cape town

WHERE TO STAY:

It seems that great places to stay are opening every day! Everything from boutique hotels, elegant city skyscrapers, charming country inns and stately converted country homes is available. Be sure to ask for a room with a water or mountain view because the scenery is usually breathtaking, no matter where you are.

The wine country begins just outside of town and offers even more wonderful hostelries. These combine a fresh air, country atmosphere with the utmost in modern creature comforts and fine restaurants.

Here are a few of the most romantic places:

• DOCK HOUSE. 6 rooms. Live in the lap of luxury on the waterfront with trendy shops and restaurants right outside your door. This elegant, private place that has been featured in decorators' magazines provides the utmost in comfort and convenience. Impeccable, personalized service, a talented chef, and a pool area that overlooks the harbor makes this a close-to-perfect honeymoon home.

  Address: Portswood Close, Portswood Ridge, Waterfront.
  Phone: 021 421 9334.
  Website: www.dockhouse.co.za.

• MT. NELSON HOTEL. 151 rooms. This pretty, pink Cape Town tradition has pleased celebrities and visitors from throughout the world since the early 1900’s.  The atmosphere is warm and dignified. Rooms are furnished with beautiful antiques. Bars and restaurants are popular with locals as well as guests. The lush 9 acre garden that surrounds the building is a wonderfully cool and beautiful place to relax and share a private moment. Book far in advance.

  Address: 76 Orange St., Gardens.
  Phone: 021 483 1000.
  Website: www.mountnelson.co.za

• ARABELLA WESTERN CAPE HOTEL & SPA.  145 rooms. Just a 45 minute drive from Cape Town in the heart of South Africa’s beautiful wine country, this luxurious resort offers the utmost in comfort, service and scenery. Views from its spectacular setting on the Bot River Lagoon include mountains, ocean and rolling hills. A championship golf course (one of the country's top 5!!!!) and an award winning spa are two of the most amazing amenities. If you opt for an ultra-comfortable suite, you'll also get 24 hour butler service. The area is dotted with wineries and beaches and everything but everything invites you to enjoy the lush beauty that surrounds you.

  Address: Arabella Country Estate, R44.
  Phone: 028 24 000.
  Website: www.westerncapehotelspa.co.za.

• TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL & SPA. 70 rooms. If you want to be surrounded by exquisite scenic beauty while relaxing in comfortable splendor, this is your place. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows afford breathtaking views of Table Mountain National Park. The sprawling garden is amazing and the restaurant is one of the town’s finest. A friendly staff caters to your every whim, and an hourly shuttle will whisk you to town when you’re in the mood.

  Address: Victoria Road, Camps Bay.
  Phone: 021 437 9000.
  Website: www.12apostleshotel.com.

• CAPE GRACE HOTEL.  125 rooms. One of a small handful of  “over-the-top” elegant hotels, this is also one of the city’s most popular gathering places. Local trendsetters populate the lively bar, but upstairs rooms are spacious, tranquil, filled with antiques and bathed in natural light. Beautiful beaches, chic shops and the cable car station are minutes away.

  Address: Victoria & Albert Waterfront, W. Quay Road. 
  Phone: 27 21 410 7100.
  Website: www.capegrace.com.

HONEYMOON HINTS & TIPS

HONEYMOON TIPS

• LANGUAGE: There are 11 official languages. English and Afrikaans are widely spoken. Road signs are usually in one of the two.


• CURRENCY: The Rand.Do not change  money at your  hotel.  Rates are better at the bank or at ATM’s..


• AREA CODE: 27


• ELECTRICITY:  220 volts.


• DRIVING: Drive on the left. You can’t pay for gas (petrol) with a credit card so carry some cash when you’re on the road. Roads are generally good but it is better to drive during the day. Also, watch for strolling animals and be careful at the traffic lights. Some are on the far side of the intersection which means that if you pull up you will be blocking it.


• DOCUMENTATION: Check your passport before leaving home. It must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date and it must have two blank facing pages.

HELPFUL HONEYMOON HINTS

• CUSTOMS: Take time to greet everyone before you start to discuss business or pleasure.


• SAFETY: Take precautions that you would take in any large city. Don’t have valuables in view and watch for signs indicating unsafe areas.


• BE CAREFUL OF THE STRONG SUN. Bring plenty of sun screen. Cover yourself and wear a broad brimmed hat and sun glasses. Try to stay out of the water between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.


• ELECTRONICS. Do not put cameras and computers in your checked luggage and keep an eye on them at all times.


• CREDIT CARDS. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card.


• DRESS IN LAYERS. Temperatures can vary widely throughout the day. Be sure to take a sweater or jacket when you go to the top of Table Top Mountain.


• WATCH FOR ANIMALS. Baboons, ostrich, antelope (bontebok) and others roam free. Baboons can be a menace. They can steal food and get rambunctious.


• TIPPING. Small tips are expected, even at the gas station. 10% is a general rule for restaurants, guides and taxis.


• TAXIS. Calling a taxi ahead of time is better than trying to flag one down in the street.

