Muza Lab unveils new design of One&Only Cape Town

Situated in the heart of Cape Town, at the fashionable V&A Waterfront overlooking the marina and with panoramic views across to Table Mountain, One&Only Cape Town is a tranquil enclave on the doorstep of the vibrant city. The refurbishment spans the full 133 guestrooms and suites of the resort, as well as the entrance lobby, Vista Bar & Lounge and landscaping, with new flooring, fittings and fixtures.

“This is an incredibly exciting project for the One&Only Cape Town team and a testament to our confidence in the positive future direction of South African tourism,” said Anne Scott, General Manager, One&Only Cape Town. “We’ve proudly incorporated local suppliers and artisans to create something magical – paying homage to African culture while retaining the innate One&Only ultra-luxury ethos.”

Image credit: One&Only

The scheme came together with the help of natural, timeless and locally sourced materials, all inspired by shapes, textures and colours of its surrounding habitat. From naturally crafted pieces by local artisans to symbolic aesthetics created to mirror elements of the sea, British design studio, Muza Lab has created an escape with both practicality and meaning. Focusing on portraying ocean, land and heritage, the design team at Muza Lab delved into this project with the idea of capturing the environment’s natural beauty, to reflect its setting and bring the space back to life. The end result is a harmonious and tranquil storytelling experience with a  design blueprint drawn from Cape Town’s artistry and local mythology.

Guestroom interiors have been crafted using thoughtful textures and organic materials, creating not just a space, but a whole experience and story. Entering the guestroom, warm lighting and an earthy colour scheme set the tone, the Kente cloth adorned entrance, using fabric inspired by the traditional Northern African mud cloth, creates an authentically African welcome. The space is a perfect blend of metals and minerals, modernity and tradition. Every element is carefully considered, from the curved headboard of the bed which harmonises with the contrast of structural shapes and angles, to the handmade ceramics in organic shapes representing the textures and colours of Table Mountain: the golden yellow of the sun, the green of the plants and the blue of the sea, and the black texture of the Cape pine trees and silverleaf pine.

Image credit: One&Only

Considered the gemstone capital of the world with almost half of the world’s gemstones found in Southern Africa, sparkling accents are added throughout the guest rooms, with details of Tiger’s Eye drawer pulls and facetted artworks adding an ornate touch to modern African luxury. Gemstone-shaped shields, made by artists that are community figures in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, adorn Marina Rise’s headboard walls and are symbolic of the Sun and Moon. The beaded pots in all the rooms were created by Zimbabwe-born Richard Madongwe and his team of bead artists. The jars are representative of the vessels carried on the heads of the people of Africa, transporting the lifeblood of earth – water – to their families.

The suites offer space, repose and a journey of discovery. An extension of the overarching design concept but dotted with touches of green, the suites are a playful alternation of texture, use of lighting and colour, layered with honest natural minerals and unexpected objects. Limestone and African Ash feature tiles in the lobby, as well as statement tables and structural seating, complement the arrival experience. Both the reception and lounge spaces showcase individual identity with a balance of shadow and light, a colour palette of calm neutrals deep browns and warm earth tones, as well as exquisite African patterns.

Image credit: One&Only

By weaving an inspired design in collaboration with local artists and artisans, One&Only Cape Town is refelctive of its setting in a fresh and nuanced way that is inclusive and expansive, and with an elevated residential feel that makes guests instantly feel at home. The inimitable location along with its unique offering of inner-city yet resort-style accommodation continues to set the hotel apart.

Main image credit: One&Only