18 minute read
Review: Sky Villa Hotel – luxury meets unparalleled vistas
Sky Villa Hotel luxury meets unparalleled vistas
By Fiona Rossiter, Inspired Living SA
The Garden Route has always been one of my favourite local destinations. I have very fond memories of staying in Plettenberg Bay as a child. For some reason, however, I have not holidayed there much with my own family. A recent media trip to Sky Villa Boutique Hotel provided the perfect opportunity to get reacquainted with this picturesque coastal town.
Plettenberg Bay
Plettenberg Bay (Plett), for me, is one of the most iconic holiday destinations in the Western Cape. Plett, situated on the Garden Route, in South Africa, is most famous for Robberg Peninsula’s sweeping golden beaches. From the beautiful sea views, moderate climate and relaxed atmosphere to the majestic indigenous forests, Plett is a traveller’s paradise. With something to suit everyone, whether it is lazing on the sun kissed beaches, hiking in the Robberg Nature Reserve or enjoying a marine safari with Offshore Adventures, you will be spoilt for choice. Not to forget, visiting the Plett Wine Route or eating out at one of the fantastic restaurants in the area.
Sky Villa Boutique Hotel, part of the Cape Summer Villas Group,
has been on my list of ‘must-stay’ places for quite some time! From its perch in Baron Estate, the hotel boasts unparalleled, 360-degree views of the ocean and Keurbooms Lagoon. Not to forget the beautifully landscaped gardens, dotted with contemporary South African sculptures.
When entering the opulent entrance hall, you cannot help but be mesmerised by the bold interiors and the sweeping staircase, which draw you in. There is a stylish sense of creativity throughout the hotel, with keen attention to detail. Elegant interiors are light and bright with flamboyant wallpaper, colourful upholstery and beautiful works of art.
Aimed at the discerning traveller, Sky Villa seamlessly blends world-class luxury, with warm hospitality. Topnotch service is of utmost importance, and every effort is made to guarantee your comfort and wellbeing – even amidst a global pandemic!
Rooms are the epitome of contemporary elegance
The 14 stylishly decorated guest rooms are the epitome of contemporary elegance, offering top levels of both comfort and convenience.
Well-appointed rooms each offer standard features such as air conditioning and heating, luxurious bathrobes, beach towels, a flat screen TV with Netflix and select DSTV channels, as well as a hairdryer. The coffee and tea station has a mini bar and a Nespresso coffee machine.
Bathrooms kitted out with a heated towel rail, and complimentary toiletries, also have the fluffiest of towels.
The mountain and sea facing rooms feature a kingsized bed and en-suite bathroom with a shower and underfloor heating. Private terraces open up to spectacular views of either the Langekloof Mountains or the ocean.
I was fortunate enough to stay in a deluxe suite. My spacious en-suite room had the most comfortable king-sized bed, with dreamy, cotton percale linen. The view from my private terrace was breathtaking, and the perfect vantage point to take in the magical vista.
The grand, sea-facing presidential and honeymoon suites feature an open-plan lounge area, with a fireplace. As well as a shower, the en-suite bathroom
has a luxurious bath. Both suites have a private terrace opening up to the spectacular ocean panorama.
Taking inspiration from their magnificent surroundings, the team of chefs at Sky Villa are constantly striving to create a culinary experience to remember. Dishes are crafted with a lightness of touch, as well as respect for ingredients and their source. Working closely with the hotel’s landscaping team, awardwinning suppliers and local farmers, each ingredient is selected for its seasonality, quality and flavour.
One of the things I was really looking forward to on this trip was eating fantastic restaurant food! After spending so long in lockdown, I was super excited to be dining out again.
The hotel also has an extensive range of local wines, as well as a selection of delicious cocktails.
We were also treated to a lovely pizza and sushi lunch at sister property, The Bungalow on Hobie Beach.
Hotel facilities
The hotel facilities include a fully equipped gym, a Sky/Zen pool with jets, a fully stocked wine cellar, a
Special offer
snooker room and state-of-the-art conference facilities. Sky Villa also caters for weddings, offering three different venue options.
Sky Villa features two beautifully designed bar areas. The downstairs bar, located near the pool area, is the ideal spot for relaxing while sipping on a cocktail or some fantastic South African wine.
Sky Bar’s rooftop location perfectly showcases the property’s spectacular views and is the best place to enjoy sundowners.
