As we hunker down at the end of the week with a glass of local Klein Constantia wine in our hands, our consultant team likes to shoot the breeze. The conversation turns to why we live in and why we love Cape Town. Here are 10 of their suggestions in no particular order:
So let us start, the 10 best things about Cape Town;
- The sea. Or rather two oceans. We have the Atlantic, but the remnants of the Indian Ocean hits our False Bay coastline. Surfing, kayaking, diving, swimming, sailing and every manner of water sport available.
- The beach. We enjoy some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. Where even in the height of summer, you can park your car close to a beach with minimal crowds. Favourite surfing beach: Muizenberg. Favourite swimming beach: Water's Edge, Simon's Town. Favourite walking beach: Noordhoek. Favourite lying around, tanning and doing nothing at all beach: Camps Bay.
- Table Mountain. Not only our famous rock but the whole Table Mountain range which is made for hiking, mountain biking, walking and picnicking. Favourite hiking route: Skeleton Gorge, Kirstenbosch. Favourite Mountain biking routes: Tokai Forest. A favourite walking route with dogs and children: Cecilia Forest.
- Sundowners. There are so many beauty spots it's hard to know where to begin. My personal favourite is the enclave of Llandudno near Hout Bay. Visiting friends on their terrace and watching the crimson sun melt away on the horizon. Sublime.
- Wine. To go with your sundowner, we are not short of top quality wines. The vineyards of Constantia are the oldest in South Africa and produce some excellent wines. By international standards, still reasonable in price and you can visit these vineyards that have, very often, excellent restaurants attached. Favourite Cape Town wine: High Constantia.
- Braais. A definite South African term for barbecue. No South African get together is complete without a braai. Our outdoor lifestyle lends itself to eating outdoors. High-quality beef or Karoo lamb or boerewors (farm sausage) are the favourites.
- Kirstenbosch. These botanical gardens are deservedly world-famous. The unique aspect about the Kirstenbosch Gardens is that there are no areas off-limits, you can wander around and walk wherever you want. People are positively encouraged to have al fresco picnics and adult get-togethers and children's parties abound.
- Restaurants. Some of the best quality, locally sourced foods in the world at the most reasonable prices. A winning combination. Obviously, seafood is a local speciality but going out to dine is an affordable delight. Difficult to pin down an absolute favourite. My candidate? The Food Barn in Noordhoek village.
- Green Point Stadium. An odd choice perhaps but quite logical. Built for the 2010 Football World Cup, the stadium is an iconic piece of architecture and is a beautiful addition to the city with the backdrop of Table Mountain. Anyone who goes for a football or rugby match or a concert raves about the stadium.
- Proximity. What that means is that everything is close together. Which other cities could you name which has mountains, beach, outdoor and indoor recreational activities, fantastic restaurants and local vineyards all within half an hour drive? Coupled with an enjoyable temperate climate, it is a winning combination. Oh, I almost forgot, my daughter, says she loves the penguins on the beaches of Simon's Town!
Ten best things about Cape Town by Uyaphi.com
Plumwood Inn
Rates from R1 250.00 per person
The seven tranquil and elegant rooms at Plumwood Inn offer up serene sophistication and timeless charm.
Plumwood Inn is a place where you will be unobtrusively pampered and where you will wake up to glorious views, birdsong and clean air.
Colona Castle
Rates from R1 850.00 per person
Colona Castle is an elegant and luxurious retreat close to Muizenberg with commanding vistas out over the Cape Flats, False Bay, the backside of Table Mountain and the Constantiaberg.
Very centrally located to both the Constantia Winelands (within 5 minutes), the Cape Town city centre (25 minutes), the famed Boyes Drive (a few steps away) and the Penguins at Bould beach (25 minutes).
Boasting comfortable accommodations, a swimming pool, room service, modern amenities and plenty of activities for all ages, Colona provides a unique experience that will leave you with lasting memories of False Bay for years.
Camps Bay Retreat
Rates from R3 360.00 per person
Situated on the majestic slopes of Signal Hill, Camps Bay Retreat is a five-star boutique hotel boasting sumptuous luxury and unparalleled views.
Nestled in an oasis of 4 acres of a small nature reserve and boasting breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Retreat provides a tranquil escape from the hectic pace of city living.
This luxurious retreat boasts unparalleled amenities, a calming ambience, and attentive staff that combine to create an unforgettable experience sure to leave you feeling immensely revived.
Ellerman Villa Two
Rates from R135 000.00 per night
Located in the affluent neighbourhood of Bantry Bay, Cape Town lies Ellerman Villa Two - a lavish private villa offering unparalleled opulence.
Escape to a paradise of unrivalled beauty and tranquillity when you visit this exclusive villa nestled between majestic mountain ranges and overlooking the breathtaking Atlantic Ocean.
Whether it is for your family or a small group of friends, this exquisite destination offers an unforgettable experience.
With three luxurious private bedrooms, each accompanied by a terrace and en-suite bathroom, guests are ensured ample space for relaxation and comfort during their stay.
The Victoria & Alfred Hotel
Rates from R2 935.00 pp
From its unbeatable location in the V&A Waterfront, guests of The Victoria and Alfred Hotel are treated to spectacular views of Table Mountain and the gorgeous harbour below.
The Victoria and Alfred provides an unparalleled combination of elegance and affordability - it's a perfect option for most budgets!
With its prime location in the heart of the Waterfront district, guests can enjoy easy access to all kinds of shops, restaurants and attractions for an unforgettable experience.
Cellars Hohenort Hotel
Rates from R2 900.00 per person
Cellars Hohenort Hotel is an elegant and luxurious boutique hotel located in the picturesque Constantia Valley.
With its majestic views across 9 acres of internationally renowned gardens, vineyards and mountains, Cellars Hohenort Hotel provides guests a unique stay experience that will be remembered for years.
Cellars Hohenort in Constantia offers up 53 luxurious suites, each meticulously designed with modern amenities and comforts, as well as world-class dining options and exclusive spa treatments.
Villas at Franschhoek Country House
Rates from R7 190.00 per night
These luxury Villas offer what is arguably the best accommodation in the Cape Winelands; the suites are each a total of 100sqm in size which includes a separate lounge, bedroom and bathroom and two private balconies.
A fantastic family-friendly option or for a couple looking for the ultimate in space.
Steenberg Hotel
Rates from R2 050.00 per person
Steenberg Hotel & Spa is an exquisite five-star boutique hotel situated on the foothills of the majestic Constantiaberg Mountain.
Steenberg offers guests a unique combination of luxurious hospitality, fine wines, and exceptional fine cuisine dining experience, a championship golf course and a luxury spa and wellness experience that will leave visitors feeling rejuvenated and relaxed.
With its rich history dating back to 1682, the Steenberg Hotel & Spa provides an unforgettable stay in Constantia for those looking for a romantic or relaxing getaway.