Brian Berkman escapes into the lush green oasis that’s only moments from the city.
Photo: Brian Berkman
Perched at the very top of Vesperdene Road in Green Point, Cape Town, with direct access from High Level Road, The Tree House Boutique Hotel lives up to its evocative name. Guests are welcomed into a quiet, shady courtyard that immediately signals a retreat from Cape Town’s urban bustle — a promise that the property delivers on throughout one’s stay.
Design with Asian influences
The Tree House distinguishes itself through elegant Asian-design influences that create an atmosphere of refined tranquillity. The reception and lounge area exemplifies this approach, furnished with comfortable seating that invites lingering. What sets this property apart is its enviable collection of local fine art, thoughtfully curated to showcase South African creativity whilst complementing the hotel’s overall aesthetic.
The lushly planted garden deserves particular mention. Oriental timbers and quirky design elements add layers of romance and drama to the outdoor spaces, creating an unexpected oasis in the heart of Green Point. These same design sensibilities extend to the property’s public areas, where every detail has been considered.
Accommodation excellence
With just 14 rooms, The Tree House maintains the intimate scale that allows for genuinely personalised service. Each room offers either mountain or harbour views, and all feature king-size beds, en-suite bathrooms, smart televisions, free Wi-Fi, and air conditioning as standard. Farmer’s Weekly noted missing a fridge in the room.
A particularly thoughtful design decision addresses a common boutique hotel compromise: whilst the basin and shower remain open to the bedroom, maximising the sense of space and light, the toilet is entirely separate, preserving privacy without sacrificing the room’s airy feel.
Dining and amenities
The restaurant overlooks the swimming pool, providing a pleasant backdrop for the hearty buffet breakfast included with every stay. The breakfast offering has a selection of cold items alongside a daily chef’s special, as well as an à la carte menu of hot breakfast options. Beyond breakfast, an all-day dining menu caters to guests throughout the day.
Like its sister property Zest, The Tree House elevates the standard hotel tea and coffee service to something rather special. Pod/Hausbrandt bean-to-cup coffee machines dispense the full range of espresso beverages and lattes, whilst a high-end Ronnefeldt designer tea collection offers discerning guests quality options.
These hot beverages are included in the room rate, an unexpected touch that speaks to the property’s philosophy of genuine hospitality.
The complimentary daily cake offering and cocktail hour snacks at the bar further demonstrate this commitment to guest comfort. Even the welcome drink reflects care and creativity, being a proper mixologist’s concoction rather than a token gesture.
Service that defines excellence
With only 14 rooms, staff quickly learn guests’ names and preferences, creating an atmosphere of familiarity that larger establishments simply cannot replicate. Staff personify the property’s approach to service, possessing in-depth local knowledge and extensive personal experience that allows them to offer genuinely useful suggestions rather than generic tourist recommendations.
The hotel’s commitment extends to seemingly small details that reveal much about its standards. Environmental responsibility runs throughout operations, from the buckets strategically placed in the showers to collect run-off water, which is treated for garden irrigation and balcony cleaning, to the exclusive use of Healing Ocean products from Healing Earth in all bathrooms.
Strategic location
Both The Tree House and Zest share an ideal position for exploring Green Point’s cosmopolitan atmosphere and the Atlantic seaboard. Quality, affordable restaurants sit within easy walking distance, including Mano’s, Giovanni’s Deli, Hudson’s Burgers, LA Farms, and a Woolworths Foods.
The properties offer shuttle and tour-booking services that can be settled upon departure, adding convenience without inflating the initial tariff.
Value proposition
The Tree House holds five-star grading, and whilst initial pricing may appear substantial, the comprehensive offering justifies the investment. The exceptional service standards, included amenities, quality of furnishings and art, complimentary refreshments throughout the day, and genuine attention to detail combine to deliver value.
Part of The Living Journey Collection founded by Friedrich and Lorraine Schaefer in 2015, The Tree House benefits from the couple’s decades of experience at leading global hotels. Their philosophy, that hospitality is fundamentally about connecting with people, embracing local culture, and delivering consistent excellence without losing the personal touch, manifests in every aspect of the guest experience.
The property participates in The Living Journey Collection’s guest loyalty programme, offering a 10% discount on direct online bookings plus a complimentary bottle of wine. A special offer provides 20% off stays between 1 and 19 December 2025.
For those seeking a boutique hotel experience that combines sophisticated design, genuine warmth, and meticulous attention to detail, The Tree House Boutique Hotel represents perfect Cape Town hospitalit.
For more information visit thelivingjourneycollection.co.za.
