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
Majeka House
Rates from R2 440.00 per person
Majeka House is owner run and managed and is ideally located just outside Stellenbosch in a quiet residential suburb.
This Stellenbosch 5-Star Hotel is set in a spectacular garden setting with mountains and vineyards as a backdrop.
The Portswood Hotel
Rates from R1 710.00 per person
The Portswood Hotel, located in an idyllic setting within the V&A Waterfront, this stylish hotel offers guests exceptional service and amenities that are sure to make one's stay unforgettable.
From comfortable rooms and suites to views of Table Mountain and the Cape Town harbour, the Portswood Hotel is an ideal destination for those seeking a luxurious stay whether it be business or pleasure.
Enjoy fine dining options at one of the many restaurants' in-house or a short walk away in the V&A Waterfront or relax with a drink at the chic bar or swimming pool.
Schoone Oordt Country House
Rates from R2 125.00 per person
Experience the luxury and charm of Schoone Oordt Country House in Swellendam, a stunning boutique hotel located in the heart of the Overberg region.
Surrounded by breathtaking views of rolling hills, lush vegetation and tranquil farmlands, this elegant retreat offers ten luxurious suites that have been carefully designed to provide guests with an unforgettable stay.
Whether you are travelling alone or with family and friends, Schoone Oordt Country House is sure to be your home away from home.
Quarters Hermanus
Rates from R1 700.00 per person
Experience magnificent luxury in the heart of Hermanus when you stay at Harbour Square Rooms & Residences. The apartments are within easy walking distance of the spectacular Atlantic Ocean, from where in season, one can view some of the best whale watching in the world.
These luxurious apartments boast an expansive living area with a dining space (with a fully equipped kitchen) that opens onto a balcony.
Indulge in contemporary style and convenience with air conditioning, heating, and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Make yourself at home while enjoying all of the amenities that our space has to offer!
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.
Grande Roche Hotel
Rates from R2 650.00 per person
The Grande Roche is a celebrated international hotel, famous for its exquisite location in the centre of the beautiful town of Paarl as well as for its luxurious Cape Winelands Accommodation and award-winning cuisine.
One of the best vineyard hotel options in the Western Cape awaits all visitors.
Commodore Hotel
Rates from R2 225.00 per person
Located in a prime location, the Commodore Hotel offers 236 elegantly furnished superior rooms as well as suites for those seeking extra space and amenities.
Each room and is equipped with air conditioning, tea and coffee-making facilities, a bathroom with a separate bathtub and shower, ensuring that guests have everything they need for an enjoyable stay.
The Commodore Hotel provides everything you need for a perfect holiday or business trip.
From chic bars to elegant restaurants to well-equipped meeting spaces, the Commodore in the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town has it all.
Welgelegen House
Rates from R2 475.00 per person
Indulge in the peace and luxury of Welgelegen House, situated conveniently near the hustle and bustle of Cape Town's city bowl.
This striking hotel comprises two Victorian houses and seven lavish suites, linked together by a magnificent cobbled courtyard with an inviting plunge pool encircled by vibrant balconies adorned with iceberg roses and star jasmine.
At the Welgelegen House, you will discover a tranquil abode to just chill and appreciate the breathtaking sites, sounds and attractions of Cape Town.