The Silo, part of the laudable Royal Portfolio group, is one of the latest additions to the much-loved V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Housed in a vast building – a former historic grain silo – the hotel was built in what used to be the grain elevator, with the lower floors of the building soon to be home to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA). Although you’d never guess at the building’s humble origins to look at The Silo – this hotel is as luxurious as they come.

The 28 guestrooms have been impeccably designed by none other than Royal Portfolio owner Liz Biden herself. Colour has been used to great effect throughout – a lemon yellow sofa here, a turquoise headboard there – which serves as a visual counterpoint to the industrial-chic geometry of the pillowed window bays. This unique architectural feature was added by architect Thomas Heatherwick; from the outside, it looks like the windows gently bloom outwards. The interiors at The Silo effortlessly mix styles, throwing together baroque-style furniture with modern plastic, velvet-upholstered chairs and chandeliers with metal-accented pieces. It’s a heady combination.

From bold use of colour to a notable absence of it, The Silo’s spa is a serene space where guests can indulge in a full roster of treatments, while enjoying views of the city skyline. But for unbeatable views, the hotel’s rooftop is the place to go (or you can book the penthouse, of course). Especially if you fancy a dip in the pool, or a glass of something bubbly and a bite to eat – the food menu here includes pulled pork sandwiches, tempura and bar snacks to name but a few. But there are plenty of other places to eat at The Silo as well, from afternoon tea or breakfast at The Granary Café to drinks at The Willaston Bar.