The Victoria Drive (map) that runs from Cape Town to Hout Bay is one of my favourite drives anywhere in the world. The road winds its way from the foot of Signal Hill at the edge of Cape Town’s downtown area along the coast, past the iconic peaks of the Twelve Apostles and the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean, to the breathtaking Hout Bay. Smack in the middle of this spectacular route is the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, a luxurious hotel and spa near Cape Town.
The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa Cape Town is perched on the fynbos-covered slopes of the Twelve Apostles and has a commanding view of the Atlantic Ocean. The superb views will blow you away the minute you enter the property. At least, that was the impact the view had on me – I was ‘blown’ into a comfy chair on the terrace and somehow, a glass of Chenin Blanc appeared at my side and all I had to do was sit back, have a sip of the chilled, fruity wine and immerse myself in the view! ๐
I loved the stunning contrast of the property’s whitewashed Cape Dutch buildings against the rugged hunchback-like peaks of the Twelve Apostles.
Read about things to do in Cape Town
It was hard to tear myself away from the terrace but the prospect of a massage at the Spa made it slightly easier. I made my way down to the Spa and was greeted by a hostess who showed me around the Spa and described the variety of treatments. There were elegant lounges, a Health Bar, the Rasul Chamber (an Arab-inspired treatment combining mud and steam), plunge pools, a salt-flotation pool (which recreates a Dead Sea floating experience), indoor treatment rooms and an adjacent terrace for Spa visitors.
A massage with a phenomenal view
It took a while for me to go through the long list of treatments – from facials and manicures/pedicures to all sorts of massage treatments including Swedish, aromatherapy, hot lava shell, cupping and Chakra balancing. I settled for a Swedish massage. Several minutes later, I was greeted by my therapist and he led me outside, past the terrace and the hotel and up the hill. I stopped to admire the gorgeous fynbos (indigenous Cape flora) shrubs and bushes. We turned a corner and I stopped right in my tracks! There they were: the Twelve Apostles!
We continued up the path to a series of gazebos, each of them with a phenomenal ocean view. I loved how the gazebos beautifully blend into the surrounding landscape and flora. The atmosphere was so naturally soothing – I’m sure the incredible views had something to do with how my mind and body seemed to relax even before the treatment started.
I climbed onto the massage table and the therapist expertly worked his way up and down my back and my shoulders – I nodded off within minutes! When I awoke, I was again drawn to the magnificent scenery around me. I slapped my wrist, shut my eyes and opened them again. Yes, it was real. It wasn’t a dream. I hopped off the bed and slowly made my way back to the main building, not taking my eyes off of the view for a second. I checked out the deeply relaxing floatation pool before making my way back to the terrace.
It may sound like a clichรฉ but I felt literally rejuvenated after my visit to the Twelve Apostles Spa – it was my first day in Cape Town and I was feeling rather out of sorts after the long flight. The therapist did an excellent job of kneading away the tangle of knots in my back and the fabulous view completed the job.
If you’re in Cape Town or you’ve just stepped off the plane after a gruelling journey, I can highly recommend checking yourself into the Twelve Apostles Spa. The stunning surroundings and the superb treatments (there’s also a special jet-lag treatment) will have you back in shape and truly relaxed in no time. Check rates for the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa Cape Town (Booking.com).
Read about the drive around the stunning Cape Peninsula and stunning road trips from Cape Town.
Note: a big thank you to Cape Town Tourism for your generous hospitality. As always, all views expressed above are mine and mine only.
This place looks fantastic! The scenery at the Twelve Apostles is definitely stunning. Think that choosing a particular type of massage would be difficult. They all sounded great.
Hi Scott,
This place is indeed awesome! If you’re visiting Cape Town, I can highly recommend booking a treatment or staying there. The views are simply amazing!
Cheers,
Keith
OMG. this place looks so awesome!
Thanks for the info re the name of the trees! It was fun to learn more about it that way.
You’re welcome! ๐
Hi Jeanine,
Thanks so much for looking it up and posting the answer here. Love the name: Quiver trees! ๐
Cheers,
Keith
We’ve checked with the field guides at our sister property, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat in the Cederberg and they have confirmed that the trees are Aloe Dichotoma, also known as Quiver Tree or Kokerboom.
Hope this helps!
The view is breathtaking and one which ignites reflective moments. I also would love to explore the mountains from the vantage point from the street. Awesome just looking at these.
Loved those trees but your guess is as good as mine. ๐ Let’s ask.
I wonder how are the trees called shown at the top photo?
I know the feeling! ๐
Such a beautiful spot! I’ve been to Cape Town twice in the past two years and seriously think I could relocate there if it weren’t such a long haul from all my family in the US.