A feature I wrote on the Top 10 Hotels in South Africa, was very well received, which gave me the idea of creating something similar for the individual cities in SA. I am starting with the Top 10 Hotels in Cape Town, which includes Southern Suburbs and Atlantic Seaboard.
Catharina’s at Steenberg Hotel and Farm
You may have read a recent post I did featuring my stay at the stunning Steenberg Hotel. As I illustrated in the article Steenberg Hotel and Farm is a one-stop luxury destination. As well as a tasting room there are two great restaurants on the estate. I promised I would give you a bit more detail about the “in-house” dining offered on the estate, so here goes. [Read more…]
Steenberg Hotel ~ 5 Star Luxury
Steenberg Hotel is situated on one of the oldest farms in the Cape and has a rich and fascinating history. The farm’s original owner, the feisty Catharina Ustings Ras, was the first female landowner in Southern Africa. Catharina’s life story tells a fascinating tale! One steeped in lore and myth, filled with daring escapes, tumultuous loves and untimely deaths. [Read more…]
Romantic Staycation at 15 On Orange
As a married couple, with children, I like to try to plan a night away, with my man, at least once a month! I think it is so important to reconnect, as a couple and spend some quality time together! We love staying in the Winelands but often that can be a bit too far for one night, so recently we have been opting for an overnight “Staycation” in the heart of Cape Town. There are so many fabulous Hotels, B&B’s and Apartments to choose from! A recent Romantic “Staycation” found us at 15 on Orange, in the heart of the CBD, which is part of the African Pride group of hotels.
15 On Orange
I have attended events at 15 on Orange but this was the first overnight experience for us. I had heard nothing but great things about the hotel and the Spa has recently changed hands and had a revamp, so I was delighted to receive and invitation to stay over and experience it for myself.
When we first arrived at the hotel our room was not ready yet, so we decided to hit Long Street for a bite of lunch. After lunch we were escorted up to our suite, by a very friendly porter! What awaited us was a rather stunning Suite, with lovely views over the city.
The interior decor is one of my favourite things about the hotels common areas and the suite was as stunning, with muted grey’s, pops of bright blue and metallic accents. Under-stated modern, elegance at its best!
As with the suite the bathroom was gorgeous – simple yet elegant, with the most stunning black marble tiles on the walls. I simply could not wait to take a long relaxing bath but first we had a trip to the Suntra Spa planned.
I could not resist a pic of my Black & White Mani against the bathroom tiles 🙂
As I mentioned the Suntra Spa, at 15 On Orange, recently changed hands and under went a revamp to make it bigger and more in line, with the rest of the hotels facilities. The Spa offers a range of specialty facial treatments by Guinot and Dermalogica, as well as an extensive array of body massages, exfoliation treatments, wraps and grooming essentials.
We were booked in for a back and neck massage. Once we had completed our customer cards we were shown to a couples treatment room, where we enjoyed a wonder half hour massage. We both sit at our computers, for most of the day during the week and I tend to carry all my stress in my neck, so this was complete bliss!
The staff at the Spa were knowledgeable, professional but above all really friendly. The treatment room was lovely and spacious but unfortunately a bit too dark to take any decent photographs!
Before heading back to our room we decided to take a look at the hotel rooftop pool, which is situated on the 7th Floor next to the spa. It was a bit cold and gloomy outside and definitely not swimming weather but what a view!
Once back in our suite we ordered a lovely, chilled glass of wine and I wasted no time at all, submerging myself into a hot bath!
Before dinner we popped into the Murano Bar, for a quick pre-dinner drink – I absolutely love the decor in the bar.
Dinner was lovely – a rather quiet romantic affair, just what we needed! A few of The highlights of the meal, for me, were the Salt and Pepper Fried Calamari, with Avocado salsa and squid-ink aioli and the Roasted Gemsbok Loin, with potato rösti, spiced red cabbage and black berry jus. Naturally, although really full by this stage, we could not resist at least sharing a desert, we opted for the Molten Valhrona Chocolate Fondant, with Blue berry frozen yoghurt. What arrived was a beautiful, edible work of art – which looked almost too pretty to eat!
