Last year was a whirlwind of exciting local trips! One, in particular, that made quite an impression was a visit to Dullstroom, a small town in Mpumalanga province. Exploring a new area is always exciting, and Dullstroom has piqued my interest for quite some time. The base for our two-day trip was the enchanting Walkersons Hotel & Spa.
[Read more…]Oude Werf Hotel Stellenbosch
A recent trip found Grant and I in the heart of the winelands, at the Oude Werf Hotel in Stellenbosch. The university town of Stellenbosch, is surrounded by the picturesque vineyards of the Cape Winelands and the mountainous nature reserves of Jonkershoek and Simonsberg. Oak-lined streets and Cape Dutch architecture, give you a true sense of South Africa’s Dutch colonial history. [Read more…]
Radisson Blu Hotel Cape Town Romantic Getaway
One of the things Grant and I have really enjoyed doing over the past few years, is staying overnight in the Cape Town CBD. Cape Town has so much to offer as far as accommodation goes, ranging from fabulous Luxury Hotels, Cosy B&B’s to Self-catering Apartments. When booking accommodation, location is everything! If you get it wrong, your experience can be rather unpleasant. My advice is, select accommodation that is centrally located but not in the hub of the busy nightlife. That is if you would like to get any sleep at all! Our most recent romantic getaway was to the the Radisson Blu Hotel Cape Town.
Radisson Blu Hotel Cape Town
The Radisson Blu Hotel is situated on the picturesque waterfront of Cape Town, with the iconic Table Mountain as a backdrop. It is also a heartbeat away from Cape Town’s pulsating business centre with The Cape Town International Convention Centre only five minutes away. The famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, which has a vast selection of Shops and Restaurants , is an easy stroll (or complimentary shuttle), from the Hotel. A short trip also gets you to some of Africa’s most beautiful beaches. Location, location, location!
Accommodation
The Hotel offers 177 elegantly designed guest rooms, including 11 Two Bedroom suites and 71 Business Class rooms. These rooms all have private balconies and spectacular views. Additionally there are 9 Superior rooms and 86 Non-Sea Facing Standard Rooms. All guest rooms are equipped with free Wifi, direct dial telephones and 42-inch HD TV’s with HD DSTV channels in all rooms. There is also a mini bar, tea and premium coffee-making facilities.
We were fortunate enough to stay in a gorgeous Business Class Room with the most breathtaking view over the pool area and across the bay.
The room was wonderfully spacious, with a cosy lounge area. Grant and I are both fussy when it comes to hotel beds and pillows! The Radisson did not dissapoint – the bed was super comfortable, with the most silky soft linen. There is also a pillow menu available, if the ones provided are not to your liking.
After dropping our luggage in our room, we hopped on the courtesy shuttle, which leaves the hotel every hour, to visit the V&A Waterfront. First on the agenda was a bite of lunch, at Willoughby & Co, one of our favourite sushi spots! Mr had a hair cut booked, so I did what I do best – shopping! We decided on a walk back to the hotel – it was such a beautiful day for a stroll to take in the sights.
A quick change and we set off for the rim-flow swimming pool, which is heated year-round I might add! A definite win in my books. We spent a wonderful few hours doing nothing more than reading, sipping on G&Ts and simply relaxing.
Dining
Tobago, the Hotel’s Restaurant, Bar and Terrace, overlooks the vast blue Atlantic Ocean. It is truly the most magnificent setting and I cannot think of a better location for lunch, dinner or a leisurely drink.
The atmosphere on the terrace is very relaxed and you certainly do not need to dress up. After a quick shower we decided to enjoy a few cocktails, while soaking up the gorgeous view and watching the yachts sail past.
The Hotel’s Executive Chef brings many years of experience to the table, to provide an internationally inspired menu, catering for just about every taste. Expect a combination of fresh local dishes with exotic delicacies, all complemented by superb South African wines.
As well as the normal a la carte menu, the Radisson Blu Hotel Cape Town has introduced a new seaside grill eating experience at Tobago’s. The seafood grill is available every Saturday from 6.30pm to 10pm, until the end of April 2016.
It is a buffet style seafood offering with line fish, calamari, paella, mussels, and seafood kebabs. For meat lovers there is also a curry, sirloin beef and shoulder of lamb, all available with salads and vegetables dishes. If you still have room, there is a selection of decadent deserts including pavlova, crème caramel, chocolate mousse, profiteroles and fruit salad. The cost is R295 per person.
The Amani Spa
Before checking out the next morning we had a couples massage booked at hotel spa. Both Grant and I were really looking forward to our massage, as the last few months have been rather stressful!
From the exterior the spa is rather unassuming but what waits behind the glass doors is anything but! The Amani Spa at the Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront offers guests the ultimate in relaxation and pampering. The state-of-the-art unisex spa, boasts ten luxurious treatment rooms, plus a couples spa suite. Wellness facilities include a heated vitality pool, duo vichy showers, kneipp, caldarium, sensation shower and sauna as well as a high-tech gym overlooking the harbour.
