Compass House

"Set the scene for us: Where is this hotel, and what does it look like?Just off Kloof Road, in the exclusive suburb of Bantry Bay, this small luxury hotel (only eight rooms) has the look and feel of a grand beach villa. It’s a few doors down from Ellerman House, but on a much smaller scale and piece of land. On the sea-facing side of the house, an infinity lap pool (22 meters) merges with the blue horizon of the Atlantic Ocean, palm trees flutter gently in the light breeze—this is Bantry Bay where the wind rarely blows—and planters are filled with lavender and lush foliage. There are four double sun cabanas, conducive to spending all day by the pool. The entrance foyer opens out into a large, open-plan living and dining space, leading onto a patio with tables for dining, and a seating area. The rooms are on three levels, and each has a well-furnished balcony or terrace. So basically, it's Eden. What’s the crowd like?Couples young and old, soaking up the sun and the solitude, mainly from Germany, Switzerland, Sweden and Denmark, but also Americans. Alright, that's a nice mix. How was check-in? Were there any staff members who really charmed you on arrival?Antonio, one of the managers, was there to welcome and orient his guests, pour chilled glasses of Creation wine (from the Hemel en Aarde Valley, in Hermanus) for an impromptu sundowner at the pool with canapés, the sun sinking into the ocean through palm tree—like a tropical island, rather than Bantry Bay. The entire room operates on a central touch-screen pad, which is demonstrated to you on check-in. Streamlined. Give us all the welcome wine. Now, on to the good stuff: Tell us about your room.The top-floor Blue Suite has its own plunge pool (can be heated, if you prefer). Surveying the ocean from three floors up, you feel like the king of the castle. The decor is deceptively simple, but everything is of the highest quality. The white bed linen is imported Garnier Thiebaut. In the living room-cum-study, I loved the boxy Duvivier designer chairs, and the leather Campo Marzio accessories in Hermès orange. The bathroom is sleek and very modern with rain showers and a built-in dressing room, and Bulgari products. How about the little things, like the mini bar, or shower goodies? Anything that made your experience more comfortable?To start, there's free Wi-Fi and a smart TV, plus a touch screen pad that controls everything in the room, from music and lighting to AC/temperature. There were Bulgari toiletries in the bathrooms. The minibar includes mineral water, mini Champagne bottles, and soft drinks. In the suites, it’s included in the rate. Phew—this place is pretty stacked. How about room service, or on-site dining? Worth it?The Swiss owner is a perfectionist and everything in the kitchen is of the highest provenance, including the lovely Continental style breakfast buffet with a selection of local and imported cheeses and charcuterie, homemade Greek-style yogurt, various cereals, seasonal fruits, freshly baked pastries and breads, a dozen or more fruit preserves and wild honey. Eggs Florentine and other hot breakfast dishes are ordered from the kitchen, although in summer most guests stick to the Continental. For the rest, guests are invited to make themselves at home in the kitchen, helping themselves to tea, coffee, or drinks. There is always a chef in the kitchen to make snacks, a light meal or even just a sandwich. During the day, they’ll bring surprise cooling treats like watermelon in vodka or ice cream to guests poolside. We love an on-call chef. Speaking of which, was there any particular staff member who really impressed you?Antonio is a natural-born hotelier, having worked in grand five-star, full-service hotels in Europe before falling in love with Cape Town and bringing his personality and exacting eye for detail to this boutique property. A real career professional. Alright, we're nearing the end of our questions—but is there anything else you want to tell us about?The spa, below the pool, has just been refurbished and complimentary canapés and sundowners are served at sunset. There’s a shower room close to the pool, which is also handy for guests with late flight departures, to freshen up. The honesty bar includes all beverages, except for wine and Champagne. This means that all the artisanal local and imported gins are included, too, so you can conjure up the most amazing G&Ts on the house. Lovely! So, bottom line: worth it, and why?If you’d rather be staying in a private villa than a hotel, this is for you. Compass House combines the best of both worlds - it’s small and exclusive, yet run like a five-star hotel—in the prime Atlantic Ocean-view enclave of Bantry Bay." - Jane Broughton