I grew up in Cape Town, South Africa and moved to the United Kingdom in 2009. After the pandemic, I could finally see my retired parents again. But on arriving in Cape Town, I discovered that I had caught COVID-19 and needed to isolate away from my parents and their retirement community. Using a booking app, I found a room at the amazing Noordhoek Village Hotel and stayed until I tested negative.
The Noordhoek Village Hotel is a 4-star boutique luxury hotel at the foot of the Chapman’s Peak scenic drive, only 4 miles from the beach. This hidden gem is perfect for anyone looking for well-located comfort and hospitality away from the usual busy tourist hubs.
Originally inhabited by the Khoi’San, this area of Noordhoek was later established as a farm and named “North Corner” by the Dutch in the 18th century. Today, this small artisanal Cape Town village is a popular spot for artists and writers to meet and work.
Noordhoek Village Hotel is well positioned within a small village of convenient shops and restaurants. While isolating, I could remain separated from everyone while enjoying socially distant drinks on the terrace and working in the courtyard under enormous lemon trees.
Sushi was delivered to my room, and the bar fridge was ample for all the lovely cheeses and sliced meats I found within the village farm shop below. The rooms are large, the beds comfortable, the en suite spacious, and the service impeccable, warm, and welcoming.
Noordhoek Village Hotel has three types of rooms: Village View, Courtyard, and Interleading. I stayed in a king-sized Village View room and enjoyed watching the bustling village below, all overseen by Chapman’s Peak. The Courtyard Rooms overlook the lemon tree courtyard, while the Interleading Rooms are perfect for families.
In addition to these 20 rooms, the hotel also offers conference facilities, bespoke function availability, a sushi restaurant, and an excellent wine menu. Other facilities include free wifi, onsite parking, a paid airport shuttle service, a babysitting service, an outdoor swimming pool, a garden area, BBQ facilities, spa and wellness treatment, air conditioning, and access to hiking, horse riding, cycling, and golf.
Besides sushi, I had my pick of restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops. The Food Barn is an award-winning restaurant. Franck Dangereux leads it and serves a seasonal and locally-inspired menu. Cafe Roux is a popular and laid-back option for a more casual classic menu. The Toad in the Village is a gastro-pub eatery and a local favorite. Finally, The Village Sushi offers stylish contemporary dining and several sushi platter options.
The Cape Point Vineyards is a 25-minute walk from Noordhoek Village. First established in 1752, Sybrand van der Spuy planted the current vineyards in 1996, and the estate has developed quite a reputation for its Sauvignon Blanc.
Noorhoek’s most famous tourist attraction is Chapman’s Peak Drive, locally known as “Chappies.” It offers incredible sea-cliff views and towering mountains and is a 9-km route that winds its way between Noodhoek and Hout Bay along the Atlantic seaboard.
Chappies was completed in 1922 and built using convict labor. However, it was hampered by bad weather, with washed-away sections from storms, and it closed in 2000. This iconic and incredibly scenic drive has been reopened after being fully upgraded by specialists and made safe through thorough reconstruction.
The Noordhoek Village Hotel was a serendipitous find. In contrast to the sad and disappointing situation I found myself in, the hotel offered a quiet, comfortable, and hospitable environment. Although I could not hug my parents, I could sit on a terrace away from them and share a bottle of wine.
Currently, room rates are 1550-1850 South African Rands per night (single room) and 2000-2750 South African Rands per night for a double room, including breakfast. (Check the exchange rates at your time of booking).
Janine Magnin grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, and now lives in the United Kingdom. She is a freelance travel and tourism writer and a voice education researcher and writer.
Noordhoek is a beautiful part of South Africa. This hotel is absolutely worth visiting.