A singing diva on a yacht, a male choir seemingly suspended over water, nymph-like water gymnasts, a thumping drum beat and a flame-lit entrance marked the inimitable return of South Africa’s 'sun-king', Sol Kerzner, as he prepared to open his flagship R450m One&Only Cape Town this week. A star-studded launch is scheduled for April 3.
On March 26 Kerzner personally welcomed the media and travel industry to a special preview of the luxury resort at the V&A Waterfront calling it a "remarkable achievement" and "one of the finest we have around the world". He said he was looking forward to again contributing to South Africa’s growing tourism industry and particularly to being involved in the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
The 131-room and suite resort sits in the elbow of the V&A Marina's residential area and incorporates Marina Rise, a crescent-shaped, seven-storey hotel and two private islands. One island houses 40 villa-style suites for up to R25 900 a night and the other a spa and fitness centre with 11 treatment rooms and a yoga pavilion. An open-air restaurant and pool complete the picture. The islands are connected to Marina Rise by bridges for guests and underground tunnels for staff.
The Vistas Bar has views of Table Mountain and alongside are two restaurants: Maze, by UK celebrity chef, Gordon Ramsay, and 'Nobu' by Japanese master chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa. There is an in-house designer boutique and a Goodman art gallery is located on the mezzanine floor. Works by prominent South African artists are displayed throughout the resort.
Marina Rise's 91 rooms and suites have glass doors leading on to private balconies. The complex also houses the 250sqm presidential suite (up to R50 500 a night) plus three 800 sqm, four-bedroom penthouses.
Services include 24-hour personal butlers, daily fresh fruit and snacks, twice-daily maid service, a pillow selection menu and an aromatherapy turndown menu.
In-room amenities include multimedia entertainment, satellite flat-screen TVs, surround-sound audio systems, DVD/CD players, business services (multi-adaptor, fax/computer hook-ups, three phones, two-line communication system), MP3 docking stations and complimentary WiFi throughout the resort.
Facilities for functions include a ballroom (which can be divided) for up to 200 guests, two boardrooms, a business centre and a dedicated consultant to assist with functions.