From the sensational views and friendly staff to the warm hospitality and delicious food, I could not have asked for a more enjoyable experience! I am looking forward to returning soon to laze poolside and enjoy a cocktail, or two. The ‘Perfect Date Package’ rate is R4 200 for two adults sharing for two nights, including breakfast, R1 000 dinner voucher, a bottle of wine and a fruit basket on arrival, plus a 60min Thai oil massage courtesy of Royal Thai Plett.
The ‘Stay & Play 18 Holes Golf Package’ rate is R 4000 for two adults sharing for two nights, including breakfast, R800 dinner voucher plus a round of golf at the signature Gary Player designed 18-hole, 72-par Goose Valley Golf Course with the use of a golf cart.
These offers are valid until 30 November 2021 and are available for Sky Villa and The Bungalow Plett.
For SA residents only, with limited room availability.
info@skyvilla.co.za, info@thebungalowplett.co.za www.capesummervillas.co.za
win!
a getaway valued at R9 600
You stand the chance of winning two nights for two people sharing a sea-facing room at Sky Villa Boutique Hotel, including breakfast
TO ENTER:
Scan the QR code with your phone or fill in the entry form for Sky Villa Boutique Hotel at mediaxpose.co.za/6-rove-sacompetitions Competition closes: 30 November 2021
ORIGINAL LONDON
DRY GIN & Tonic
• 50ml Belgravia Original London Dry Gin • 200ml Indian Tonic (or Pink Tonic) • Lemon slice • 2 Cucumber ribbons Pour all ingredients into a glass over plenty of ice and mix well. Garnish with cucumber ribbons & lemon slice.
ORIGINAL LONDON
DRY GIN & Mixer
• 50ml Belgravia Original
London Dry Gin • 200ml Lemonade (or Dry Lemon) • 4 Lemon slices
PINK GIN & Tonic with Raspberries
PINK GIN & Tonic with Cucumber
BLOOD ORANGE
GIN & Tonic
• 50ml Belgravia Blood Orange Gin • 200ml Soda Water (or Citrus Tonic) • 2 Lemon slices • 1 Orange round
Pour all ingredients into a glass over plenty of ice and mix well. Garnish with orange round & lemon slices. Pour all ingredients into a glass over plenty of ice and mix well. Garnish with cucumber ribbons and lemon slices.
• 50ml Belgravia Blackberry Gin • 200ml Blue Tonic (or Purple Tonic) • 2 Lemon slices • 6 Mixed blackberries
BLACKBERRY GIN & Tonic
T’s & C’s Apply. Product images are for illustrative purposes only.
Beau Constantia Lucca 2017
The first impression is an intensely savoury offering accented by herbaceous flora, unwinding into the ripe, layered fruit that will mark wines from this vintage. Though still nervous and restrained, the vintage provided brilliant weight and concentration to effortlessly carry her 68% new oak profile. She’s dense, firm and focused in structure, with insane grip and our classic, wickedly fresh, cool climate acidity.
Food pairing: Lucca's cool-climate derived bright acidity and medium body allows for the wine to pair beautifully with tomato-based dishes rich in herbs and spices such as traditional Ratatouille with red pepper coulis and Herbes de Provence.
Diemersfontein Pinotage 2019
On the nose, rich dark chocolate and powerful freshly brewed coffee styling, with a hint of mint and baked plums. The palate shows distinct characters of coffee and chocolate, which is balanced with smooth velvety tannins and a lingering aftertaste.
Food pairing: Although this wine is a great partner to rich lamb casseroles and gentle Malay curries, the best companion for this wine is a rich, decadent chocolate dessert like molten chocolate lava cake or Chocolate Pecan brownie, absolute heaven!
Backsberg The Pumphouse Shiraz
Produced from intensely concentrated Shiraz grapes, this wine exhibits a wonderful velvety depth. Black cherry and mulberry notes give way to hints of aniseed and vanilla, which are derived from maturation in small French -and just a few American - barriques.
Food pairing: Pair with hearty stews and roasts.
Kunjani Chenin Blanc 2020
A pale lemon colour with a slight green tinge presents itself in the glass. On the nose an array of fruit aromas develop as the wine is exposed to oxygen. Expect Golden Delicious apples, Forelle pears, tropical pineapple, white guava, yellow stone fruit and tart quince. The palate is dry with a medium acidity, low tannins, medium alcohol, and a pleasing full-flavoured intensity. There is an excellent follow through from the nose to the palate. The wine is youthful but generous and rich in style due to a large portion being fermented in oak, offering the best of both worlds – slight oak and richness, as well as bountiful fruit and freshness.
