August 24, 2023by Sasha Ella

The Grande Dame of Gqeberha

Mantis No5 Boutique Art Hotel

Mantis No 5 Boutique Art Hotel, located in the affluent and tranquil suburb of Summerstrand is less than 10 minutes from the airport and an easy amble to the blue flag beaches, less than 100 metres away. Wherever you meander in the hotel, you can expect to be mesmerised by meticulously curated treasures. The privately-owned art collection and world-class facilities have been hand selected for the enjoyment of both business and leisure travellers.

Don’t spend too much time wondering whether you have stumbled into an art gallery, a sumptuous, modern museum or a nostalgic journey celebrating jazz and music. Because it’s an eclectic, magnificent and seamless combination of them all.

Words by Kathy Malherbe, Travel Journalist

Introducing Mantis No5 Boutique Art Hotel

Setting a precedent in Gqeberha for luxury accommodation and service, No 5 is a showcase of authentic South African art and a masterpiece of comfort and opulence. The ten suites are complemented by a restaurant, fine dining cellar, whiskey and cigar lounge, boardroom, private cinema, TITE Medi Spa by Camelot, a gym and pool.

Purchased and lovingly restored by Adrian Gardiner, the hotel now houses over 200 pieces from the conservationist/entrepreneur’s private collection. It is worth sitting down in the lounge and leafing through the catalogue to appreciate the stories behind the art. For instance, the bizarre back story behind William Kentridge’s rhino picture, inspired by a Cambridge University tale.

Or page through the collection of poems for the endangered rhino – those unique creatures of pre-historic origin. The author, Ray Dearlove’s passion for and dedication to, the plight of the rhino has given him the sobriquet, ‘rhino whisperer’ and his poems are both hard-hitting and a tribute to those fighting to protect them.

The Mountbatten Theatre

The Mountbatten Theatre is a 14-seat private cinema modelled on Prince Charles’ cinema in his Clarence House residence in London. The cinema was a gift from Mountbatten to the Royal Family and was revamped in 2007 for the premiere of the film ‘Race to Save the Albatross’. The soft armchairs are perfect for sitting back and enjoying a movie of your choice in luxurious comfort.

The Jazz Room

The 30-seater Jazz Room is perfectly appointed to emulate New York’s Harlem in the 1920s. You may be greeted by the piano tinkling, bass drums, the distinctive sounds of a trombone and percussion instruments. As with every room at No 5 this is as good as an art gallery. One wall plays tribute to the times of racy jazz and flappers while the other has an extensive collection of art which includes Warhol – one of the most innovative portrait artists of the 20th Century.

The elegant waitrons complete the reminiscence of the Art Deco era with their elegant dark waistcoats and white shirts. It is a dining experience unique to No 5.

Very first TITE Medi Spa by Camelot

Mantis No 5 has the very first TITE Medi Spa. It offers a 360-degree, all-encompassing wellness experience incorporating the latest health, slimming and rejuvenation technology, treatments, and products.

TITE Medi Spa by Camelot offers innovations in slimming and rejuvenation that transform skin health and body aesthetics. This hybrid of a relaxing spa experience with the procedures and expertise of an aesthetic clinic, provides the best of both worlds and is well worth the experience

The spa is adjacent to the well-equipped gym, surrounded by glass, with views of the beautifully landscaped garden.

Both the gym and the spa and just about every room in the hotel, have views of the garden. Designed by David Glanville, the gardens too are a collection of enchanting discoveries. As No 5’s roots are in the Eastern Cape, it was a natural choice to design a garden using flora native to the area, so tourists could identify with some of South Africa’s national botanical treasures commonly found in the Eastern Cape Bushveld. These include Aloes, Cycads, Strelitzias and Erythrina trees

The gardens are designed like a retreat and beautifully and thoughtfully landscaped. Stunning plant material combined with natural features of rock, old stone, textured containers and artistic driftwood produce aesthetically pleasing areas and vistas which complement the architecture and period of the development. The result is a contemporary African landscape with a minimalist feel.

Discover

No 5 is a rare gem, created for enjoyment. It’s a place to linger and recharge the batteries, in lavish luxury, whether on business, a leisure traveller on the way to an Eastern Cape exploration or simply to enjoy what is a truly unique destination.

Facilities and services

Airport Shuttle (Available on request)
Babysitting Service
Room Service
Fine Dining
High Tea
Massages
24-hour Security
Activity Desk
Bar
Business Centre
Conference Centre
Eco Friendly
Gym
Internet Access (Complimentary)
Laundry Service (Available)
Malaria Free
Meal on Request
Mobile Connectivity
Pool
Restaurant
Secure Parking
Spa