Cape Town continues to attract a growing number of repeat visitors who may not be content to simply revisit the well-trodden, regular attractions and hotels. Sue van Winsen spoke to Cape Town-based tour operators and ground handlers to get their top new picks for their 2016 itineraries.
New accommodation options
1.Tintswalo Atlantic
While Tintswalo Atlantic on Chapman’s Peak may not be new, it has been completely rebuilt following a fire that completely destroyed the property early last year. Almost every tour operator contacted mentioned it as one of their top choices for 2016. Janine Southwood, Head of Thompsons Africa’s Luxury Collection says: “The location of the hotel is most definitely unbeatable. It is recommended for guests looking for exclusivity and privacy and is ideal for honeymooners. When the tide goes out, you can walk a little in front of the hotel and you will be re-introduced to beautiful natural, clean, untouched beaches, where crabs, shells, mussels and rocks are found in abundance.” Kate Bergh, MD of Cedarberg Africa, says: “If you aren’t completely blown away by the setting, then the luxurious suites should do it. They are individually decorated to mimic the aesthetics of various well-known islands around the world. If you’re a bit of a foodie, you’ll also love their cuisine and the interactive kitchen that allows you to join the chef in the kitchen.” David Ryan, Founder and CEO of Rhino Africa, agrees: “The look after the rebuild is fantastic. Many evenings dolphins and whales swim past not far from the Tintswalo deck.”
2.The Capital Mirage
This property, located in De Waterkant, opened in November and features 65 large rooms and apartments. It offers a selection of luxury and superior studios, or spacious one-, two-, or three-bedroom apartments. Décor includes floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable lounges and LED televisions. Amenities and services on offer include in-room dining, complimentary uncapped high-speed WiFi, HD-full bouquet satellite television, complimentary parking and scheduled shuttles to the V&A Waterfront and Cape Town International Convention Centre. The property will soon open its ‘Sky Bar’.
3.MannaBay
This boutique hotel at the base of Table Mountain recently moved further up the mountain to Bridle Road at the top of Oranjezicht to make the most of the surrounding views. The property has one suite – the Versailles Suite – and seven luxury rooms, sleeping a total of 16 guests. Each room is individually designed and decorated, featuring an extra-length, king-size bed, walk-in shower, flat-screen television, iPod docking station, air-conditioning, under-floor heating, block-out blinds, WiFi, GHD hair straightener and Africology products.
Ryan says: “The new location offers beautiful, sweeping views of the City Bowl from the deck where guests can enjoy their delicious high tea, admire the décor or taste the beer they brew at the hotel.”
4.Sea Star Rocks
Recently opened, this property is situated in Camps Bay. It offers a choice of three room types: The Pool Room, Sea Star Rock Suites and the Private Pool Suite. All feature king-size beds, 180-degree sea views, free-standing bathtubs, large flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines and mini-bars. Ryan says: “This new boutique hotel offers the kind of stunning views Camps Bay is famous for. It is small with just three suites, but offers the privacy and large rooms that discerning travellers might prefer.”
New eateries
1.The Village Idiot!
Situated on Loop Street in Central Cape Town, The Village Idiot! describes itself as “a true inner-city neighbourhood restaurant and bar”. Opened by the owners of Aces & Spades, the restaurant offers live music, pool table, local food and a wide selection of beers. Bergh says: “The menu is a one-pager, with proudly South African cuisine served across starters, braai boards and Tata Ma sides. Dishes include Taxi Wings, West Coast Mussel Potjie, Mrs Ball’s Boerewors Burgers, Seafood Sosaties, Grilled Mielies and Chakalaka, to name a few.”
2.Jason Bakery
Andre Barnard Jnr, GM: Sales for Springbok Atlas, says Jason Bakery is his all-time favourite. Located on Bree Street, this artisanal bakery also serves up fresh meals, and has an ever-changing blackboard menu. Also known for its coffee, Jason Bakery is a popular breakfast spot, with egg and chorizo tartlets and bacon croissants on the menu. At lunch, the restaurant serves a range of sandwiches and is famous for its burgers and cheesecake.
3.The Culture Club Cheese Shop
Newly opened in April 2015, Culture Club Cheese is an artisanal cheese and fermented food store, run by a cheesemaker from the UK who relocated to Cape Town. The shop sells more than 50 types of cheese, along with bread, coffee, charcuterie and condiments, and also includes an on-site restaurant. Most of the menu items feature cheese as the main ingredient, from soufflés to toasted sandwiches.
New activities
1.Bree Street and First Thursdays
Over the course of the last year, Bree Street in Cape Town’s CBD has undergone a revival with a wave of trendy, artisanal food shops, bars and restaurants opening for business. Ryan says: “Bree Street is a really exciting place right now with so many great restaurants and bars popping up. It’s a throwback to how Long Street was back in the day and is a wonderfully vibrant and busy street and place to go out.”
The street is also the centre of a new initiative, called First Thursdays, where on the first Thursday of every month, the city’s art galleries and cultural attractions stay open late and offer special night-time experiences. Bergh says: “The event is completely free, with no structured tour, and no schedule to follow. Organisers provide a map and highlights of what is on show and from there it is up to you.”
2.Table Mountain night rides
AWOL Tours has begun offering mountain biking on Table Mountain at night. Rides start at 19h00 with the option of transfers from hotels prior to departure. Guests are kitted out with an AL129 Momsem mountain bike with front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes and 29-inch wheels, along with a helmet and front handlebar light of 980 lumens. Routes are typically between 12km and 18km long, and last about two hours, with some hill climbing depending on the group’s fitness levels. Tours depart on Tuesdays and Thursdays with a minimum group size of four cyclists.
3.HintHunt
Situated in The Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, HintHunt is a new activity where small groups (between three and five participants) are given one hour to solve a series of puzzles and mysteries in order to escape from a locked room. Bergh says, “This certainly tests your problem-solving skills as it is a fast-paced, adrenalin-pumping environment.”
4.Jump Around
Ideal for families with young children, this trampoline park is situated in Paarden Eiland. Jackie Pollok, of Capexec Exclusive Tours, recommends that groups complete the indemnity form online prior to arrival, and check the website for the timeslots allocated to younger participants. “A series of well-placed trampolines on the floors and walls provide over an hour of energetic fun, accompanied by pumping music.”
