We’ve stayed in some pretty spectacular places over the years; from ice hotels in Austria to private villas in the Seychelles, but for our 10-year anniversary, we didn’t want airports, transfers or traffic. And to be frank with a needy, breastfeeding, non-sleeping 9-month-old at home, a fancy getaway just wasn’t within the realm of possibility.
But we did want to getaway somewhere special, even if just for one night. Somewhere within flip-flop distance. Enter the POD Boutique Hotel in Camps Bay. Spoiler: it totally delivered. But like any good review, here’s the honest, local lowdown; with our top 10 reasons this was the kind of stay we’ll be talking about for another ten years.
1. That location though
This boutique hotel in Camps Bay is located right across from the beach. Like, we-could-see-the-sand-from-bed close. That said, we did have one of the best rooms in the house – Deluxe Suite 201, the corner room on the top floor. We highly recommend requesting it. The views are proper “wow” and the layout is the best of the bunch. The rooms with plunge pools are cute, but they’re on ground level so you lose the view. And let’s be honest, Camps Bay is all about that view.
2. Design goals unlocked
The whole place is like someone took a Pinterest board called “Architectural Dream Home” and just made it real. Raw wood, concrete, black fittings, open-plan bathrooms. It’s cool, edgy, and very much a magazine house come to life. There’s even a whole wall made out of old scaffold boards in the reception that were actually used in the building of the property. We particularly loved the bath that kind of floats in the room and the open shower. The suite layout was a win – huge bed, lounge-y seating area, and a private balcony.
3. Service that just gets it
This was one of the biggest highlights. We’ve found service in Cape Town can be hit or miss, but POD nails it. The team were friendly, intuitive, and fast; from check-in (with bubbly in hand) to breakfast refills and even parking our car (the underground lot is teeny and tight, so let them take the wheel!). Everything felt easy and thoughtful, like the rose petals on our bed and complimentary bottle of bubbles for our anniversary. It’s a small hotel and you feel that, in the best possible way. You’re not guest #46. You’re family.
4. A mighty mini bar
It’s included (yay!), and stocked with wines, beers, cooldrinks and waters. Plus a few snacks. Not groundbreaking, but a really nice touch. It’s the kind of perk that elevates a stay.
5. A pretty pool
There’s a good-sized communal pool with loungers and views of the beach. While the weather didn’t play ball for us (cheers, Cape Town winter), it was kept pristine. There’s also a bar service so you can sip and sun in style. No restaurant per se, but you are within two minutes of every trendy café and seafood spot on the Camps Bay strip.
6. Breakfast is low-key luxurious
We ate in the dining area (which is surprisingly spacious, in fact it would make a good adult party venue) and the spread was small but divine. Think: fresh kiwi and berries, smoked salmon, homemade banana bread with a most-delicious lemon curd, bloody Marys, and green juice that felt very Camps Bay. And my personal favourite: make your own mimosas! Hot dishes are made to order, with a few creative extras. I had breakfast quesadillas, which I now firmly believe should be a thing everywhere. You can also opt for in-room dining if you’re feeling indulgent.
7. Good for couples
POD is adult-only (no under-12s), so it’s definitely not a family spot. It’s perfect for couples or solo travellers who want something chic, peaceful, and beach-adjacent. That said, the open-plan bathrooms and modern design might not be every older guest’s cup of tea. It’s stylish and boutique so was a perfect choice for our 10-year anniversary but maybe don’t send your folks here for their golden anniversary, unless they’re very into black taps and open showers.
8. Not just a pretty face
There is a small gym and a massage room if you want a quick treatment. No hammam or anything OTT, but enough for a quick pamper if needed.
9. They thought of everything
It’s the little things: the quick check-in, the luggage handled without fuss, the replacement of continental items the second something ran out, the rose petals, the bubbly, the pool towels ready to go even when no one’s swimming. It all makes you feel like they’re genuinely excited to have you there. And honestly? That goes a long way.
10. It made us fall in love again
Not only did we have a chamce to reconnect with each other (which is rare when dealing with the nappies, tantrums, busy schedules and the big emotions of two littles) but we also fell in love with our city again. Camps Bay is kind of like Cape Town’s influencer cousin, always camera-ready, always a bit extra. But staying at POD reminded us of why it’s so iconic. That sea air, that mountain glow, that buzz of clinking glasses at sunset. Even as locals, it felt special. Romantic, stylish, restful. The kind of place you don’t just recommend, you plan your next stay before you’ve even left.
Final verdict? We came for the anniversary staycation. We left wondering why we hadn’t booked it sooner. POD isn’t for everyone, and that’s kind of the point. It’s discreet, design-led, quietly luxurious and incredibly well run. If that’s your kind of magic, we couldn’t recommend it more. (And book Room 201. You can thank us later.)