Alta Bay, Cape Town, South Africa

Alta Bay is nowhere near a bay, but rather hides on the slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain. In theory, this boutique hotel has views over the city, in practice it nestles in the trees, though when the lights twinkle through at night you realise, from your cosy retreat, that there's another whole world out there. The luxury hotel tumbles down a hillside on several levels and has odd patches of garden that never really get beyond pocket size. The feel is reminiscent of Tuscany, or maybe it's just the Mediterranean; owner Ariel hails from Portugal, though he worked for a long time as an investment banker in London before deciding on a sea change.

The facilities

A little interior courtyard is overlooked by lemon trees, and out back there is a fine deck and pool with a water spout that splashes and soothes. The owner’s interest in interior design is evident everywhere in this boutique hotel, not least in the scattering of coffee-table books and magazines. Alta Bay has a pleasant lounge with an open fire in winter and a breakfast room, though most guests opt for the pool terrace in the morning. You can get massage treatments in your room, and complimentary access to a city gym, but to many the greatest enjoyment might come from the complimentary open bar. Kick back with a glass of red or brandy and chat with fellow guests at the boutique hotel. Excellent.

The rooms

The six guestrooms at Alta Bay come in neutral tones and have a cool and even austere look, with a soothing lack of knickknacks and African souvenirs. Luxury comes in the detail: the suede curtains, the complimentary fruit and bottled water, and the chocolates at turndown – a service rarely offered in boutique hotels of this modest size. Personalized notes also turn up on the pillow with the next day's weather forecast and references to things you've been talking about to the staff the day before – uncanny and brilliant. All the rooms have balconies or terraces, king-size beds (some convert to twins), rather small flat-screen televisions with DVD player (there is a DVD library. hidden in the lounge cupboard) and wireless Internet access. There are just six rooms in all at this boutique hotel. Ask for the Plane Tree Room for a humongous bathroom and a great terrace overlooking the pool, which makes you feel as if you're sitting in the tree itself. If you want more space, the Loft is a split-level arrangement with lounge, bedroom and kitchenette.