CAPE TOWN

CAPE TOWN’S MOST LUXURIOUS GETAWAYS

Explore this iconic destination like a royal

#HelloCapeTown

by Justyn Spinner, Renate Engelbrecht and Teremok Bianca Spinner | @justynspinner @suitcaseandchardonnay @bucketlistb Images: Supplied

Summer is finally here! The warm aura beyond the winter chill, as well as the festive season are fast approaching and what better time to start planning a luxurious weekend spoil in one of the continent’s favourite tourist destinations. Whether you live in the Southern Suburbs or reside in a farflung corner of South Africa, Cape Town will always be a destination of discovery, wonder and enjoyment.

People say there’s no better way to explore a city than through the eyes of a local, however this isn’t always the case. Cape Town has some of the world’s leading luxury hotels and one must take advantage of 24hr room service, luxury turn-downs and concierge at your beck and call.

Without further ado, here is a rundown of our top four luxury Cape Town hotels (in no particular order).

THE TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL AND SPA

A DREAM FIND

At the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa you’re undoubtedly guaranteed a memorable holiday at one of the most inspiring spots in the Cape.

The hotel boasts an array of activities - from a mountain sanctuary spa experience to a plunge in the heated pool overlooking the sunset. Not to mention the prospect of a cool dip in the mountain rock pools, or an unforgettable float session in the indoor cave pools.

Ultimately, the hotel’s location is what makes it magnificent. Nestled on the slopes of the Table Mountain National Park, you’re sure to get the best of both worlds with the mountains to the one side and beautiful ocean views to the other. What you see is what you get with this Atlantic seaboard gem. Free flowing space, a mesmerising stay and a poetic connection to nature.

#HelloRecommends: Enjoying a movie night in the hotel’s indoor cinema. Yup, it comes with delicious treats and oodles of popcorn! Plus, you can indulge in a gin tasting at the Leopard Bar, or opt for some fine dining paired with brilliant wines from the Cape Winelands at Azure Restaurant.

9 Victoria Road, Camps Bay,

Cape Town

1 www.12apostleshotel.com Q @12apostleshotel

QUEEN VICTORIA HOTEL

LONG LIVE THE QUEEN

If opulence, luxury and privacy are engraved in your travel style, the Queen Victoria Hotel might just be right up your ally. Situated in the harbour district of the V&A Waterfront, in the heart of Cape Town’s tourist district, it is close enough for you to feel like you’re part of the buzz, but not so close that you can hear the drunken sailors disembarking for a night on the town.

The hotel has a contemporary interior while staying true to the indulgence of Victorian grandiosity – something that is most evident upon entering the hotel’s centre atrium which boasts a two-story crystal chandelier. Purple has always been synonymous with both royalty and Bourgeoisie, and the hotel uses this association to depict a feeling of opulence and luxury. With three luxury suites and 32 rooms, the hotel offers a boutique experience while still offering all the amenities that will make you feel like a king or queen.

#HelloRecommends: Taking a seat at The Dash Bar just before sunset and indulging in a Six Dogs Purple G&T and a delectable cheese platter - enjoyed with or without company.

9 Portswood Ridge, V&A Waterfront,

Cape Town

1 www.newmarkhotels.com/

accommodation/queen-victoria-hotel

Q @newmarkhotels

WIGGLE RENTAL CARS

A SWEET RIDE

Imagine driving along the Cape’s beautiful coast in a Range Rover Sport Supercharged V8 or an Ashton Martin Rapide. Who said your rental ride has to be simple when it can be sweet?

Whether you’re keen on driving a convertible, supercar, 4x4, hardtop or SUV, with Wiggle Rental Cars you’re sure to drive in style. Plus, the added bonus is that you will be supporting a rental company that is 100% carbon neutral.

9 100 Buitengracht Street,

Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001

1 www.wiggle.capetown Q @wigglecapetown

VICTORIA & ALFRED HOTEL

LIVE TO SERVE

Situated in one of the harbour’s most iconic buildings and historic locations, the Victoria & Alfred Hotel is the epitome of luxury and history combined. With exceptional views of both the harbour and Table Mountain, guests will feel engulfed by the Mother City from the moment they arrive.

