I don’t really want to write this review. I don’t really want to give it 5 stars. Mainly because I want to keep my little secret. I didn’t want to leave this morning. We had a little glitch on checking in but the manager Petrus made good with dinner later. Narnia nestled in Camps Bay. Hidden from view to the extent we often pass this area by car or on foot and never knew about this amazing place It combines old world charm, elegance and a garden to get lost in. It’s built in a ravine with a small river of water cascading into a waterfall and a nature pool. It looks like a place that only royalty frequented in the 30’s and 40’s The property is a private nature reserve and a few neighbouring house have been bought and converted into upmarket rooms There is a spa on site and we made use of the brand new spa pods with hot tub experience - sublime From Andrew welcoming at the door, Benson and Sizwe the waiters, Shafeeka the housekeeping manager and Petrus the manager - everyone was amazing. Dinner was delicious and breakfast sumptuous- those croissants…..phew. The breeze free view over the gardens and the ocean added to the ambience A padel court has been added and marked routes for short hikes will get the pulse rate going I wonder who has stayed there before…… well now our names can be added to that illustrious list

The lobby and restaurant offer a magical view that truly enhances the experience. Staying here feels like residing in a beautiful old castle, where every detail reflects charm and elegance. It’s a wonderful escape that combines luxury with a touch of history. Highly recommended!

The accommodation is very nice, but there is a need for a deeper cleaning. The bathrooms had significant limescale buildup, and the grout requires attention. Given that this is a premium property with a premium price, we expect a higher standard of cleanliness.

The accommodation was exceptional. The layout of the room, the privacy and the view was amazing. I loved the complimentary mini bar snacks and the complimentary scones and tea/coffee at 16h00. The staff were super helpful and prompt. The what's app group made any request easier. The manor itself was breathtaking, from the decor to all the fire places. And lastly the grounds were splendid. It was like being in another country, the waterfall and mountain pools was so unexpected but such a treat. There were olive trees and blue berry bushes along the walk ways...

That I could find the switch for the outside light or that the outside lights did not come on... Made it difficult to move around on the balcony at night. Also the mattress in my room was too hard for my liking. I am accustomed to a more medium firm mattress.

The good was very good, but there were no vegan options on the menu — I had to specially ask them to prepare a vegan option at every meal. These days, given the big global shift to vegan, it surprises me that a premium location such as Camps Bay Retreat has no vegan options on the menu.

The shower door leaked badly, and could not be repaired even after several requests. It required catching the water with several big towels on the floor for each shower, to prevent the water from flooding the bedroom. Also, I asked for a wellness treatment slot immediately after my arrival, and kept asking for 4 days, and none of the staff members even bothered getting back to me. It took 4 entire days until I finally succeeded in getting someone to reserve a slot for me. This is not acceptable for a 5-star hotel.

The room was so beautiful with a conservatory overlooking the sea. The children's room was also gorgeous, very modern and well appointed. Given, on the front desk was amazing, so friendly, engaging and really made our holiday by suggesting the hottub in the jungle in the evening, showing the boys the swing and arranging an early takeaway breakfast for us. Great location for the hotel too. An easy walk through the garden to camps bay, but yet so quiet with its own little jungle attached. Free padel on certain days also a nice bonus. Thanks all, we had a great stay.

Great location and views. We had a room with outside space which wasn’t entirely private and a wood burning hot tub. Security, waiting and household staff were great and we made friends with the hotel’s dog. Good range of well priced drinks and food options including non-meat dishes which was really appreciated. We really liked the rope bridge connecting our party of the resort from the main house.

The on duty evening manager when we arrived was cold and off-hand, describing their plans to address load-shedding next year for our part of the resort as some kind of benefit to us. His manner didn’t improve at all during our stay including at check out when he would look straight at me. Without this we would have rated the hotel higher. Everyone else at the resort was lovely. Load- shedding a minor issue but the timings didn’t impact us hugely.

Camps Bay Retreat is by far my favorite hotel. Mostly because of the service I received which surpassed all of my expectations. The staff was so lovely and very attentive to my needs. I planned to switch hotels halfway through to get the most out of my trip and am regretting that fully because nothing has felt as warm and welcoming as CBR! The grounds are magical! For someone who loves the outdoors, this is was a dream to discover. There are pools, walkings paths, swings, beautiful gardens, and the location is perfect! It is within a 5 minute walk to the beach, shops, and amazing restaurants. The room was perfect for a relaxing oasis. I had direct view of the ocean and the paddle courts which added some great live entertainment. The room had the most magical bathtub and wood burning hot tub which were perfect to enjoy during load shedding. I know many people complained about the lack of generators but I found it nice to be forced to unplug and enjoy what the room had to offer.

I honestly don't have any negatives. The overall experience was so wonderful that any small inconvenience was overlooked.

Beautiful hotel but a few things could have been done a little better in the interests of such high standards. Breakfast in a hotel of this standard and quality should not have been restricted (eg 2 drinks only...I think several cups of coffee and a glass or 2 of juice is not unreasonable). However the staff, the surroundings, the suite, the grounds were all fabulous.

Breakfast (see above).

Beautiful property. Wonderful grounds to explore. Fun rope bridge to get to your room. Super friendly staff. Made you feel as if it were your own home. Fantastic stay and would return.

Could perhaps alter the menu or add a few new options/specials to the menu if eating there for diner most of the week. Also perhaps another staff member to help on busy evenings.

All round, an amazing stay. From the gentleman who welcomed us onto the grounds and into the parking, to Simon at check-in, to the views - mountain and sea, the comfort of the bed, the hot tub, the food, all the way through to Camps Bay Retreat helping to facilitate our engagement (a surprise to me, which they kept so well hidden). We can't wait to be back!