MannaBay Fine Boutique Hotel

Vredehoek means ‘corner of peace’ in Afrikaans, which is apt as this Cape Town suburb is home to MannaBay Fine Boutique Hotel, a grand new spot that exudes sophistication and serenity in equal measures. The property sits at the foot of Table Mountain, and was designed to make the best of the spectacular views overlooking the city, V&A Waterfront, the harbour and beyond. A large veranda allows guests to mull over the vista at leisure, with the gentle ripple of a Koi pond and swimming pool in the background.

Conceptualized by David Ryan P owner of inbound tour-operating company Rhino Africa, the goal was to establish a place different from other contemporary hotels. So, when the classic-style building went on auction, David snapped it up and handed the task of creating a comfortable and unique space to Joe Jacob of Waxbill Interior Design.

The brief was to give the place passion and soul, and utilise refurbished pieces where possible to create a sense of warmth and homeliness; explains David. The result is sumptuous and elegant interiors with a theatrical twist. ‘There’s a calmness in the public areas,’ says Joe, adding that the bedrooms are more Alice in Wonderland fantasy’. Each of MannaBay’s seven suites is dressed in dramatic wallpaper by Sanderson, Zoffany and Cole & Son, around which a theme was created. Cherry-blossom wallpaper for example, inspired an Oriental-themed room; and opulent, tactile fabric wallpaper a space with a Persian feel. ‘I love wallpaper,’ says Joe. ‘It creates an instant mood for a room ... it’s the art against the walls !’ The library on the top floor offers unsurpassed views, and the atmospheric grey of the walls cocoons the space. A black-and-white photograph of Cape Town taken from Lion’s Head was created by Shoote to clad an entire wall in the entrance, making a fitting welcome for visitors to the Mother City,

The eclectic charm of the hotel is inviting, and the setting. David's favourite aspect of the chic hotel, is a perfect spot to luxuriate - and, as he suggests, with a ‘G&T in hand, watch time pass by’.