The Vibe: Low-key, European townhouse in Africa.

The Area: In Cape Town’s CBD, Central Business District, a quickly gentrifying neighbourhood full of sights.

The DNA: Originally built in the early 1700s, the congressional church – one of the oldest buildings in South Africa – has been turned into a boutique hotel property. Labotessa is a culmination of the owner’s affinity for exceptional design, relaxed hospitality, and connection to the city of Cape Town. On the ground floor, guests and locals can enjoy an outpost of Starling’s, a beloved local cafe utilising organic and ethically sourced ingredients. Timeless inky blues, soothing ochres and burnt oranges, elegant ceiling-to-floor drapes and rich tactile home-quality fabrics, complement the generous proportions of the property, with a sophisticated palette unique to each suite. A European-inspired aesthetic is evoked in the chandeliers and fireplaces, alongside contemporary artworks by Capetonians such as Pierre Fouche and Emma Aspeling.

Suite-Me-Up: Each of the hotel’s seven spacious suites features a private elevator access, a Juliet balcony and sweeping views of Lion’s Head and Table Mountain. They are dressed in soothing, sophisticated Farrow & Ball colours, with upholstery from Cape Town’s Urban Fabrics and original art from recognised talents such as Rina van Zyl. The maxibar cubbies include Nespresso machines and Smeg fridges thoughtfully filled with jars of local deli goods and fresh milk. Celebrities wanting to fly under the radar can commandeer the penthouse, hosting meetings or soirées in the sitting room, with a plunge pool on the balcony, with the private quarters completely separated, above. 

Your hosts: Jan Fourie & Johan du Plessis

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 7 suites (65-300m2) (700-3,229 sq ft) • hotel opened: August 2019 • bathroom amenities: Dyptique ✅ free on-site parking • no pets allowed • 24-hour front desk