Both 18th century country manor house (now a national monument) and an exclusive little hotel of great character, the gracious Alphen lies on a former wine estate at the gateway to the Constantia Valley. Though just 15 minutes from central Cape Town and 20 from the airport and beaches, the hotel’s whitewashed Cape Dutch buildings, shaded by ancient oaks, offer a retreat of perfect tranquillity. It has just 34 elegant en-suite rooms (especially recommended are the Country House Luxury and Superior categories). Other features are Cloete’s fine-dining restaurant, a pub bar and swimming pool.