Amani Spa’s philosophy of 360° health, beauty and wellness is all encompassing, embracing all aspects of holistic health and beauty. Indulge yourself with one of our signature spa rituals, the Amani Journey – an aura cleanse, body balance and sensory feast for one or two people.
After changing into our robes, we were shown to the couples spa suite – or as I would like to think of it, a small slice of heaven. I have had many massages in my time, ranging from some which have been fantastic, to some which have been downright torture. So you must realise when I say it was good it was GOOD! I carry the weight of the world on my shoulders or as my therapist suggested all the stress of 2015 – so anyone who can deal with all that tension is a miracle worker!
The Spa offers customised spa packages for each and every occasion, from day spa packages to stay over packages, for an individual or for a group as well as unique Corporate Wellness packages. The Amani Spa and Fitness Facility is open to hotel guests as well as to day visitors seven days a week, 365 days a year, including public holidays. Please note that the spa vitality pool is not available for kids under the age of 16 years.
The Radisson Blu Hotel Cape Town has definitely been added to my list of top hotels in Cape Town. The location is perfect as a tourist or as a local! I love the fact that you can act like a tourist in your own city. Tobago’s restaurant is a great a spot, whether you are a hotel guest or not!The facilities at the hotel are great and the staff were friendly and very helpful.
Location & Contact Details:
Location: Beach Road, Granger Bay, Cape Town 8002, South Africa. Contact: For bookings please contact the hotel via Tel: +27 21 441 3000, Fax: +27 21 441 3560 or Email: [email protected] or visit the Radisson Blu Hotel Cape Town Website.
Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa
As you must know by now, Grant and I love Franschhoek and do not miss an opportunity to visit the area! We recently attended the Franschhoek Uncorked Festival and decided to make the most of it and stay over! Our home for the night was the beautiful Le Franschhoek Hotel!
After a busy day wine tasting and eating at the Uncorked Festival, we made our way to the hotel, to relax and shower before heading out again. It was a welcome retreat after all the crowds and festivities, at the festival.
Le Franschhoek Hotel
I particularly love the position of the hotel, which is nestled at the foot of the Franschhoek Mountains. It overlooks the valley and the view still manages to take my breath away, even though we have been there many times!
The old world charm, is the first thing that captures your attention when you arrive at the hotel. Pristine white walls and thatch roofing transports you to a bygone era. However once you enter the hotel, the stylish modern interiors bring you straight back to the 21st Century!
Accommodation
Guests can choose from Standard Rooms, Family Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Suites, as well as Villas. All of the 63 rooms reflect the contemporary styling and luxury, which one would expect from a four-star hotel. Rooms are elegant, with clean lines, elegant furnishings and gorgeous views from every room.
The rooms are well appointed and all feature: air conditioning, under floor heating, direct dial telephones, remote controlled TV with selected DSTV channels, hairdryers, tea & coffee making facilities, electronic safes, as well as internet connections (at a surcharge).
The Garden-view Apartments overlook the perfectly manicured gardens, with lush green grass, pretty seasonal blooms and stately trees.
In the distance, the slate-grey Franschhoek mountains loom in all their glorious splendour and leave one in awe of the sheer natural beauty of the valley!
The hotel grounds are so lovely and I enjoy nothing better than a quiet stroll after breakfast. Taking time out, to simply enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
In warmer months the sparkling pool is a firm favourite of ours! Lazing on a lounger reading a good book, while sipping a G&T poolside – could not think of a better place to be!
Dining
The Le Franschhoek Hotel offers three on-site restaurants, as well as a full-service bar. Dish at Le Franschhoek Hotel, is elegant 80 seater, fine dining a la-carte restaurant. The menu is seasonal and under direction of Executive Head Chef, Scott Shepherd.
Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa also offers guests the accompanying Terrace Bar and Lounge, with a selection of fine coffee and teas in the elegant lounge, and a fantastic selection of wine, beer, spirits and cocktails at the stylish bar.
Lastly is Le Verger, The Orchard Restaurant. The conservatory-styled design, was inspired by the spectacular geography of the restaurant’s location. It offers diners unequalled views of all that is Franschhoek – mountains, streams, vineyards and orchards enfold the restaurant.
The Spa
As well as luxury accommodation, breathtaking views and superb dining, the onsite spa will cater to your every whim. It has always been one of my favourite Spa experiences – the ultimate in relaxation and pampering!
The Spa offers a comprehensive range of treatments – both traditional and contemporary. The Grecian liquid-sound flotation room, Moulin rouge colour therapy adventure, fragrant herbal sauna and steamy Swiss shower are just some of the cutting edge therapies offered at this spa.
A serene outdoor massage area sets the scene for ultimate relaxation, where you can partake of a traditional Bali full-body Massage and invigorating scrub, or indulge in the signature Camelot range of massages. Hot Stone, Kahuna, Balinese and Indian Head massage techniques are used for this treatment, along with the unique massage candle.
Thalgo Spa Skin Treatments and body wraps harness the healing power of the ocean to enhance, revive and soothe your skin and are available for both ladies and gentlemen. Couples treatments, teen’s treatments and a gentleman’s executive package are also on the menu at Camelot Spa!
