You will not be short of things to gawp at in South Africa’s Mother City. With the curve of the harbour on one side and Table Mountain perched above the other, Cape Town is a handsome devil, and one with a balmy climate that encourages an outdoorsy lifestyle. But it’s not just your sense of sight that is set to be enthralled. The city is a melting pot of cultures and, with it, music, art and food. Oh, and did we mention the wine? Vineyards have been cultivated in the verdant soil on the outskirts of town since the 1600s and, well, it would be a shame to miss out.

Your guide for this trip is Mr Joe Phelan, a former journalist who now works as a communications advisor to the great and the good. He’s there to give those in the know a discreet nudge in the right direction, not that you should take much convincing in this case.

See Mr Joe Phelan’s Style Council recommendations here

“Newly opened, this is a welcome addition to the Cape Town scene. It’s open for lunch, drinks, dinner and coffee, while the tapas-inspired menu will appeal to most. Think Greek, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, too. The cocktail menu is well worth working through, while sitting on the welcoming veranda with views of Table Mountain.” 

theathletic.co.za

“The newest secret in Franschhoek is the extraordinary home of Ampersand Travel supremo James Jayasundera and Munich-based interior architect Marc-Ludolf von Schmarsow, which is now open to paying guests. 7 Koppies is set in 120 acres of endangered fynbos [natural scrubland] reserves with stunning views over seven koppies, or small hills. The exceptional staff encourage guests to treat the place like home. The property sits 10 minutes from some of South Africa’s finest restaurants, but from the immaculately appointed bedrooms to the breathtaking view from the pool, most guests find it difficult to leave.”

7koppies.co.za

“Many people come to Cape Town for the endless outdoor activities and beautiful beaches of Camps Bay, but in recent years, the party action has increasingly moved downtown to the central business district. Restaurants such as The Shortmarket Club, by notable Cape Town figure Luke Dale-Roberts, and the Chefs Warehouse are a must. So are hostelries including The Gin Bar, which nestles within a secret courtyard hidden behind an unimposing shop front. On the first Thursday of each month, the city’s galleries host late-night openings with something of a carnival atmosphere.”

theshortmarketclub.co.za

“This estate in Stellenbosch, about an hour’s drive from the city centre, is a must-visit. Owned by diamond magnate Laurence Graff, the view from the main restaurant over the rolling vineyards is one of the best of the Western Cape. If you’re staying overnight, Indochine restaurant provides an Eastern twist. Or perhaps just stay in the spa or tasting room and work through the excellent selection of Graff wines. Either way, it’s a diamond experience.”

delaire.co.za

“Cape Town in the summer is a pretty laid-back place, and the labels such as Orlebar Brown and Polo Ralph Lauren will serve you well.”