Food pairing: Serve with Seared tuna, chicken korma or chicken liver parfait and toasted brioche with apple chutney.
KRONE Borealis Cuvée Brut, 2019
Iridescent pale gold. Oyster shell and seabreeze aromatics on entry lead to bright green orchard ap-ples, white blossoms, lemon flesh and a treacle hit of salted caramel. The Borealis presents deft and athletic on the palate with a creamy, fine-textured mousse.
Yellow apples, kumquat and naartjie evolve with a touch of lemon meringue framing an iodine core; taut and true to 2019’s growing conditions, the acid¬ity is firm and cleansing, revealing white ginger root on the finish.
Food pairing: This flagship Cap Classique evokes a sense of discovery in dining – in a pure and simple way; such as mussels steamed open with seawater; with its distinct line of salinity, the Borealis elevates the oceanic. Minerals and earth; salt-baked; creamy por¬cini risotto. Simmering comforts of braising chicken, texture and spice.
Black Elephant Vinters & Co Two Dogs a Peacock and a Horse Sauvignon Blanc 2021
The wine is translucent with a bright green hue. The nose is opulent with aromas of peach, passionfruit, pear and litchi. The palate is lively and concentrated with flavours of tropical fruits, gooseberry, creamy richness from the extended lees contact and lingering with fresh acidity and minerality.
Food pairing: Pairs well with West Coast snoek on the braai.
Bonnievale Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
A classic and refined wine with intense, ripe red and blackberry flavours. Soft tannins underpin the beautiful integration between wood and fruit characters.
Food pairing: Well served with game and red meats.
Jan Harmsgat Pinotage 2020
Pinotage in a modern mode; a juicy mouthful of fragrant, ripe blackberries and blackcurrants with a whiff of oak spice an attractive extra. Enjoyable drinking now thanks to the sweet, succulent fruit, the variety’s dense, resonant though well-integrated tannins add welcome structure and some future potential.
Food pairing: Serve with lamb chops, matured cheeses, red meats, stews or traditional potjiekos.
Rickety Bridge Chenin Blanc 2020
Inviting aromas of pineapple, guava and white peach with underlying floral and green fig notes. A full, rich palate of tropical fruit, citrus and spice leads into a long fresh honeyed finish.
Food pairing: Sushi, shellfish, salads, Chinese cuisine, chicken dishes with a creamy sauce.
Paul Cluver Estate Chardonnay 2018
The wine shows a light hay hue in colour and on the nose it reveals great aspects of citrus with some stone fruit and oak notes. Tangerine fruit and citrus blossom fragrances are apparent, with hints of vanilla pod and almond flakes. The palate is an exciting combination of crisp citrus fruit with great complexity and concentration. The balanced, fresh acidity is natural, and adds focus to the wine.
Food pairing: Fish, poultry, pork and game bird dishes work well with this wine. It works particularly well with creamy pastas and salmon dishes. The good acidity and balance between wood and fruit keeps the wine from being overly rich and consequently, great without food too. Mussel soup is a perfect match.
Pas De Nom Creative Batch 2020
At first, the senses are met by confident aromas of citrus and clove, relieved by layers of ginger and lemongrass, and once given the opportunity to breathe, a savory complexity that awes. On the palate the Creative Batch possesses a certain amount of kinetic energy. It’s wonderful salinity is intensified by a concentration of citrus zest, and hints of beeswax ply well with the skin-born tannic grip and tangy finish.
Food pairing: The fine tannin-acid synergy allows for insanely vibrant food pairings. Our favourites: Peking Duck with plum sauce in Mandarin pancakes topped with julienned scallions and cantaloupe, or a simple slice of sourdough with a thick layer of good orange marmalade.
Darling Cellars Old Bush Vines – Chenin Blanc
This wine displays a medium light straw hue in the glass with a green tinge and is made in a ripe tropical style; elegant on the one hand but serious and bold on the other. Tropical flavours of ripe yellow peaches, white pear, a touch of vanilla blossoms, toast, butterscotch, orange skin and pineapple meet you on the nose. This wine shows many layers as the Chenin Blanc opens up. Good structure and ripe fruit are well complimented by the wood and can definitely mature for another 10 years.
Food pairing: Will pair excellently with spicy dishes such as Cape Malay curry or creamy dishes like seafood risotto. Suitable for Vegans.
