Few luxury escapes combine a mountain-framed harbour, ocean adventures, waterfront dining and access to some of the world’s most exclusive sailing destinations. Cape Town is looking to strengthen that appeal with a new EDITION hotel and planned superyacht facilities at the V&A Waterfront, adding to the city’s attractions for affluent international travellers.

The ambition comes as more large private yachts visit Southern Africa. BOATPro research presented at the African Boating Conference in Cape Town recorded 36 superyachts measuring more than 24 metres visiting the region in 2025, up from 14 in 2019. Their average length was 60 metres, compared with a global average of about 34 metres.

For visitors arriving by sea, the appeal extends well beyond the marina. Cape Town offers views of Table Mountain, restaurants overlooking the harbour, luxury accommodation, shopping and cultural attractions, alongside access to the Western Cape’s coastline and wider travel experiences across Southern Africa.

Where superyachts meet five-star hospitality

The V&A Waterfront’s planned EDITION hotel and superyacht facilities at Quay 7 are intended to bring luxury stays and specialist marine services closer together. The existing marina already ranks among Southern Africa’s five leading destinations for visiting superyachts.

The experience can extend from a morning aboard a private yacht to waterfront dining, premium shopping and evenings overlooking the harbour. For yacht owners and guests, having restaurants, accommodation and attractions within walking distance adds convenience to a stay built around privacy, comfort and time on the water.

The potential local spending is substantial: a superyacht valued at $50 million can generate between $105,000 and $330,000 during a two-week visit. That expenditure can include accommodation, restaurants, transport, provisioning and specialist yacht services.

An ocean journey from Cape Town to the islands

Cape Town could also serve as a starting point for longer luxury itineraries connecting Southern Africa with the Indian Ocean. Mauritius and Seychelles are among the destinations identified as part of the region’s wider cruising proposition.

The African Superyacht Working Group is transitioning into Superyacht Africa, an initiative designed to promote the region to international yacht owners.

Its vision is to offer an alternative to established cruising grounds such as the Mediterranean and Caribbean, combining coastal scenery, wildlife experiences and luxury hospitality.

For travellers, the attraction is the possibility of pairing Cape Town’s urban sophistication with island escapes and adventures along less familiar African coastlines.

A waterfront at the heart of the experience

The 123-hectare V&A Waterfront attracts approximately 25 million visits annually and houses more than 1,000 tenants. Its working community numbers about 26,000 people.

The precinct’s longer-term vision includes developing the surrounding waterfront into a coastal neighbourhood while improving facilities for visiting superyachts.

The planned hotel and marine infrastructure would add another dimension to Cape Town’s established appeal as a destination for upscale holidays, ocean experiences and international travel.