DON'T MISS:

Cape Town offers an unusually wide choice of things to make every honeymoon day happy. There will never be a dull moment here! Table Top Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope are world renowned landmarks that you won’t want to miss. Big city and true country pleasures are within minutes of one another. Restaurants abound, nightlife is lively and you can mix sophisticated, cosmopolitan pleasures with the joys of the Great Outdoors.

To make your honeymoon unforgettable, be sure to include a few of the following:

• CAPE POINT AND THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. Make a day of it and visit the very tip of the African continent. Views of the bay and the mountain are astonishing. You might spot a whale or see a shipwreck. The history is rich and there’s even a more beautiful view around every corner. Take a tour, a walk or a drive but don’t forget your camera! To avoid crowds, go to this area as early in the day as possible.


• TABLE TOP MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK. Take a cable car to the top to have sweeping views en route. Few places in the world have such rich bio diversity within their metropolitan boundaries! The 85 sq. miles are laced with scenic hiking trails, beautiful beaches and lovely forests. Stop for a picnic at the top and capture the beautiful views. Take a sweater as sudden cloud covers and weather changes can be dramatic.


• HIGH TEA AT MT. NELSON HOTEL. Gear down and enjoy this late afternoon tradition. Settle into a comfortable arm chair under an ornate chandelier and enjoy the surroundings of the charming old building. Or, opt for a small table for two in the shade of the sprawling verdant garden. Tea, small sandwiches and sweets are served from 2:30-5:30. You’ll feel like you’re on the set of a romantic movie! Reservations are advised. Tel: 021 483 1850.


• ENJOY A GLASS OF WINE. South African wines are becoming more popular by the day. You can visit a vineyard like Constantia, Stellenbosch, or Paarl. There are several within an easy drive from the city. Chenin Blanc is a local favorite.


• TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM. Marine life from the cold waters of the Atlantic and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean is dramatically displayed in one of the world’s most famous aquariums. Certified divers can get a closer look by swimming into the 5 story kelp forest or a real thrill by going into the predator tank!


• KIRSTENBOSCH BOTANICAL GARDENS. These world famous gardens are a beautiful and idyllic place to cool off on a hot day.  You can stroll along a path at your own pace or take a golf cart to see botanical species. Take a picnic and listen to a concert on summer Sundays or enjoy a light breakfast or lunch at the tiny Tea House near Gate 2. Bring your camera and steal a kiss in this beautiful setting!


• CHURCH STREET ARCADE. This pedestrian mall in the center of town is lined with art galleries, antique shops and small cafes. You might find some take home treasures in the daily flea  market.  Church Street between Burg and Long Streets.

ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS:

Cape Town is known for its wide selection of wonderful restaurants. Fresh produce was grown here since the city was founded and today world class chefs prepare superb dishes, many of which are made from organic products.

Almost any ethnic food you seek can be found, and chances are good that the setting as well as the presentation will be especially beautiful and romantic.

The dress code is generally informal. Only the most upscale restaurants require jackets, but shorts are not allowed in most places.

The nearby wine country also has a plethora of refined places to dine with great chefs, and most are within an easy drive.

Here is a selection from different parts of town. Reservations are suggested. Always ask for a table with a view because there usually is a spectacular one!

• AZURE on the Atlantic Coast. Reserve a table by the window to enjoy a meal that is as stunning as the view of Table Top Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. Seafood, game and typical dishes share the menu.

  Address: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, Victoria Road, Camps Bay.
  Phone: 021 437 9029.
  Website: www.12apostleshotel.com.

• THE ROUNDHOUSE on Camps Bay. Romance reigns in this slightly remote 18th century hunting lodge that affords sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Fine food and wines have made it popular for years, so reservations are a must. You’ll want to linger longer.

  Address: The Glen Camps Bay.
  Phone: 021 438 4347.
  Website: www.theroundhouserestaurant.com.

• MYOGA in the Southern suburbs. Internationally known for its creative cuisine, this restaurant has become a hotspot for trendy residents. The eclectic décor sets the scene for small portion plates that enable you to try more of the delicious dishes, and don't forget to try one of the country’s best wines as well.

  Address: Vineyard Hotel & Spa, 60 Colinton Road, Newlands.
  Phone: 021 657 4545.
  Website: www.myoga.co.za.

• AFRICA CAFÉ. This is the place to begin your trip! Sample authentic African dishes in an 18th century building in the heart of town. Accompany the meal with a fine local wine or beer and you’ll have a tasty introduction to traditional cuisine.

  Address: 108 Shortmarket St.
  Phone: 021 422 0221.
  Website: www.africacafe.co.za.

• OCEAN BASKET at the edge of town. Seafood lovers flock here for reasonably priced delights. Reserve a table in the back courtyard and your dinner will be accompanied by the soothing sound of a fountain.

  Address: 75 Kloof St., Gardens.
  Phone: 021 422 0322.
  Website: www.oceanbasket.co.za.

• HARBOUR HOUSE on False Bay. Reserve an upstairs table by the window overlooking the bay and watch harbor activity as you dine. Tasty steak and seafood dishes share the varied menu. You’ll never tire of the beautiful view!

  Address: Kalk Bay Harbour, Main Road, Kalk Bay.
  Phone: 021 788 4133.
  Website: www.harbourhouse.co.za

DESTINATION WEDDINGS:

Coming soon!