From the end of the nineteenth century till the 1960s, Muizenberg was South Africa’s premier seaside resort. Randlords built palatial mansions on the hillside and the seafront. Trains ran directly from Johannesburg without stopping in Cape Town. The town prospered and was architecturally very similar to many seaside towns on the south coast of England. At its height, there were about 50 hotels and guesthouses in the Muizenberg area.
From the 1970’s decline and urban decay set in. There were several reasons. The two most important were that; firstly, the hotel infrastructure was old and dated and secondly, the N3 motorway was built connecting Johannesburg and Durban in six hours. The lure of reaching your destination quickly to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean in modern accommodation proved too much for old Muizenberg. The nadir was the year 2000 when pimps, hookers and drug dealers ran riot through the streets (and those were the good days!)
The situation since then has been transformative. Slowly and one by one, problems buildings have been fixed, squatters evicted, slumlords have sold up, and fresh new investment has come in. Law-abiding and tax-paying citizens have reclaimed Muizenberg.
The town is now the surf kindergarten of South Africa. The beachfront is being populated by surf shops and schools and an increasing variety of upmarket restaurants and coffee shops. Incredibly, in this town, there are no vacant commercial buildings. The two large empty lots remaining on the beachfront will be developed during 2013, with more shops, eateries and residential accommodation becoming available. The charm of the “village” area has been augmented by responsible new owners renovating the beautiful rows of Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco houses.
Whereas the hotel stock is still limited, with only the upmarket boutique hotel Colona Castle available, an increasing number of guesthouses and backpacker lodges are opening. There is optimism and confidence in the air.
Uyaphi has been present in Muizenberg since 2008, and we are pleased to be associated with and be part of the upliftment of this charming seaside town.
We end the year on this good news story and wish you all, our customers and our suppliers, a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2013.
Muizenberg Beach Cape Town by Uyaphi.com
Cape Milner Hotel
Rates from R2 620.00 per person
Immerse yourself in cosmopolitan luxury at the 4-star Cape Milner Hotel, ideally situated in downtown Cape Town. 57 modern and sophisticated rooms with stunning views of Table Mountain or the cityscape provide a perfect retreat after exploring all this vibrant city and region has to offer.
With a wealth of room options and an outstanding restaurant and dining room, your stay in Cape Town, no matter the duration, will be one to remember.
Whether seeking a cosy romantic escape or an unforgettable family holiday, Cape Milner's luxurious accommodations will cater to your every need and desire.
Ellerman Villa One
Rates from R160 000.00 per night
For those seeking an unparalleled living experience, Ellerman Villa One awaits.
With sweeping vistas of Bakoven, Bantry Bay, the Twelve Apostles and the sea views from its three-story façade, this luxurious villa boasts five bedrooms, a private deck and pool area, as well as a dining room and a fully equipped kitchen to ensure absolute comfort throughout your stay.
Boasting unique autonomy from Ellerman House, Ellerman Villa One is the perfect choice for those seeking an impeccable experience. Comfort and privacy are guaranteed with this distinctive villa!
Indulge yourself in the height of luxury at Villa One - located close to some of the finest destinations and attractions in Cape Town.
One&Only Cape Town
Rates from R4 975.00 per person
The One&Only Cape Town is a luxurious five-star hotel located in the heart of South Africa's vibrant Mother City V&A Waterfront.
Each room and suite has been designed with comfort and convenience, featuring air conditioning, spacious bathrooms with rain showers and marble vanities, and dark African woods for added luxury.
Guests can also enjoy access to exclusive amenities, including 24-hour concierge services, onsite spa treatments and in-house dining options at some of the city's most popular restaurants.
POD Boutique Hotel
Rates from R3 600.00 per person
Escape to POD Boutique Hotel for the most lavish and remarkable getaway in the Suburb of Camps Bay.
The POD Camps Bay, located in close proximity to the beautiful beachfront and tranquil Atlantic Ocean, offers 15 luxurious suites that boast opulent extravagance coupled with sophisticated simplicity.
Enjoy ultimate relaxation and opulence as you savour the panoramic views of pristine white beaches and shimmering crystal seas that will make your getaway an unforgettable experience.
Just a few minutes away you can find south beach Camps Bay beach, several restaurants, and various bars, all within an easy stroll of less than three minutes.
The Marly Camps Bay
Rates from R3 875.00 per person
Experience a stay of refined elegance and unparalleled luxury at the Marly Boutique Hotel, located on the stunning Camps Bay beachfront in Cape Town.
Boasting breathtaking ocean vistas and providing direct access to one of South Africa's most stunning shorelines, this Camps Bay boutique hotel offers its guests an unforgettable experience.
Make memories to last a lifetime while staying at The Marly Camps Bay in Cape Town - where luxurious facilities, impeccable service, and ultimate comfort come together for an unforgettable experience.
All of this is directly above some of the best restaurants and bars in Cape Town.
Babylonstoren Hotel
Rates from R4 700.00 per person
Babylonstoren Farm Hotel offers guests that something special they have been looking for by combining history with luxurious accommodation, superb cuisine and stunning vistas.
One of the finest Cape Winelands boutique hotel options on offer, all within a working wine estate.
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.
Twelve Apostles Hotel
Rates from R4 465.00 per person
Welcome to the luxurious Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, located not to far from the famous Camps Bay suburb of Cape Town.
Enjoy breathtaking views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Table Mountain National park from any one of the 70 rooms and suites available.
Indulge in fine dining and wine-tasting options while taking in one of the most beautiful sunsets for any one of the decks!
With so much to offer, it's no wonder the Twelve Apostles is a favourite destination for travellers looking for an unforgettable and unique Camps Bay experience.