The Personality Of a Place

A hotel can be designed down to the smallest detail, from the fabric on an armchair to the position of a lamp, but no architect or interior designer can imagine its personality. That develops over time, influenced by the people who work there, the guests who pass through its doors and the conversations, celebrations and everyday encounters that become part of its story. 

When The Claremont Boutique Hotel opened a year ago, it had the advantage of an extraordinary address. Designed in 1928 by pioneering South African architect Magdalena Sauer, the original Manor House had already witnessed nearly a century of life in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs. Its gracious proportions, established gardens and architectural details provided the setting for a new chapter, one that would be shaped as much by the people within its walls as by the history behind them.

Twelve months later, there are plenty of stories to tell. Guests from around the world have made themselves at home in its fifteen rooms, countless conversations have unfolded over coffee and pastries at Koffiehuis, and the tables at Veld & Vine Bistro have become the setting for memorable meals and special occasions. At the 1928 Craft Bar, cocktails have been poured, friendships cemented and evenings extended well beyond guests’ original intentions.  

The Pleasure Of Staying In

Cape Town is a city that rewards curiosity, with a variety of experiences waiting beyond the front door. Yet one of the pleasures of staying at The Claremont is discovering that an afternoon spent doing very little can be every bit as satisfying as a carefully planned excursion. 

With just fifteen rooms, the hotel retains the intimacy of a private residence, where mornings can be enjoyed at leisure, a favourite book can accompany an afternoon beside the pool, and the gardens offer a peaceful retreat from the energy of the city. It’s rather appealing to have the freedom to do as much, or as little, as the day invites. 

For those inclined to explore, the location places some of the Cape’s most celebrated attractions within easy reach. The Constantia Wine Valley offers historic estates and exceptional wines, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a short drive away, and the possibilities extend from the heights of Table Mountain to the penguins of Boulders Beach and the colourful fishing harbour of Kalk Bay. The pleasure lies in having so much to discover, with the comfort of a familiar address to come home to. 

The People Behind The Personality

Over the past year, The Claremont’s team has developed an understanding of the hotel and its guests. They know the rhythms of the Manor House, the occasions that call for a little extra attention and the importance of allowing guests to feel entirely at ease. Along the way, they have developed their own relationships and routines, bringing warmth, humour and individual personalities to the experience.

There is skill in making hospitality feel effortless, especially when so much thought and preparation happen out of sight. These people deserve much of the credit for the atmosphere that has developed within its walls. They have made the house their own and, in doing so, made it a place where others feel equally at home. 

Three Destinations, A Shared Philosophy

The origins of the Sabi Sabi Collection lie far from Cape Town, in the African wilderness where Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve has welcomed guests since 1979. Almost five decades of experience have shaped a culture of hospitality founded on personal relationships and a deep understanding of what makes guests feel welcome. 

As The Claremont celebrates its first anniversary, Sandringham Private Game Reserve has already welcomed hundreds of visitors during its opening three months. Four rivers converge across this reserve, with the Drakensberg rising on the horizon, while ongoing ecological restoration steadily shapes the future of the wilderness.

An appealing contrast emerges between a historic manor house finding a new purpose and a reserve undergoing long-term renewal. Both are relatively recent additions to a Collection whose foundations were established almost fifty years ago, yet each has the freedom to develop according to its own circumstances. Different settings, different ambitions and a shared belief that the greatest measure of hospitality is how people feel long after their visit has ended. 

Warm regards,

The Sabi Sabi Collection Team