The Vibe: Sleek, minimalist.

The Area: In Camps Bay, a block from the strip of palm-lined beach that is Cape Town’s sunshine playground.

The DNA: POD Camps Bay is a quietly discreet, contemporary luxurious boutique hotel with just 15 guest rooms, it delivers design with a big D; but it’s terribly relaxed too, breezy even, which is probably why it appeals to an international, design-savvy crowd that likes to fly a little below the radar. Architecturally, POD is a mini version of the modern mega-villas cantilevered on the slopes of Lions Head above it. Wraparound glass walls, mirrored sultriness, raw-wood clad walls and low-slung, organic-shaped furniture crack the design code for high-end chill-out, but there is something for everyone here. A full breakfast, sourced from fresh, local ingredients is served daily. (Cape) Wines and cocktails are available the rest of the day.

Suite-Me-Up: Luxury rooms come with a balcony and Twelve Apostles mountain and seaviews. 3 groud floor rooms feature plunge pools.

Accolades: Condé Nast Traveller Hot List 2011

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 15 rooms & suites (17-75m2) (183-807 sq ft) • hotel opened: December 2010 • architecture & interior design: Greg Wright Architects • bathroom amenities: Charlotte Rhys ✅ free on-site parking • no pets allowed • adult-only: no children under 12