Taking Off172. Horoscopes

TAKING OFF

by travel-expert José Berrocoso

THE TWELVE APOSTLES DREAM

164 www.12apostleshotel.com

Majestically located above the Atlantic Ocean, flanked by the magnificent Twelve Apostles and Table Mountain, discover a unique five-star experience close to the vibrant heart of the city. This luxury boutique hotel offers beautifully appointed rooms, dramatic ocean views, delicious dining adventures, and an award-winning Spa, all delivered with the generous hospitality characteristic of Red Carnation Hotels.

The award-winning Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, part of the family-run Red Carnation Hotel Collection, is situated on Cape Town’s most celebrated scenic route fronted by a Marine Sanctuary with frequent sightings of whales, dolphins and seals. Poised above the Atlantic Ocean, the five-star 70-room boutique hotel is flanked by the majestic Table Mountain National Park, a World Heritage Site, and the Twelve Apostles mountain range. Ideally located for Camps Bay Beaches and just 15 minutes from the V&A Waterfront, yet directly on the mountain, guests can step out onto our flora and fynbos-framed trails to explore and enjoy this staggeringly beautiful setting. Absolutely nothing prepares you for the sheer magnificence of various sights, smells and sounds as you drive on the coastal route towards the hotel. With so much extraordinary land- and seascape to feast your eyes on, you have to take care not to drive right past the entrance to the hotel, which is via a rather unassuming indoor driveway. Upon arrival at the lobby, every guest is greeted by the superfriendly doormen. The lobby itself – just like the hotel’s other communal areas- features an opulent decor and classic decor. Dutch antiques, mirrors, wooden columns, works of art, and Chinese vases create a homely, boutique-like feel. 12 Apostles is considered an iconic landmark in Cape Town. The property used to be a hunting lodge and private farm, before it was turned into a luxury hotel. Part of the original landhouse – with its two prominent Cape Dutch frontal gables – has been preserved and incorporated in the main wing. The distinctive sea-front building with its blinding white facade is even used by sailors around the Cape Peninsula as a nautical navigation point.

The hotel’s indigenous garden blends into the mountainside, and guests are able to stroll straight from their rooms onto the mountainside to take in some fresh air and spectacular sea and mountain views or explore the various mountain trails – from 10 minutes to 45 minutes in duration – within the Table Mountain National Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Some of the planet’s most mesmerizing views are to be enjoyed from a spot right above the hotel, with uninterrupted panoramas towards Camps Bay, Lion Head, Table Mountain and the deep-blue Atlantic Ocean. Here, the hotel has constructed some specially laid out picnic sites ,where you can toast to romance while the sun sets into the Atlantic Ocean or simply let the kids run wild in the open space. The hotel features two small pools in the gardens surrounding the buildings: a rock pool with mountain views is located on a terrace behind the hotel, while a heated infinity pool is set on a seafront courtyard, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. A fully serviced tanning deck and 10 hammocks in the fynbos gardens are also ideal for lazy days soaking up the sun.

SLEEP BEAUTIFULLY

Dramatic mountain views, or endless ocean vistas? You decide. But one thing’s for certain: in every one of our 55 deluxe guest rooms you’ll be assured of captivating panoramas, inspired décor and luxurious hospitality. Filled with natural light, THE individually-designed rooms always keep guests’ comfort in mind, using carefully chosen pieces and a calm palette that reflects the wide-reaching views over the surrounding ocean and dramatic mountain. The Twelve Apostles Hotel features an impressive art collection, including some of South Africa’s most well-known painters (Tinus De Jongh, Gabriel De Jongh, Walter Battiss, JH Pierneef, Tretchikoff, Robert Gwelo Goodman, Sydney Carter, WH Coetzee, Francois Krige, Hugo Naude, Maggie Loubser, Gerard Sekoto, George Pemba and many more). In addition, vibrant wall murals grace the pool decks, fountains and spa to add a three-dimensional element to the treasured art collection inside the hotel.

DETOX TIME!

The award-winning spa is built into the mountain rock fronting awe-inspiring ocean views, with outdoor gazebos offering the perfect setting for guests to take a relaxing wellness journey, inspired by Africa’s most nurturing natural ingredients. A team of qualified therapists oversees wellbeing and rejuvenation during your stay, with spa treatments inspired by holistic principles, combining ancient wisdom and modern expertise. There is also a gym on site, but for a more serious workout the hotel provides passes to a nearby health club.

A CULINARY DESTINATION

The Twelve Apostle’s restaurants are consistently rated amongst Cape Town’s best, from the refined and special retreat of Azure Restaurant, to the laid-back charm of The Café Grill, famous for Sushi By The Sea. The Azure Restaurant, with a terrace that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and enjoys incredible sunset views, is the ideal location to indulge in a succulent meat or fresh seafood dish. The modern French menu with South African influences is updated regularly by executive chef Christo Pretorius. The Café Grill offers a more casual and relaxed dining experience with a 24 hour accessible menu.

The Leopard Bar is the most scenic spot in Cape Town for sundowners and cocktails. Breathtaking views of the Atlantic, coupled with live music and the longest hours of sunshine of any hotel in the city make the bar a popular hot spot with hotel guests and local residents alike. In winter, fire places and blankets keep guests cosy while sipping on a glass of wine. Binoculars are available to spot dolphin and whales, which are regular sightings in winter and announced by the hotel’s brass bell. The staff is super-friendly and efficient, reflecting the legendary South African hospitality.

