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
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.
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.
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.
Winchester Mansions
Rates from R2 740.00 per person
Immerse yourself in luxury at the Winchester Mansions Hotel in the middle of the famed Platinum Mile in Sea Point. Boasting four stars and incredible views that stretch from the Atlantic Ocean seaboard to Robben Island in the distance.
The Winchester Hotel perfectly combines business and leisure for all types of travellers with contemporary amenities, delicious dining options and a spectacular location.
If you need to get away with your special someone or just looking for a cosy place while sightseeing the glories of Cape Town, Sea Point, the Winchester Mansions is there to provide the ideal home-away-from-home experience.
Mount Nelson Hotel
Rates from R6 700.00 per person
Nestled in the bustling city of Cape Town, on the slopes of Table Mountain, lies a legendary accommodation - The Mount Nelson Hotel. Experience five-star luxury with an unparalleled view that will take your breath away!
Mount Nelson is conveniently situated within a beautiful garden residence close to the vibrant V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain, Signal Hill and numerous other attractions.
The iconic luxury hotel is the perfect destination for the well-travelled looking for relaxation and adventure. With its luxurious facilities, excellent service and prime location, the historic Mount Nelson Hotel provides guests a truly unforgettable experience.
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 Village
Rates from R1 700.00 per night
At Camps Bay Village, you will find a collection of luxurious crash pads, seaside studios, garden studios and deluxe holiday villas.
Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure-filled family holiday, this is the lodging for you!
With easy access to the famed Camps Bay beach, restaurants, cafes, bars and nightlife of Cape Town, all of this makes the village very popular with travellers.
These Villas in Cape Town offer exceptional value and location.
Marine Hermanus Hotel
Rates from R2 750.00 per person
Discover the ultimate luxury and relaxation at the Marine Hermanus Hotel, with stunning views of Walker Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and majestic mountain ranges from private balconies.
The Marine is one of South Africa's top hotels for a good reason.
Enjoy fine dining from two in-house restaurants or sample some of the Overberg's best wines with a wine-tasting experience.
Rediscover yourself or reconnect with your loved ones at The Marine Hermanus Hotel – an oasis of bliss that will take your breath away!