HOME RUN
With comfort at its core and character in spades, Labotessa is a boutique hotel with all the bells and whistles
The appeal of the boutique hotel is well established. A reaction to the impersonal atmosphere of international chains with endless corridors and generic interiors, the smaller alternative offers an antidote — intimate, designoriented and accessible. But it’s a rare few that manage to truly embody these qualities. For that reason, first-time hoteliers Johan du Plessis and Jan Fourie set out to create a luxury destination in Labotessa that had none of the formality associated with a hotel stay; rather they wanted to make something that felt like a home. The duo, experienced in the hospitality industry, are nothing if not perfectionists — and it shows.
Situated on Church Square in Cape Town, Labotessa takes its cue from its surroundings, as well as inspiration from further afield — and the owners’ European expertise, in particular. “We followed the European look and feel when deciding on a concept for the spaces and settled on old-world charm meets modern sophistication,” says Du Plessis of the cosmopolitan mix of influences.
With seven suites (six plus the luxury Governer’s Suite penthouse), the hotel encapsulates the personal touch of the owners. The idea of a home away from home informed the design approach by placing comfort and livability first.
“‘My experience in opening hotels helped when planning the interior concept. Luxury is all about the experience you create, and in bedrooms this is created through space, quality and detail,” says Du Plessis. “Sure, we were inspired by the classic charm of the building , but equally by the comforts of current-day living. To tie these two sources of inspiration together, we chose to go with a theme of classic yet clean lines and warm colours.”
The darker colours were inspired by the charm and warmth of the building as the duo felt the rich hues matched its dignity and character. The hero shade of warm Hague blue is offset by tones of strong complementary colours like gold, green and rust. The result is a balance of tradition and modernity. Pale French oak floors, double-volume and rich Belgian rugs give the rooms a sense of grandeur, but the lack of fussiness and absence of ornate finishes keeps it crisp and contemporary. Then there are the 21stcentury conveniences that elevate the experience further — a concealed kitchenette/coffee bar behind cupboard doors for in-room dining, and lifts that open directly into your suite. “We wanted to offer simplicity, sophistication and modern amenities, says Du Plessis.
While the influences on the design are global, it’s the setting that gives the hotel its heart. Situated on a square, and with views of the mountain, you’re very much situated in the city, especially from the penthouse. Slightly more contemporary in execution than the rest of the hotel, its orientation is spectacular.
The effect of the interiors would be soulless without the full experience, and it’s in this symbiotic relationship that the magic lies. Once the tone of design is set, the feeling created through service is the final touch. Personal and friendly, hospitable yet relaxed. “The formality and endless rules of hotel operations have been taken out of the equation, creating the home-like feel,” says Du Plessis.