Fifteen years after Sol Kerzner — South Africa's 'sun king' — pulled his hotel stakes in South Africa and set off to conquer the world , the man who gave us Sun City and The Palace of the Lost City is back. And he hasn't half made a grand entrance!

It's been hard to ignore the glitz and glam surrounding the opening of the One&Only Cape Town these last few weeks, with everyone from Clint Eastwood to Nelson Mandela coming to ogle at the latest, greatest hotel to grace the city's V&A Waterfront.

Speaking before the hotel's April launch, Sol Kerzner, Chairman and CEO of Kerzner International, said:"One&Only Cape Town will become a significant landmark in Africa with its bold, contemporary design promising to make it one of the world’s leading luxury resort destinations. I am looking forward to once again contributing to South Africa’s tourism industry, which has seen an incredible growth in recent years.

"In addition, I am very pleased to have opened a spectacular resort with a fresh and exciting new concept in my home country in what I’ve always believed to be one of the greatest sites in Cape Town. Opening in plenty of time for the 2010 World Cup, the resort appeals to the international traveller and play a key role in the local community."

"...start saving your pennies now..."

Built at a cost of $100-million, One&Only Cape Town looks set to become the darling of the jet set traveller, with prices to match. Rooms start at R5500 per night in low season, so start saving your pennies now.

For that price you are assured of rooms with perhaps the best views in Cape Town. The Waterfront glitters just a few steps to the left, the city glimmers at your feet and Table Mountain feels so close you can touch it.

Interiors throughout the resort were created by internationally acclaimed New York-based interior designer Adam D. Tihany, who manages to create the feel of a modern African hotel without resorting to zebra-print and safari chic. With rich wood furnishings, lush African colour schemes and all the mod-cons you could ask for, the resort’s feel is billed as "contemporary whilst drawing on Africa’s culture and heritage".

If you can't afford to spend the night you can join the throng of locals flocking to the hotel's two signature restaurants: Gordon Ramsay's maze, and Nobu. The first two 'superbrand' restaurants in a city known for its fine dining, the two glamorous eateries have only been open a few weeks and are already fully booked most nights.

maze at One&Only Cape Town is modelled on its British namesake, and can seat up to 170 guests. This is also the main 'hotel' restaurant for breakfast and lunch. Gordon Ramsay, proud owner of three Michelin stars, and his protégé Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton of maze London have combined their best British recipes with southern African produce.

An extensive steak selection (including prime Wagyu beef), melt-in-the-mouth risotto and fresh seafood all feature heavily in what could best be described as a menu of 'comfort food gone upmarket'. There are no pretentious foams or reductions here; it's good food well-presented, using top-notch ingredients. The interior is decidedly upmarket and the open 'show kitchen' allows you to watch the chefs at work.

"...it was Nobu that left me gobsmacked..."

The wine-list at maze is a thing of beauty, thanks to the impressive three-story glass-and-steel 'Wine Loft' that towers above the dining area.

Over 5000 bottles reside here, with a mix of famous vintages as well as up-and-coming South African boutique wines. Admirably, nearly 100 of these are available by the glass, making it the perfect option for wine and food pairings. The Wine Loft also offers a private dining area for you to sample a six, eight or ten-course maze tasting menu wines for each course chosen by the sommelier. Bookings for this need to be made in advance though.

While maze certainly has its fans, it was Nobu that left me gobsmacked.

Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa has restaurants strung across the globe, but this is his first outpost in Africa. If you've experienced one of his other outlets you'll recognise the cuisine here; classical Japanese cuisine with a contemporary twist.

Finding 'a sense of place'

Again, there's an emphasis on fresh local ingredients, but you can also expect dishes like Nobu's signature 'Black Cod'. The Tuna Salad is one of my gastronomic life's defining moments, and the R550 seven-course 'Omakase' tasting menu works out at good value for a restaurant of this calibre.

If there's a criticism to be made it's that the service can be a bit hit-and-miss. Perhaps this is just a teething issue, but when dinner for two will leave little change from R1000 you have the right to expect top-notch service.

The upper level Nobu bar is also home to the largest selection of sakes (Japanese rice wine) in Africa, Japanese beer (watch out for the prices, which can be steep) and a selection of sake-based cocktails. Throughout high season (September – April) Nobu will also be open for lunch.

The One&Only brand is all about 'a sense of place', and in a city known for its beautiful people, towering Table Mountain, fine wine and great gastronomy the One&Only Cape Town manages to tick all the boxes. Come for the celeb-spotting, the great views and the Wine Loft, but if you only do one thing… make sure you try Nobu's Tuna Salad.

For more information, visit www.oneandonlyresorts.com or call 021 431 5250.

GALLERIES > One&Only Cape Town
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