Paul Cluver Estate Pinot Noir 2018
The good acidity and balance between wood and fruit keeps the wine from being overly rich and consequently, great without food too.
Food pairing: Mussel soup is a perfect match. Fish, poultry, pork and game bird dishes work well with this wine. It works particularly well with creamy pastas and salmon dishes. The natural acidity makes it a perfect partner with game fish, game birds and venison. Also great with grilled beef and strong, hard cheese. Vegan friendly.
Black Elephant Vinters & Co Three Men in a Tub with a Rubber Duck
Old world meets new in this blend of classic varietals. Small fruit parcels are sourced from various vineyard sites across the WesternCape region of the South Africa and seamlessly blends to create this playful red wine blend. The wine shows aromas of fresh picked red berries and vanilla. The palate is medium bodied with bright acidity and flavors of cherry, liquorice and violets.
Food pairing: Pairs well with boerewors rolls.
Backsberg Sparkling Brut
Carefully crafted from hand-picked Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, Backsberg’s expression of MCC exudes aromas of roasted chestnut, fresh hay and golden ripe apple. A delicate mousse on the palate gives way to a refreshing, zesty finish.
Food paring: This MCC is an excellent wine to enjoy with seafood, starters and desserts.
Kunjani Cabernet Sauvignon
The Kunjani Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 showcases a deep, dark garnet colour. Dark chocolates, mint and black currant hit the nose at first, followed by dried herbs, toasted oak and vanilla sweetness. The palate entry portrays a ripe tannin structure followed by layers of black currants, tobacco and dark chocolate. The wine shows good intensity and depth of flavour that can carry the oak component which becomes evident on the aftertaste.
Food pairing: Serve with hearty, slow-cooked stews or a simple fillet with brandy & pepper cream, or truffle and mushroom sauce.
Jan Harmsgat Chardonnay 2020
A Chardonnay with gentle yet enticing roast hazelnuts, whipped butter and lick of oak vanillin aromatic complexity. Rounded, with good density and energising fresh core, the palate has great texture; overall harmony encourages current enjoyment; a few years’ ageing is also possible.
Food pairing: Serve with roasted chicken, roasted pork, a cheese platter, curries and other spicy dishes.
Bonnievale Sauvignon Blanc 2021
Fresh and crisp with a slight flinty undertone, this Sauvignon Blanc delivers tropical fruit flavours balanced by subtle herbaceous notes.
Food pairing: Enjoy with seafood, including sushi
Darling Cellars Old Bush Vines – Cinsaut
An irresistible, well balanced red wine, with a bright ruby red colour and sour cherries, red cherries and candy floss on the nose. The fruity palate is delicious with earthiness and flavours of white pepper followed by a fresh acidity on the pallet. Grape tannins very well supported by the oak tannins. The wine finishes with a long aftertaste. This wine will age for 8-15 years if stored properly.
Food pairing: This wine will go very well with roasted leg of lamb, Moroccan lamb, well-made curry stews or escargot. Suitable for Vegans.
Rickety Bridge The Foundation Stone Rosé 2020
A dry traditional style Rosé with very low residual sugar. Strawberries and a touch of spice leave you with a fresh creamy mouthfeel. A fresh palate showing a perfect balance between acidity and sweetness.
Food pairing: Best enjoyed on its own or with picnics, summer salads, sushi, prawns and smoked salmon.
Steenberg Merlot 2017
Elegant with soft red fruit and characteristic notes of vanilla, cedar and clove with a lively edge. The nose offers red cherry and redcurrant, while the palate reveals sour cherry, coffee and spicy clove. The velvety texture is enhanced by refreshing acidity, while well-integrated tannins add structure.
Food pairing: This fuller-bodied wine will stand up to rich dishes with strong Mediterranean flavours, such as braised and roast meats, tomato-based stews, mature cheeses and briny olives.
Apartheid Museum
The Apartheid Museum holds the damning evidence of the darkest era in South Africa’s history. If you’re looking to understand and experience what it was really like to be a person of colour during that time, a visit to the Apartheid Museum is a must. Expect to see exhibits including photographs, film footage, text panels, artifacts and of course, heartrending stories that expose the atrocities committed during apartheid. Now, the museum stands as a beacon of hope for all mankind.
www.apartheidmuseum.org
WHERE? Northern Parkway & Gold Reef Road, Ormonde, Johannesburg, South Africa.
