From breathtaking ocean views to beautifully designed homes nestled beneath Table Mountain, Cape Town’s unique charm has earned it a coveted spot in a new global travel ranking.
South Africa (24 July 2026) – Cape Town has done it again. The Mother City has found itself rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s most iconic destinations, this time earning a place among the globe’s most beautiful places to stay. And while Bali may have taken the top spot, seeing a South African city ranked alongside Paris, London and Hawai’i is something worth celebrating.
A new global study has ranked Cape Town as the 8th most beautiful destination in the world for design-led accommodation, making it the highest-ranked destination in Africa and placing it among some of the planet’s most sought-after travel experiences.
The research, conducted by interior design experts at Sharps, analysed luxury accommodation listings across more than 200 tourist destinations worldwide. Looking at the number of beautifully designed homes available, average nightly rates and reputation scores, the study created a “Beautiful Base” ranking that highlights destinations where the accommodation is every bit as memorable as the journey itself. Bali claimed the number one spot thanks to its stunning villas that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living, followed by Paris with its elegant Haussmann-era apartments. California’s Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree completed the top three, while Cape Town joined an impressive top ten that also includes London, Los Cabos, Saint Barthélemy and Hawai’i.
It’s not difficult to see why Cape Town earned its place. Whether it’s contemporary villas perched above the Atlantic Ocean, beautifully restored heritage homes in the city bowl, stylish beachfront apartments or architectural masterpieces tucked into the mountainside, the city’s accommodation reflects both its spectacular natural surroundings and the creativity that South Africa is known for.
Natalie Prince, interiors expert at Sharps, believes the findings reflect a growing trend among travellers looking for more meaningful experiences.
“The saying ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’ has never been truer here. The study highlights that beautiful interior design isn’t confined to one country, continent or even city. All styles featured in the ranking, from London’s Georgian homes and the whitewashed Mykonos villas to the desert minimalism of California’s Joshua Tree, are coveted by travellers for their thoughtful and unique design styles.”
She added that more travellers are choosing homes over traditional hotel rooms because they offer greater space, privacy and a chance to experience a destination through its architecture.
“It’s also a sign of how we travel now. More of us are booking a design-led home over a hotel room, for the extra space, the privacy, and the chance to experience a destination’s architecture first-hand, rather than staying in a room that could be anywhere in the world.”
“Wherever you go, it’s worth seeking out a stay that reflects the place itself, it’s one of the easiest ways to feel like you’re really experiencing somewhere new, rather than just visiting it.”
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