9 Best Sights in Cape Town, South Africa

Spas are obviously big business these days, with most top hotels outsourcing this service, and the wellness element at the elegant Vineyard Hotel in the Southern Suburbs is part of the well-regarded international Banyan group. The Eastern influences begin when you walk in the door: ginger tea is offered, and before beginning treatments, therapists rub your feet with hot towels. Many of the therapists hail from Thailand, and Thai, Balinese, Indian, and Hawaiian techniques are incorporated in the excellent massages (the Angsana pressure-point massage is highly recommended). The Eastern green-and-gold color scheme, views of the mountains from many of the rooms, and lovely outdoor spaces add to the serenity. Clients undress, bathe, and relax in private treatment rooms, and a half hour "calm time," with tea and fruit, is included in every session.

In the center of Cape Town's downtown business district, above the commerce of St. George's Mall, Camelot Spa sparkles with crystal light fixtures, an urban oasis in taupe and champagne, complete with wallpaper on the ceilings. The upscale experience begins at check-in, when you get a Body Composition Analysis. There are couples rooms, a flotation pool, and a relaxation area, not to mention a wide range of body therapies and massages on offer.

A warm welcome and cup of chai starts you off at this relatively small spa, distinguished among five Ginkgo locations for its attention to detail, great client care, and up-to-date knowledge. The atmosphere, though pleasant, is not memorable; the treatments, however, are first rate, with therapists asking questions and making suggestions based on your skin type and needs. Ginkgo uses Babor and South African–made Nimue products, and has a number of great combination treatments, such as the three-hour Debutante (five treatments designed for a first-time client), and the 4½-hour Mother-to-Be (full-body exfoliation, massage, facial, mani/pedi, and lunch). Golfer's massages serve those enjoying the on-site world-class golf course. The hotel pool and dining room are available to spa clients.

On a more than 300-year-old wine estate amid the dramatic and jagged Jonkershoek Mountains, the large Lanzerac Spa makes for a charming retreat, with a warm, distinctly Afrikaans atmosphere. Among the innovative hydrotherapy treatments is the Dr. Fish Spa Therapy, in which the Garra rufa obtusa fish exfoliates and micro-massages the skin. On arrival you're offered a beverage and a foot soak in warm Epsom-salted water. Treatments use the popular TheraVine range of products; the grapeseed full-body exfoliation and incredibly relaxing new wave massage (employing a series of rolling motion movements) are highly recommended. From the glassed-in relaxation room you can enjoy spectacular post-treatment views of the mountains and a Jacuzzi, indoor pool, and complimentary beverages. Yoga, Pilates, and personal training sessions are also available.

Body Treatments Massage: Avocado and shea butter; deep tissue; kahuna; hair and scalp; back, neck, and shoulder; reflexology; hot stone; new wave massage. Exfoliation: grapeseed body polish. Wraps/baths: body cocoon (using a heated blanket), seaweed wrap, pinotage bath, marula body milk bath, hammam merlot experience, rasul ritual. Beauty: Facials, lash/brow tinting, waxing, manicure, pedicure, special occasion makeup, haircut, hair color.Other: Dr. Fish Spa Therapy.

Prices Body treatments: R280–R760. Facials: R425–R740. Manicure/pedicure: R245–R335.

Noon Gun Tearoom and Restaurant up the very steep slope of Signal Hill is a good place to stop for a breather and some traditional, home-cooked Malay food. Your entertaining hostess (and TV chef) Zaine Misbach cooks up a mean curry and biryani (a spicy rice-based dish). And her samosas are to die for. The menu is limited, but Zaine's repertoire is anything but; she's chatty and engaging and also offers cooking lessons.

Rhodes served as prime minister of the Cape from 1890 to 1896. He made his fortune in the Kimberley diamond rush, but his greatest dream was to forge a Cape–Cairo railway, a tangible symbol of British dominion in Africa. The classical-style granite memorial sits high on the slopes of Devil's Peak, on part of Rhodes's old estate, Groote Schuur. A mounted rider symbolizing energy faces north toward the continent for which Rhodes felt such passion. A bust of Rhodes dominates the temple—ironically, he's leaning on one hand as if he's about to nod off.

The Rhodes Memorial Restaurant, tucked under towering pines behind the memorial, is a pleasant spot that serves breakfast, tea, and a light lunch. Unremarkable food, although it is under new management.

San Marco Bistro offers a wide variety of options from sandwiches and salads to pasta, meat, and seafood entrées. Although it's expensive for locals, most visitors find it very affordable. There are hundreds of places to eat at the Waterfront but not many such alfresco locations that are really outdoors in such close proximity to the working harbor. It's a good place to refuel and people-watch while shopping—or waiting to tour one of the naval vessels that occasionally open their doors to the public.

Amid the dozens of great joints around Long and Loop streets, Zorina's is a hole-in-the-wall that's famous for great Cape Malay curries and samosas.