The hotel offers 94 contemporary rooms that are well appointed with all the modern luxuries one would expect from a leading five-star property. However, the rooms are not the drawcard for this fine establishment, but rather service. Never have we had the pleasure of visiting such a well-managed hotel, where the staff truly feel like an extension of your family. From the warm welcome on arrival by the beautiful reception team to a friendly chat from your server at the Native Coffee Bar, you’ll truly feel at home at The Victoria & Alfred Hotel.

#HelloRecommends: Enjoying an exceptional dinner at GINJA restaurant during your stay. We know that hotel restaurants don’t have the best reputation, however this eatery is very different. The bistro-style menu complements the restaurant’s unpretentious atmosphere and offers a variety of wholesome meals to satisfy your hunger after a busy day of sightseeing.

Order a couple of GINJA’s small plates, such as the Salt and Pepper Squid with curried mayo and tomato jam (R125) or fresh mussels with coconut cream, lemongrass, chili and garlic, coupled with aniseed buns (R105). Wash it all down with a glass (or bottle) of Iona Sauvignon Blanc from the Elgin region.

9 Dock Road, V&A Waterfront,

Cape Town

1 www.newmarkhotels.com Q @victoriaandalfred_hotel

INDULGE IN A LUXURIOUS FOUR-COURSE HIGH TEA AT THE TABLE BAY HOTEL

They don't refer to this hotel as being in the best location in the city for nothing. Situated on the pinnacle of the V&A Waterfront, in the heart of Cape Town's most loved tourist destinations, The Table Bay Hotel is synonymous with luxury, opulence and indulgence. Why should their traditional high tea be any different?

The high tea extravaganza has been personally curated by Executive Chef Wesli Jacobs, as well as Pastry Chef Thabile Mlonyeni, who inherited his love of baking from his grandmother many, many years ago.

The idea behind the menu was to give a modern twist on South African favourites - vetkoek paired with smoked salmon, a vegan item with their tofu California roll and a sweet and savoury element with the chicken and mayo crêpe.The first course begins with a savoury spread including smoked salmon cream cheese on vetkoek, rare roast beef, tomato relish and caramelised onion on Nordic bread, a vegetable and tofu California roll, chicken mayonnaise crêpe with wild garlic and a sundried tomato and peppadew mousse tartlet.

Those with a sweet tooth will delight in the raspberry profiteroles, salted caramel and kiwi and chocolate entremets, lemon panna cotta and orange meringue, as well as Mlonyeni’s gateaux cakes.The final course is a cheese board with a local and international offering, accompanied by condiments. Guests have a choice of a range of loose-leaf teas and coffees to sip on during their high tea.

The high tea is R395 per person, available Friday to Sunday, from 2PM to 3.30PM or 4PM to 5.30PM.

BOSJES

GARDEN OF EDEN

BOSJES Farm or The Pineapple Place as they’ve affectionately become known (not because they sell pineapples, by the way) has fast become the Boland’s destination of choice for weddings, events and corporate functions.

This award-winning farm offers families a breakaway from the city’s madness and an Alice in Wonderland-type adventure through immersive gardens, art instillations and multiple water features. In our opinion, the main attraction of the farm is not the breathtaking chapel or the purpose-built event spaces, but rather the one-of-a-kind indigenous garden.

This exceptionally landscaped paradise is a hidden gem filled with playful areas and wondrous corners of discovery. It offers a place where one can get lost and finally unearth oneself. #HelloRecommends: Booking a weekend stay for two. Remember to include a day at the BOSJES STELLE Spa, housed in the original farm’s stables that have been tastefully remodeled. It even includes a Rasul Chamber – the perfect experience to complete your journey down the Alice in Wonderland rabbit hole.

Oh, and you must try the exclusive range of BOSJES homeware, linen, body products, olive oil and, of course, wines. We recommend Cinsault Rosé from BOSJES’ classic range, which makes for a perfect accompaniment to any sundowner celebration.

9 Bosjes, R43, Western Cape 1 www.bosjes.co.za Q @bosjes_farm

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