An elegant five-star boutique hotel with an imposing waterfront setting. Perched at the edge of a private quay within the V&A Waterfront marina, Cape Grace commands sublime views over the working harbour, yacht marina and iconic Table Mountain. A family hotel that delights in creating special memories, this supremely comfortable base offers easy access to the hustle and bustle of a vibrant precinct, filled with restaurants, shops, boutiques and fun activities for young and old. Experience a close-up encounter with Cape Town’s vibrant marine life at the nearby Two Oceans Aquarium, kick back and enjoy a family night in with popcorn and DVDs, and share stories over a specially prepared in-room meal. With gingerbread decorating, Africa-themed story-time, bath-time toys, toddler’s bed linen, and mini dressing gowns & slippers, a family escape at the Cape Grace is made memorable for all. Spacious and classically inspired, the 120 rooms and suites incorporate world-renowned vistas from large French windows. Uniquely designed with a classic Cape-inspired heritage, the 2 and 3-bedroom suites feature luxurious home comforts, a well-equipped kitchen and sunny lounge and dining area – ideal for families or friends travelling together. Signal Restaurant offers superb cuisine and a special kiddies’ menu, while the Library and Bascule Whisky, Wine and Cocktail Bar offer grown-ups a sophisticated space to relax and kick back.

Located at the foot of the imposing Simonsberg mountains on a working fruit and wine farm, Babylonstoren is perfectly situated for exploring the Cape’s Winelands. Dating back to 1692, this historic Cape Dutch farm boasts one of the best-preserved farmyards in the Cape. Set within 3,5 hectares (8 acres) of cultivated fruit and vegetables, the big garden at Babylonstoren is at the blooming heart of the farm. Divided into 15 sections that comprise fruit, vegetables, berries, bees for pollinating, indigenous plants, fragrant lawns, a prickly pear maze, ducks and chickens, and more. A shaded avenue of thatched stable-like cottages (consisting of suites and 1 and 2-bedroom cottages) makes up most of the guest units and is perfectly suited to families. Designed by local style guru, Karen Roos, the authentic décor is stunning and the attention to detail, exceptional in each of these white-washed-walled structures. The interiors are calm and soothing, bathrooms are enormous, and the light floods through the modern glass-boxed kitchens, in some of the cottages – all have gorgeous garden or vineyard views. The airy restaurant Babel serves super fresh organic food, picked from the garden wherever possible, and there’s a wonderful spa as well as daily garden tours. There are gazillions of fun things to do for kids – from feeding the animals to cycling around the farm, hide and seek, collecting eggs, helping the bakers to knead and bake farm bread, early morning walks with the gardeners (parents get a lie-in) – and so much more!

Resting beneath the leafy canopy of an ancient Morukuru (Tamboti) tree, on the banks of the fabled Marico River, Morukuru Owner’s House is a wonderfully decadent and ultra-luxurious home in the bush. Ideal for a small family, the Owner’s House features two enormous en-suite bedrooms, decorated in natural tones, and surrounded by shaded decks and shared indoor and outdoor spaces. Spilling out onto a wide, wrap-around deck surrounded by trees, the combination of dappled shade and the proximity to nature, is deeply uplifting. You can also choose to spend a night in your private elevated hide next to the water’s edge – an unforgettable way to experience life in the wild. Your own private butler, chef, game ranger and nanny will tend to your family’s every whim and Morukuru invites you to map out your own schedule – activities here are personalised to your every want and need, making this the ultimate tailored safari. Morukuru Owner’s House blends a contemporary European style with a distinct African flair and the overall look is a minimalist design, imbued with natural elements of wood and stone. A wooden walkway links Morukuru Owner’s House and Morukuru River House, allowing the space to be transformed into a larger safari escape for extended families. Enjoy your pick of beautiful private spaces to retire to, or to share with your family: the sparkling infinity pool and elevated sala offer respite in a pristine environment. Explore the well-stocked wine cellar and make your selection, before heading to dinner in your private boma or on the deck, beneath a blanket of stars.