2022 LACMA ART+FILM GALA Presented By Gucci

HORO SCOPES

ARIES

This is an excellent monthof april 2019 for increasing your psychic ability, relying on your intuition and going within to connect with your angels, spirit guides and the presence of God. Your body chemistry is likely to be more sensitive to food, environmental issues, drugs, even supplements and vitamins. On April 8th the Solar Eclipse asks you to move to your center and get ready for a whole new 18 year cycle. This one of the best times to begin something new. The universe will support you in this through October giving you the time to build and make it a success. With the Lunar Eclipse in your 8th House and your ruler favoring Pluto, a positive change is coming that will affect you financially. TAURUS

The 2019 april horoscope predicts that in april 8th 2019 the Solar Eclipse in Aries places an emphasis on your health, work, pets and activities you do behind the scenes. Venus square to Saturn you are needing more love. You have cut down on your spending and you may need more rest and sunshine. To be happy now you need to be very focused on a professional or personal project. Mars favoring Jupiter indicates a lucky time for seeking employment and new avenues of income.

GEMINI

The April 8th 2019 Solar Eclipse counsels you to pursue your hopes and wishes by connecting with new people and aligning your energies with those in your social circle and/or community. June 2019 has been a time when you may have had to do with less or work harder to produce financially. The 2019 april horoscope says that the Lunar Eclipse favors Uranus giving you more freedom to move around or to be independent which began last October and lasts through September 2019.

CANCER

The April 8th 2019 Solar Eclipse indicates you may be dealing with influential people, government people or agencies. Your job, business and career take much of your time and attention. This is a time of increased recognition or coming before the public. Hard work is involved, overcoming obstacles, having a plan and a schedule are the things that are needed for your success. This eclipse brings you the support you have been seeking from others. The Lunar Eclipse at 4 Scorpio says, if you’re available, there is the possibility of a new romance.

LEO

Dear sweet Leo, you have been in a phase of clearing up old karma and you are in a phase of endings and beginnings. This IS the time to make long range plans. The Solar Eclipse on April 8th 2019 is square to Saturn which may bring in a challenging period as did the eclipse last October. All things of a spiritual nature, higher mind and higher learning, as well as travel are of benefit to you. The opportunity to connect with a teacher of high calibre may be presented to you. The April 24th Lunar Eclipse brings a desire for a move or a change of pace and this began last October. Venus/Uranus could turn a friendship into something more. VIRGO

Mercury retrograde in Aries in 2019 could indicate you are interested in creating a new business or job. You are promised success so long as you do not over commit yourself financially or energetically. The April 8th Solar Eclipse is a time when mortgages, leases and loans are favored as are all joint financial arrangements. Blessings come to you from a partner and from those who are close to you. Venus favoring Pluto could indicate you are enjoying a remodeling or redecorating project. With the April 24th 2019 Lunar Eclipse, there could be many changes coming up for a brother or sister including a new romance and an improvement in their financial situation during the coming six months. LIBRA

The eclipse patterns are going back and forth over the relationship axis of your horoscope. This began last October and on April 8th the Solar Eclipse places an emphasis on business and personal relationships, and/or developing a customer or client base. The most important thing to you is your love life and partnership issues. If you are single, an important new relationship may enter your life. If you are married, the emphasis is on that relationship for the coming year. It is also a very creative influence and the opportunity to turn your creativity in to a paying situation opens up. The Lunar Eclipse on April 24th sets up an excellent six month period for financial gain.

SCORPIO

With the April 8th Solar Eclipse falling in your 6th of health and the Lunar Eclipse on April 24th in your 1st house you need to be more health conscious during the coming six months. You may benefit from receiving some energy work with the favorable aspect to Uranus. These influences could also be a sign that you need a change and this could be related to your diet, your work, your habits or your daily schedule.

SAGITTARIUS

The Solar Eclipse on April 8th brings the possibility of love and romance during the coming year. Don’t allow fears, insecurities or disappointments from the past to block the love you are seeking. Avenues to express your creativity are opening up especially in the writing, teaching and publishing areas. You are in a cycle of increasing your clairvoyant abilities and meditation is one of the best ways for you to do this. The Lunar Eclipse on April 24th 2019 indicates changes and improvements in your work situation.

CAPRICORN

The Solar Eclipse on April 8th places an emphasis on your home, property and family matters. This may not be an easy time for you in one or more of these areas. When Saturn leaves Cancer in July things will improve. At the same time Jupiter favoring Mars and Neptune is an excellent influence for money from professional endeavors. Venus rules your house of romance and favors Pluto in the 12th so you could meet or hear from someone out of your past, this lifetime or another.

AQUARIUS

The April 8th 2019 Solar Eclipse indicates a very busy time so you may find yourself on the go, involved with the neighbors, lots of phone calls and paper work. There is more of an emphasis now on your relationship to a brother or sister who may require more of your time or advice This is an excellent eclipse to begin a new course of study, take or teach a class, and write. You may very well purchase a new car or computer. Your feelings are easily hurt during this time but you don’t show it to others if you can help it. You may be worried about your health and property matters but you will feel better about things as July comes to a close. PISCES

This Solar Eclipse on April 8th is finally going to improve your finances opening up new doors for you and you will feel very lucky as this cycle opens up beginning late February through May. April 24th the Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio is excellent for writing, publishing, teaching and travel. Blessings come through your work, the people you work for, or your own business. Until after July, you may find that it is difficult to receive the love and affection you desire. Saturn square Venus can delay or deny romance due to insecurities, fears and past disappointments either in your life or theirs.