It was definitely time to make our way back to our room and settle in for the night! One of my main worries with staying in the CBD is the noise, we have had a few bad nights away and been unable to sleep because of the street noise. Whether it was the extremely comfortable bed or excellent soundproofing – we both slept like babies.
Thank you 15 on Orange for a wonderful, pampered Romantic “Staycation” in the heart of Town – it was a real treat, definitely to be repeated!
Contact Details
Location: Corner Grey’s Pass and Orange Street, Mill Street, Cape Town. Telephone: 27 (21) 469 8000
CENTRAL RESERVATIONS: 0861 50 50 50, +27 21 430 5302 email: [email protected]
Disclosure Ranking: 2
{ Travel } Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel
I was recently invited to spend an afternoon at the Southern Sun Cullinan hotel , which is just outside the V&A Waterfront, in Cape Town. My excitement for the day was twofold, not only was I eventually getting to meet Twitter friend Jodene Shaer, aka @Jodenecoza, for the first time but there was also the treat of a tour, of the Southern Sun {SS} Cullinan Hotel.
For those of you who have not visited the SS Cullinan before, it is a truly grandiose hotel, situated in the heart of the Cape Town CBD. It is part of the award-winning, Tsogo Sun, hotel group – well known for world-class luxury.The SS Cullinan is perfectly situated and a stones throw away from many Cape Town attractions, as well as the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town International Convention Centre and Long Street.
To start off our tour we were treated to a show of Sabrage by the hotel Sommelier. Sabrage, for those of you who do not know, is a rather impressive technique, of opening a Champagne bottle with a saber! This technique is usually used for ceremonial occasions. The force of the blunt side of the blade hitting the lip of the bottle neck, breaks the glass to separate the collar from the neck of the bottle. I have seen it done before but I must admit it impresses every time!
We were then treated to a selection of sushi and oysters, served outside in the stunning pool area – what a treat for a Tuesday afternoon! After merrily munching on these decadent treats and sipping heavenly Graham Beck bubbles{my favourite}, we were then whisked off for a behind the scenes tour of the hotel.
Our first stop was a peek into the Laundry area, which services the entire hotel. What a hive of activity – I must admit the sheer amount of laundry scared me! I will never complain about doing laundry again! The majority of local hotels, out source their laundry, having an in-house laundry is something rather unique to the SS Cullinan.
Next on the agenda was a Masterchef style, “team building” exercise! This is something, which the hotel offers to companies, as part of a corporate event. As our challenge we had to whisk egg whites, by hand, to stiff peaks and when we felt confident, hold the bowl over our head, to test our skill! Needless to say there was much hilarity, dotted with the expletive, while we all whisked our arms off! I am proud to say I won the speed test – I am not sure how, seen as whipping meringue is not my strongest suit!
Our next stop was a visit to one of the hotels suites and catch a glimpse of the luxury, which guests can expect, when they stay at the SS Cullinan. The suite was indeed 4 Star luxury at its best!
The bed was beautifully adorned with red rose petals in the shape of a heart and the bath was also filled with rose petals – so romantic! Not to mention the bubbly chilling in the bathroom – I wished I could have stayed the night!
Suites at the SS Cullinan include a butler station with tea and coffee-making facilities, a fully stocked mini-bar, television with DStv, a digital safe, complimentary WiFi, as well as a complimentary bath and pillow menu and a butler service.
The last stop on our tour was the hotel bar area, where the staff had a surprise in store for us. All we were told, was it would be like taking a step back in time 🙂 We were so curious to find out exactly what lay in store.
The surprise did not disappoint! They had created a Secret Treats experience for us – you really were transported back in time – just like a kid in a candy store! 🙂
It is truly evident that nothing at the hotel is too much trouble! The staff are prepared to go the extra mile and create a memorable experience for their guests. No detail is too small or insignificant! if you are thinking of travelling to Cape Town and in need of a hotel, I would highly recommend you try the SS Cullinan Hotel!
Thank you to both Jodene and the SS Cullinan, for a memorable and fun-filled afternoon!
For more information on the SS Cullinan and online booking visit the Tsogo Sun Website.