Cape Town is officially having a moment, with a whirlwind of cultural happenings catapulting the city into a realm of new-age luxury. The ongoing trend of household names from the Western world descending on the city is clearly here to stay. Cue Morea House, a relatively new design-led hotel perfectly positioned in ever-fashionable Camps Bay, and the first hotel in Cape Town from the Autograph Collection. Captivating as it is cool, this trendy abode is home to 90 stylish rooms and has been designed by award-winning, locally based architect Tristan du Plessis.
Only recently, Black Coffee hosted his weekender series against the buzzing backdrop of the region’s beach clubs, and shortly thereafter, Bugatti hosted its Grand Tour. And with its plethora of things to do, places to see, and now places to be seen, it is no wonder the well-heeled traveller has their sights set on this chic holiday hotspot.
The Location:
Set just across the road from the sandy beaches of Camps Bay, the beachfront hotel neighbours a stylish array of lifestyle boutiques, as well as the hip cafés and bars of the promenade, and its muted façade seamlessly blends into the surroundings, while exuding contemporary accents and a refined palette of pared-back neutrals.
Across the property, the same feeling of laid-back luxury is articulated through accents that nod to natural elements, while sculptural elements contrast with raw timber and exposed stone, which elevate the overall vibe of this modern-day hideaway.
Within easy reach of the popular V&A Waterfront, the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service on the hour to and from the V&A Waterfront’s main shopping district, further enhancing Morea House’s proximity to Cape Town’s lively entertainment, restaurants and nightlife, along with the area’s best shops and a flurry of designer names that have popped up in recent years, including Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Burberry.
The Room:
Sharing the deeply restorative vibe rooted in the hotel’s ethos, private sanctuaries overlooking either the ocean or the mountains offer views that never fail to impress, and the décor feels modern, yet in keeping with the magic of Camps Bay.
Local art adorns the rooms, while warming beiges and whites, along with comfy beds and crisp linens, set the tone for a stay in this marvellous hotel. The bathrooms feel spa-like and are stocked with a vanity box full of all the amenities one might need, along with luxurious bath products set against wood panelling and soft lighting that is soft on the eye.
Large windows and doors opening onto small terraces invite the fresh, sea-filled air to waft in as you immerse yourself in the peaceful aura of your room, which feels like an oasis of calm and understated elegance.
Homely touches are subtly imbued throughout the accommodation, with welcome additions such as in-room Nespresso machines, well-stocked minibars, and high-speed internet, making for the perfect home away from home. Striped his-and-hers bathrobes add a welcome point of difference from the usual, often personality-lacking white terry robes typically found in hotel wardrobes.
An abundance of pillow options is also on offer via the in-room pillow menu, and your choice can be noted in advance thanks to the Marriott Bonvoy app, which offers a digital way to personalise one’s stay ahead of arrival.
Well-equipped for today’s tech-savvy traveller, there are plenty of power points and integrated digital control panels to manage the room’s temperature, while the 55-inch smart TV was a welcome addition thanks to its multiple cable channels.
The Pool:
Arguably one of the hotel’s highlights, the pool at Morea House is located on the second floor and is adjacent to the Morea Pool Restaurant, which serves light bites and cool cocktails in a relaxed setting.
Notably, the backdrop for the Soho House summer poolside party, Morea House’s Instagrammable wet deck features gorgeous sunloungers adorned in a cream, tweed-like fabric, which sit next to a sun-drenched, heated plunge pool — perfect for a refreshing dip amidst days spent basking in the area’s warmer climes. Towels are provided for added convenience.
The Spa:
A nod to the hotel’s wellness concept, Morea House Spa draws on the coastal energy of Camps Bay and fuses hot and cold experiences with rituals that renew and regenerate through botanical therapies.
The underlying theme of quiet luxury continues at the spa, which is accessed through a discreet sliding door opening onto a small reception desk, something that feels a world away from the bold entrance hall of the hotel’s lobby and one that sets the scene for the unpretentious, intimate retreat that awaits.
Massages, facial treatments, and more specialised protocols such as lymphatic drainage and sound therapy are complemented by aromatherapy products and the spa’s own cold plunge pool, available exclusively to guests for the duration of their stay.
Dining:
The hallmark restaurant at Morea House is Omri, which masterfully combines the flair of Levantine cuisine with coastal flavours from South Africa and the Mediterranean. Serving breakfast through to lunch and dinner, the restaurant acts as the hotel’s main social hub and has become a hotspot for fashionable locals and a curated crowd of those in the know, who flock here to savour the delectable fare at night and sip beachfront cocktails by day.
Serving an innovative take on traditional Lebanese dishes, Omri’s all-day dining concept champions meat, fish, and salads, exploring produce from both land and sea. Favourites on the well-curated menu include the restaurant’s signature oven-baked flatbreads and hot and cold mezze dishes, best shared alongside larger plates of grilled meat and fish. The standout dishes are the prawns with a delicious red pepper-chilli paste, the kofta skewers served straight from the grill, and Morea House’s salt-baked whole fish, served with a trio of complementary sauces and ideal for sharing around the table in true family style.
Overall:
Naturally, you come to Camps Bay for the sublimely beautiful beach, but from the moment you enter this stylish hotel, you may find yourself not wanting to leave. Should you decide to venture out, the hotel’s housekeeping team equips each room with a map of nearby natural pools, one of which is just a short walk away and offers swimming in unspoilt, shark-free waters. For everything else, this hotel offers a sojourn that effortlessly encapsulates South Africa’s carefree spirit.
To discover more, visit: moreahouse.com
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All imagery courtesy of Morea House Cape Town.