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.

• Tintswalo Lodges opened Tintswalo at Boulders Boutique Villa in Simon’s Town (Cape Town) back in 2018.
• Boulders Beach is known for its pristine swimming beaches, where the waddle of African penguins is the star attraction.
• Surrounded by fynbos, Tintswalo at Boulders boasts a unique North-facing, beachfront location that offers endless ocean views.
• Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.

The Sandton Times headed to Cape Town, fondly referred to as ‘The Mother City’ ahead of the December rush to explore some of the most desired restaurants and hotels, to get a first-hand experience of what visitors can expect when planning their Summer holiday. With a Ford Ranger XL Sport packed, the 10-day trip provided an insight into the best Cape Town has to offer travelers as the year draws to an end.

Arriving at Tintswalo at Boulders, nestled in the Simon’s Towns suburbs, and directly on the doorstep of one of South Africa’s most precious natural phenomena, the space feels instantaneously like a home away from home. The team is most welcoming and assists with luggage and check-in to what was once a private residence, but was transformed into something quite special for those travelers looking for a unique 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.

The Endeavour was a humble collier ship that suffered multiple identity crises, having started its life on the water in 1764 bearing the name Earl of Pembroke, but ending as Lord Sandwich 2. However, it was under the command of Lieutenant James Cook, that the ship earned its place in maritime history, by being the first to reach Australia’s eastern coast.

The unique decor and generous space of each room is only matched with some incredible views of Simon’s Town bay, making this a distinctive escape. The suite features both a shower and bath, ample cupboard space, a small fridge, and flat-screen television with a considerable selection of channels to choose from.

For those wanting to explore a little, Simon’s Town’s main road is filled with shops, restaurants, and historical buildings, reflecting the area’s naval history, and is a very short drive away. Opting for a popular spot near the harbor for a classic fish and chips meal, makes for a great lunch, as Tintswalo at Boulders serves breakfast and of late, dinner.

Although a very intimate and personal setting, Tintswalo at Boulders offers a full range of services, including airport transfers, complimentary Wi-Fi, full breakfast, afternoon canapes, and a private chef on request to prepare other meals. There is also ample to do in the area from snorkeling safaris to guided sea kayaking excursions.

For those wanting to take over the entire boutique villa, Tintswalo at Boulders may also be booked on an exclusive-use basis for families and friends traveling together, either as a private villa of five suites and a children’s room, or the entire villa sleeping, 18 adults and two children.

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.

It goes without saying, that an after-breakfast stroll is both a healthy must-do but also an unmissable opportunity to witness one of the great South African natural sights. A small garden path along the side of Tintswalo at Boulders leads to a garden door that opens straight onto the boardwalk and onwards to the entrance of the sheltered Boulders Beach.

Boulders Beach is one of Cape Town’s most visited beaches and the only place in the world where you get close to the endangered African penguins, that settled here back in 1982, and whose population has now grown to an estimated 2’000 to 3’000 birds. How long this natural phenomenon will still be around is uncertain.

A couple of years ago, three wheelchair-friendly boardwalks were constructed to accommodate the nearly 60’000 visitors that visit the beach each year. Expect to pay a well-worth-it conservation fee to enter the protected conservancy and take time to enjoy the natural spectacle of African penguins going about their day swimming, interacting, and shuffling around, whilst protecting their chicks from a few bothersome seagulls.

All too soon it’s time to check out of Tintswalo at Boulders and head back to Sandton. This Simon’s Town escape is the perfect weekend away or two-night stopover for those touring the greater Western Cape region. 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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