Flanked by soaring mountains and resplendent beaches, Cape Town is South Africa’s oldest city and is quickly becoming the darling of gourmet travellers, culture vultures and nature lovers. From animal-watching to sipping samples of the winelands and browsing quirky boutiques, we challenge anyone not to add Cape Town to their must-return hit-list.
Stay
From its perch on the slopes of Table Mountain, Kensington Place is just a short stroll from the heart of Cape Town. With only eight rooms, this little boutique bolthole doesn’t skimp on style. Breakfast is served all day – perfect for those that love a lie-in – and can be taken al fresco or on your private terrace; lunch and dinner are kept low-key, with seasonal menus that focus on fresh and local produce. The petite, solar-heated plunge pool is more suited to quick dips than laps and is surrounded by striped sunloungers, perfect for quaffing a Kensington Cooler: a concoction of grass-infused vodka, apple juice, vanilla sugar, mint and a dash of cinnamon liqueur. Guests also enjoy access to off-site exercise facilities – aerobics, tennis, squash, weights – through Virgin Active.
See
A hop, skip and jump from the hotel, Table Mountain National Park has jaw-dropping views over Cape Town; take the cable car – fitness fanatics can choose to hike – to the peak for the best vistas. Sun-seekers can head to Llandudno beach to mingle with fellow bronzed beach-goers; Noordhoek, Kommetjie or Scarborough are ideal for relaxing. Would-be Attenboroughs can spy on the penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Stroll along Victoria and Albert Waterfront on Breakwater Boulevard, home to boutiques, eateries, an amphitheater with free summer entertainment and the Cape Wheel. Tours to Robben Island also leave from the waterfront.
Eat
Kensington Place is a short walk or drive from the buzzy watering-holes and eateries of happening Kloof Street. Find Arnold’s Restaurant at 60 Kloof Street, a laidback eatery with outdoor seating, views of the mountain and a menu brimming with game dishes and mouthwatering desserts. Head to Central Cape Town and make for La Colombe at the Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate. With Scot Kirton overseeing the kitchen, La Colombe plates up French-meets-Asian fare using fresh, seasonal produce and simple, clean flavours. Luke Dale-Roberts’ The Test Kitchen in the Old Biscuit Mill at 375 Albert Road is decked out with exposed brick walls, oak beams and tables crafted from oxidized mild steel; the five-course lunch menu – lacquered quail, pickled fish, grilled scallops, slow-cooked duck leg – is cracking and each course is paired with carefully chosen wine.
Play
Taking its cue from British pub culture, Alexander Bar & Café at 76 Strand Street is a watering hole perfect for conversation; the functioning rotary dial telephone means you can have a chinwag with people all over the bar – ring nine to reach the bartender. The menu boasts craft beers, imaginative cocktails and local wines. Upstairs, there’s a fully-equipped theatre that plays host to live music, stand-up comedy, readings and drama performances. For drinks with a view, Tjing Tjing Bar at 165 Longmarket Street is decked out with dark wood, gleaming copper accents and splashes of sexy red leather; enjoy a Dawa – a medley of crushed ice, honey, lime and premium vodka – as you graze on plates of tapas and listen to custom-created playlists.
Find other boutique boltholes at Mr & Mrs Smith or call the expert Travel Team. Smith members receive exclusive extras on all stays.