Hoteliers Jan Fourie and Johan du Plessis were inspired by the beautiful circa 1700s building when conceiving the look, feel and attitude of the hotel. They drew on its heritage when creating the interior, while at the same time remaining cognizant of the need to cater to a very discerning type of traveller, expectant of every amenity.
The spaces have been designed with a sense of occasion as well as convenience in mind. High ceilings and generous proportions were cued by the site and are in keeping with the building’s inherent elegance.
Finishes and furniture follow suit – a mix of modern and antique pieces, Calcatta marble, French oak floors and Persian rugs continue the European-inspired but globally informed aesthetic. In the Signature Suites, the rich palette of deep blues, umbers, ochres and burnt oranges is both modern and timeless, sophisticated but also warm. While there is a dominant colour palette that is consistent throughout the suites, no room is the same as the next.
Carefully curated accessories create a layered and established effect that, although polished, is also relaxed and unstuffy. Think chandeliers and fireplaces alongside cosy armchairs and custom-made designer furniture. Carefully selected contemporary artworks by rising Cape Town artists such as Pierre Fouche and Emma Aspeling complete the picture.
The crowning glory is the palatial Governer’s Suite – one of the city’s largest penthouse offerings. It is named after Simon van der Stel, the first Governor of the Cape and once a resident at this very address. The 300-square-metre, three-bedroom space spans two floors at the top of the hotel and features hard-to-top touches like a floating staircase and private plunge pool situated on a wide balcony overlooking historic Church Square, the Slave Lodge, Parliament and Company Gardens.
Here the colour palette is lighter and neutral, accentuated by the jewel-like tones found in the rugs and scatter cushions. Beautiful wallpapers by Cole and Sons create feature walls with depth and drama. A fully equipped kitchen, 10-person dining table and two lounge areas make it ideally suited to groups or families wanting to settle in for an extended period.
For those bent on a little retail therapy, there is a dedicated perfumery boutique on site that carries prestigious international brands such as Diptyque, Penhaligon’s, Dr Vranjes, L’Artisan Parfumeur and Comme des Garçons, where you can indulge in exquisite gifting. Labotessa is one of only 11 hotels in the world to carry Diptyque in all its rooms.
For more information and reservations visit Labotessa’s website.
