By Deborah Calmeyer
Twelve Apostles Spa
“A city can truly change your mood,” said Sophia Coppola about Paris and that is exactly how I feel about Cape Town.
No matter what state of mind I am in, the southern most city on the African continent always eases me into a soothed take-it-easy release.
Although New York City is now home, the love for Africa and in particular the infatuation I have for the winelands returns me to Cape Town. Notoriously first world, surrounded by two powerful oceans and then those dramaticmountains the city offers me some of the most striking delicacies in life.
To pamper: One & Only Cape Town Spa Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town www.capetown.oneandonlyresorts.com/spa The most expansive spa in the city and a “World Spa Award” means it comes complete with all the massages and body treatments I could possibly need after a long haul from the US. The Bastien Gonzalez podiatry section of the spa for feet, hand and nails is exactly what makes the spa world-class.
Twelve Apostles Spa Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town www.12apostleshotel.com A five-minute drive out of Camps Bay delivers this sanctum. The views of the mountain range behind you, and the waves in front of you gives a feeling of repose I search for eagerly. Recently redone and part of The Red Carnation Group the spa features a signature B Africa product range made from indigenous elements in the surrounding habitat.
To rest my head elegantly: La Residence & Villas, Elandskloof Private Road, Elandskloof Farm, Franschhoek www.laresidence.co.za Just outside the little town this hotel has always warmly welcomed me and surprised me with its attention to detail and incredible trueness of luxury. Exalted interiors and heavenly views entrenches my return.
Kensington Place
Kensington Place 38 Kensington Crescent, Higgovale, Cape Town www.kensingtonplace.co.za An elegant, but latter day, small city hotel with views across the city that I just feast on. A perfect place to unwind with a glass of wine for me, oh and in the mornings the best homemade granola I have ever had adds to the enticement.
St James Manor 108 Main Road, St James, Cape Town www.rovos.com/guesthouses/st-james-manor-st-james-seaforth Elegant and stately the small hotel is a little off main tourist track. Owned by the Rovos Rail Group the irreproachable service is what makes this a preferred choice.
Dancing the night away: The Reserve 111 St Georges Mall, Cape Town www.club.the-reserve.co.za Set in a historic building in the center of the city and just below the magical Company Gardens this is the place for munificent joviality. From the birdcage inside the club, to the kitschy Palm Springs interiors it is the most fun a girl can have in the city.
St. Yves The Promenade, Victoria Road, Camps Bay www.styves.co.za/ Views of the enigmatic Atlantic Ocean and a perfect supply of daybeds and loungers the day and night club provides some of the best DJs. With that an eclectic melt of people – mostly well heeled so a paragon of people surveying.
For feasting: Bistro Bizerca, 98 Shortmarket Street, Heritage Square, Cape Town www.bizerca.com Although seemingly fine dining, this bistro style restaurant offers food that rouses excitement in me. The oysters with ginger and gooseberry dressing coupled with endless bubbly is my idea of the perfect start to a meal.
The Boat House 36 Beach Road, Scarborough, Cape Town www.chefbrucerobertson.com A scenic drive from the city center delivers not only food that ticks the locavore charm but also time with Bruce Robertson – a real food philander. Perfect for a group of friends.
Bistro Bizerca
Panama Jacks Quay 500, Cape Town Harbor www.panamajacks.net On the down low, and set in the harbor is the hearth of the best seafood in the city. From bouillabaisse to lobster this is where it all hides out.
Morning times: Hemelhuis 71 Waterkant Street, Cape Town www.hemelhuijs.co.za A sophisticated and beautifully poised café with a baroque flair for breakfast with marinated fruits and wonderments in their brioche.
Rosetta Roastery 6 Albert Road, Cape Town www.rosettaroastery.com The greatest coffee in the city with pour overs and Chemex treats freshly roasted from the micro lots procured from Asia, South America and Africa – gives me the perfect fuse of caffeine and finesse.
To browse and shop: Lim 86 Kloof Street, Gardens, CapeTown www.lim.co.za Always filled with stylish finds where I can Mies Van Der Rohe inspired lighting, furniture and most of all, gorgeous collectibles.
Merchants on Long 34 Long Street, Cape Town www.merchantsonlong.com A left-field artifact store that celebrates African goods from around the great continent that keeps my interest piqued with its great span of extraordinary pieces.
Cape Cobra 4th Floor Hill House, 43 Somerset Road, Greenpoint, Cape Town www.capecobra.co.za Hand crafted leather and completely manufactured on site. Exotic leathers thrill me, as they are only available in Africa of course. Exported to Madison ave and rebranded for top dollar.
Some secrets:
Rust en Vrede
Rust en Vrede A private dinner at the historic Wine Farm (organized exclusively by ROAR Africa) comes complete with 1940s wine served by the proprietor himself.
Cecile and Boyd’s Showroom 26 Kloofnek Road, Cape Town www.cecileandboyds.co.za Not technically open to the public but as an avid interior designer lover, the showroom dazzles me with colonial pieces mixed harmoniously with all things glamorous. The brown manor on the hill shows off some of the most beautiful “objets” available on the continent.
Masseuse: Weiland Bettzieche – (organized exclusively by ROAR Africa)
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About The Author: As the CEO and Founder of Roar Africa, Deborah Calmeyer is striving to redefine purposeful, responsible, luxury travel, offering one-of-a-kind services carefully tailored to the eastern and southern Africa traveler. Calmeyer meets personally with each client in order to create top-tier travel options for high-net-worth individuals all over the world.
Contact: Deborah Calmeyer, 212-300-4511; deb@roarafrica.com; www.roarafrica.com
