary mini bar, drinks, pre-dinner canapes, and a lovely, edible turndown gift. Each hotel also has an in-house chauffeur who will drop guests to nearby restaurants and sights for far less than the cost of a taxi.
• The bathrooms at all three are enormous, (larger than some of the bedrooms in rival properties), and the staff will gladly arrange and recommend local dinner reservations & sightseeing itineraries.
• They also offer wonderful value for money. To get more bang for your bucks, book with Africa Travel and stay for three nights at any of the properties between 01^st March & 20^th December and your third night will be free! So stay at all three for nine nights in total, and you will only be paying for six of your nights.

The Verdict

All three properties are special in their own ways, and there is no overall winner, but then again there doesn’t need to be. Don’t choose one over the other, visit all three - combine a peaceful Cape Town stay with the wine region and with the deserted beaches of the Cape Peninsula and experience the very best of personalised, South African five-star hospitality.