We had a lovely stay at the Le Franschhoek Hotel, the staff were helpful and friendly – I just wish we could have stayed longer! I would definitely recommend you try the hotel if you are visiting the area, you will not be disappointed.
Location: Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa, 16 Minor road, Franschhoek, 7690, Situated in the world famous Winelands of the Western Cape, 50 km’s from Cape Town International Airport, 75 km’s from Cape Town city centre (central business district) & the V&A Waterfront, 20 km’s from the spectacular winelands of Stellenbosch and Paarl and 3 km’s from the village of Franschhoek.
Contact:Phone: 021-876 8900 or Email: [email protected] or visit the Le Franschhoek Website to make a reservation.
To discover more amazing places to eat out in the area, read my post on Eating Out in Franschhoek.
Images: Room, Dining & Spa – source: Le Franschhoek Hotel, All other images: ©Inspired Living
Disclaimer: Certain information in the article, has been obtained from the Le Franschhoek website and to my knowledge, was correct at the time of publishing.
The Westin Cape Town
As much as I love getting away to the coast or the country, there is something equally as magical about a City Escape! I love the idea of being able to step out of the hotel doors, into the hive of activity, which is city living!
We have stayed at quite a few hotels and boutique hotels in the city, which we have loved! The convenience of being able to walk to the nearest pub or restaurant and having the V&A Waterfront on your doorstep, is a definite plus!
Our most recent City Escape was to the Westin Cape Town, which is adjacent to the Cape Town International Convention Center {CTICC}.
After quite a busy few weeks, a night away from it all was rather welcome! We decided on a scenic drive over Chapmans Peak, to get through to the CBD, which was as beautiful as always.
The Westin Cape Town
We arrived at the Westin Cape Town, late on Saturday afternoon and after a seamless checkin we were whisked off to our room.
The Westin Cape Town has 483 guest rooms and suites. The rooms are elegantly appointed and boast all the modern conveniences one can expect from a luxury city hotel. The views of Cape Town will amaze you, and the signature Heavenly Bed is comfort at its very best!
Admittedly I knew that the views would be great but they are truly spectacular, we literally just stood and stared out the window for what seemed like forever!
Not wanting to waste any time, we decided to head up to the Executive Club, to enjoy a few drinks and delicious canapes, while soaking up the views across the city and harbour. It was great to simply sit and just chat with no interruptions or anyone demanding your attention!
Before heading back to our room we decided to explore a bit more of the hotel. We took a walk around the award winning Heavenly Spa, which is situated on the 19th Floor. The Spa offers guests an indoor heated infinity pool, with views of the harbour and ocean, a jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, as well as a fully equipped gym. Had we known about the heated pool and jacuzzi, we would definitely have packed our costumes!
Then it was time to head back to our room to shower and change for dinner. The Westin Cape Town has a great selection of restaurants and bars. Our dinner venue for the evening was at ON19, which is located on the 19th Floor of the hotel. ON19 offers modern comfort dining, focused on simplicity, bold flavours and healthy lifestyle trends.
Dinner was as divine as we expected. I am not entirely too sure how but we both managed to eat three courses! I must make special mention of the Prawn Dumpling starter which I had! The prawns were wonderfully crispy and it was served with a delicious wasabi and curry mango sorbet – a sublime combination! Another highlight was the Happy Hog which Grant had – Verjuice and and honey glazed pork belly, served with bitterballen, apple chermoula, sweet potato puree and pork popcorn.
We opted to have the desert tasting plate, which consisted of a decadent combination of the deserts from the winter menu: Eskimo pie – blueberry cheese cake, macaroon, warm Romanoff sauce, Chocolate pudding, salted caramel ice cream, honey comb crumble, Dacquoise – hazelnut, almond, espresso, Milk tart brulee, Apple tarte fin, bacon praline, crème fraiche.
As well as On 19, the Westin Cape Town, offers guests the option of dining at Thirty7. Thirty7 is a French brasserie style restaurant, with a wonderful lively atmosphere. One of the special features of the restaurant is its show kitchen!
If you would like to kick back and relax then Louis B’s, the hotel’s cosy jazz bar, is a must! Perfect for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap before heading off to bed. There is also Raleigh’s Cigar Bar and smoking lounge, which offers a wide selection of cognacs, whiskies and the finest cigars.
After dinner we turned in for the night, both in need of a good nights rest!
The next morning we enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at On 19. As well as a savoury buffet bursting at the seams, there was freshly squeezed juice, smoothies, fresh fruit and cereal on offer, as well as a hot breakfast of your choice.
Then it was time to check out and head back home!
As I mentioned we have stayed at a few city hotels but this experience at the Westin Cape Town, was definitely the best City Escape yet! The service was excellent and the food and attention to detail were all top draw!
Location:Convention Square, Lower Long Street · Cape Town, 8000 · South Africa
Contact: For more information or to make a booking visit the Westin Cape Town Website or phone them on +27 21 412 9999.
Image Credit: All images within this post are either property of the hotel featured or Inspired Living, please do not re-post or use the images, without the permission of the website owner. Thank you.
Disclosure Ranking:4