When the summer season comes around, there are few places in the world that can beat Cape Town and the multiple ways visitors can experience the city.

 

• With a notable selection of top-rated destinations, Cape Town offers something for all travelers.
• From grander hotels to boutique experiences, a visit to Cape Town can become a more dynamic stay by experiencing more than one option.
• Having visited these properties, The Sandton Times has experienced these unique stays first hand.
• Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.

 

First time Cape Town visitors will tend to gravitate towards one or two destinations and spend days, if not weeks, in one spot, planning day tours or luncheons from their holiday base. Those who have visited the Cape on more than one occasion, will understand the beauty of touring Cape Town and surrounds, immersing yourself in each of the many slices of life the Cape has to offer.

 

Angala Boutique Hotel

Nestled in the winelands corner of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, Angala Boutique Hotel brings together exquisite views, luxurious rooms, and decadent dishes, with an array of sought-after health and wellness amenities.

 

Location is everything and this boutique hotel certainly has one of the best addresses for anyone who loves the winelands or is looking to explore some of the great valleys surrounding Cape Town. Right next to Rupert & Rothschild and sharing an entrance with Vrede en Lust Wine Estate, this hillside escape offers tranquility and something special for those wanting to pamper their bodies.

 

Angala Boutique Hotel certainly has a lot for a bespoke escape in the Cape winelands, from a notable health and wellness offering to a great kitchen, spacious well-equipped rooms with gorgeous views and that personal touch that isn’t too much.

 

Friendly staff from the surrounding area make this a true taste of the winelands, bringing an unrivaled warmth to any stay.

 

Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel

Situated in the heart of the city of Cape Town with its signature pink exterior, the Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel isn’t only an oasis of luxury in the Mother City, but one of the most established addresses.

 

Getting better with age is certainly not only reserved for bottles of wine or whiskey. With over 120-years of history to its name, this Cape Town landmark has kept its timeless luxurious edge with all the attention and details to go with it.

 

With so much provenance it goes without saying that the hotel and its corridors have many a story to share, having played host to pop-superstars, A-List Hollywood celebrities, personalities and Presidents – one whose secret service detail almost had the hotels palm-trees cut down as they were considered a security threat. Needless to say, the palm-trees survived that particular visit and still adorn the avenue leading up to the hotels reception, just opposite Parliament.

 

The Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel marked the end of World War I in 1918 by painting the hotel its unique shade of pink, as a sign of peace for the ages.

 

For luxury and history lovers alike, the Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel offers visitors a bit of both and some more – a ‘must experience’ stay by any account.

 

Villa Lion View Private Luxury Retreat

Located in one of Cape Town’s most desired suburbs, Villa Lion View in Constantia couldn’t be better situated for those who enjoy luxury, privacy, scenic views and of course, wine.

 

With vineyards dating back hundreds of years, Constantia and its wine estates need little introduction. Combine this with a private luxury retreat on the hill, overlooking the Constantia valley, and you’ve got the ultimate getaway for those who enjoy that private home feeling, whilst away from home.

 

The once private residence, now boutique retreat, features a heated swimming pool, outdoor bar and braai area, lush lawns and lemon trees, a mobile spa area and a sauna with views of the Constantia valley – it certainly also boasts one of the most scenic breakfast spots on a sunny day!

 

The small compliment of staff is attentive and service orientated without being overbearing, making Villa Lion View a great home away from home option.

 

Mosaic Lagoon Lodge

There’s nothing quite as majestic as being surrounded by water and mountains, all at the same time. Even more magical is topping off that view with two waterfalls, and that’s the kind of panoramic scenery Mosaic Lagoon Lodge delivers on.

 

Set just outside of the coastal town of Hermanus, overlooking the Klein Rivier and Klein Rivier Lagoon, the intimate lodge consisting of only 5 rooms is perfect for a remote getaway whilst still enjoying creature comforts.

 

Mosaic Lagoon Lodge also offers an array of complimentary activities, including kayaking, a river boat ride, excursions to the nearby beach, guided walks, quad-biking or stand-up paddle-boarding. For those wanting to take things a little slower, the lodges spa offers a variety of treatments to soothe body and mind, at competitively priced rates.

 

But the real beauty of Mosaic Lagoon Lodge is to take the time to do as little as possible; to take a seat on the terrace and soak up the breath-taking mountain, waterfall and vast lagoon views.

 

Tintswalo at Boulders

There are very few places in the world that can honestly claim a prime position quite like Tintswalo at Boulders, a boutique villa offering a personal touch and ‘home away from home’ experience.

 

With a hop and waddle to Boulders Beach and its world-famous resident colony of endangered African penguins, Tintswalo at Boulders operates on a bed and breakfast basis with nine double suites, as well as a children’s suite. Each luxurious suite is named after a historic ship, with en-suite bathrooms and individually decorated. ‘Endevour’ happens to be the one that provides our night rests, with a spacious bathroom, generous bedroom, and sounds of one of South Africa’s most special places – the home of the African penguin, with its distinct jackass call.

 

One of the highlights of Tintswalo at Boulders is breakfast, set up in one of the many magnificent rooms of the villa, either inside or outside, with the most beautiful spread, offering both cold and hot breakfast options. It’s a leisurely feast, whilst observing the ocean and nature, complemented by attentive service and a delicious offering.

 

With wonderful hospitality matched by one of the finest natural locations in the world, it’s hard not to feel a little envious that some consider Tintswalo at Boulders a regular holiday escape.

 

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