Fernwood Manor

"On quite one of the most bitterly cold, wet and windy days this winter, we checked into Fernwood Manor, en route to an 80th family gathering in Simonstown. Even though we were early, we were warmly welcomed by Sally and her team and shown up to our beautiful suite on the first floor. Cocooned in our snug room whilst the weather stormed outside, we were brought a warming pot of tea, whilst we unpacked and spruced ourselves up for the lunch party. Often B&B reviews are disappointingly over-exaggerated and inaccurate, but happily we found this not to be the case with Fernwood Manor, a luxuriously comfy home away from home in this magical city. Situated conveniently just off De Waal Drive in the verdantly green forested belt below Kirstenbosch Gardens and towering Table Mountain, in Cape Town, this exquisite small boutique B&B, ticks all the right comfort and service boxes. Lots of small thoughtful details in the bedrooms and bathrooms speak of an owner who has really thought through the travel experience and knows what her guests want. Heated towel rails, heated under-blankets on the bed and an overhead heater in the bathroom added greatly to our comfort on this freezing weekend. A freshly-prepared full breakfast was served by a smiling Celeste and her chef in the bright breakfast room downstairs on Sunday morning, which we enjoyed whilst listening to the relaxing sounds of Cafe del Mare. At a different warmer time of the year we would have enjoyed spending the day relaxing by the pool, enjoying the spectacular mountain backdrop to this B&B, but alas we had to be on our way too soon. This is definitely one for the little black book when next you''re looking for a place to stay in Cape Town."

"My wife and I booked these two nights (before boarding and after disembarking from the MSC OPERA on her voyage with 1200 birdwatchers - Flock-at-Sea 2013 - to Walvis Bay and back) for ourselves and our daughter and her partner from Ottawa. We could not have chosen better. Conveniently and beautifully placed on the edge of Newlands, close to Kirstenbosch and an easy run to the docks. First class rooms and a wonderful breakfast, as well as personal attention and care. You can be sure of a personal recommendation in Canada."