Music drifts across the lounge from where the pianist sits playing. The crystal chandeliers glint in the sunlight from the hotel’s terraced gardens. Freshly-prepared sandwiches, pastries and cakes tempt from their highly-polished serving tables.

Owned by Belmond, the luxury hotel brand that operates the Venice-Simplon Orient Express, Cape Town’s Mount Nelson Hotel leaves nothing to chance. Tiered cake stands boast South African delicacies, while the dedicated tea sommelier can guide you through the 40 different blends available.