Gorgeous enough to act as a body double for Los Angeles or San Francisco, Cape Town is becoming a favourite location for film-makers and is attracting more celebrities than a night at the Oscars.

Jill Hartley

Daniel Craig, flushed with his recent Bond success, is the latest hunk to set local hearts fluttering. Craig’s film Flashback of a Fool was filmed in the Cape Town suburbs of Llandudno and Bantry Bay.

There’s something infectious about the city’s buzz and Miami-style beach resorts, such as the ultra-cool Camps Bay, a favourite with golf ace Tiger Woods and hard-men actors Vinnie Jones and Jean-Claude Van Damme. Africa fanatics Angelina and Brad are often seen breezing through town, as is talk-show host Oprah Winfrey, who recently opened her second South African Leadership Academy for Girls in the city.

THEY STAY AT: The Mount Nelson (http://www.mountnelson.co.za), an African institution since Lord Kitchener’s time, on the lower slopes of Table Mountain, known affectionately as “The Nellie”. All is marbled colonial splendour with heavy drapes, curvy gold chairs and four-poster beds. It also has a new champagne and caviar bar called Planet, with white patent banquettes and twinkly fibre-optic “stars”. Robbie Williams held court here every night recently for two weeks and it’s also a favourite of Kate Moss’s. Other recent guests include Richard E Grant, Charlize Theron, Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Fiennes and Salma Hayek.
 
Azure (01244 322770/ http://www.azurecollection.com) offers five nights B&B in a luxury suite from £2,085pp (two sharing), including return flights from the UK and transfers.

YOU STAY AT: Four Rosmead (http://www.fourrosmead.com), one of the city’s best boutique guesthouses with eight sleek, elegant rooms, pool, landscaped gardens and small spa. Owner David Shorrock supports local artists and can help with tours, shopping and restaurant recommendations. The turn-of-the-century house, with stunning views of the city, is 800 metres from the Mount Nelson and near fashionable Kloof Street.

Kirker (0870 421 1201/http://www.kirkerholidays.com) offers five nights B&B from £1,300pp (two sharing), including return flights from the UK and transfers.

HOBNOBBING: A cocktail in the Planet Bar or afternoon tea is a must at the Mount Nelson (see above). The least you’ll see is a local sporting hero with a swimwear model. After hours, celebs slum it with the young backpackers in the hip bars, restaurants and clubs on neighbouring Long Street. Try Mama Africa on 178 Long Street for crocodile kebabs and bands.

Daniel Craig shot scenes from his latest movie at the Salt Restaurant, Ambassador Hotel Bantry Bay (dialling from UK: 0027 214 397 258/http://www.saltrestaurant.co.za). The terrace has fantastic Atlantic views of pounding surf and legendary sunsets. Opt for the ostrich fillet with imam bayaldi and save room for the orange cheesecake.

For the hottest table in town book at least a month in advance at The Showroom, Hospital Street, Green Point (214 214 682), so called because it adjoins a Lamborghini car showroom. The restaurant serves stylish food to the fashion set, while flamboyant chef Bruce Robertson shows off from his open kitchen. Try one of his salads or crayfish curry with lemon and coconut.

GETTING THERE: South African Tourism: 0870 155 0044/http://www.southafrica.net