| The Mount Nelson Hotel
This grand dame of Southern African hotels opened its doors in 1899 hoping to please its guests in a similar fashion to that of the London classics.
This it did. Since its conception it has retained a fundamental attraction, unequalled in Cape Town's grand-luxe circuit: that of inborn spirit. The spirit of the 'Nellie' (affectionate name used by luxe-trotters in the 'know') has aged gracefully, feeding its marrow with timeless idiosyncrasies; it has consistently hosted fame and fortune, along with the likes of you and I, and still bears the glorious trademarks of its landmark status. Its location beneath Table Mountain is not only spectacular it is also extremely central.
This trip we had no night to spare for a stay at the Nellie, but we did manage a few oysters in the Planet Bar. It was a Sunday afternoon and high-tea, for which it is famed, was in full swing; reminiscent of colonial teas that spread in full state-banquet-style with tables layered, tiered, and superbly decorated. Guests today are dressed differently but little else has probably changed. The gardens beyond this Sabbath jubilee were rejoicing in a recent downpour. The cloud that had seemed to pester us all week opened its nimbus, flushing Cape Town and the pink Nellie with a roaring display. Once dispersed, a vibrant rainbow sprung up over the mountain, temporarily hushing the sponge-delighted guests. It's beautiful here. The oysters that followed this seemingly staged production in the V. groovy Planet Bar were excellent: not milky and genuinely comparable to Europe's rock variety. The kitchen was not officially open but the staff here are so obliging...
So, in order to get some fresh feedback regarding a stay at the grand dame, I quizzed my friend Lene, who stayed here for almost three months this year while filming and producing 'Flashbacks of a Fool' with Daniel Craig. Of course she, and all the crew plus actors, stayed here on our recommendation and from what I can glean - the lovely Nellie was home from home. Quite something for an uber-luxe hotel, but that is what they seem to do so well; individual pampering, in as well as on, a grand scale.
Lene stayed in two suites during her stay here: one for sunset and one for sunrise. She loved both and in particular she found the staff's nurturing manner along with their finely tuned 'nothing is too much of an effort' disposition a remarkable feat. She has stayed in many luxury hotels but this vital component for a long stay was so impressive that she is determined to return en famille next year.
Eating Out in Cape Town
Harbour House in Kalk Bay - for its ocean location is unbeatable. Fresh catch of the day is never a let down and the maritime décor in fresh white and blue works wonders with its dramatic backdrop. The light here is vibrant and whales breach to order.
Salt - for its bird's eye view of the sea - clings with a newfound glamour to Cape Town's most expensive cliffs. The menu is brasserie with a Malay twist and many salad varieties. Models cling to the bar here while celebrities enjoy a window-side table.
Eating in and around the Waterfront is great for soaking up the seal loving harbour atmosphere and it's from here that you can take a memorable day trip out on a catamaran (with bubbles and picnic). It is, however, extremely frenetic, a little soulless, and is not conducive to relaxation.
La Colombe in Constantia Uitsig - a food connoisseur's Cape Town imperative. We have many more to add to this list though did not try them out on this occasion.
A designer's shrine to dining perfection:
AnnA G Interiors is situated in the quaint suburb of Chelsea Wynberg: the streets here are some of the prettiest you will find anywhere in Cape Town, with classic old monuments dotted between exceptionally stylish modern homes with flourishing gardens. It is only fitting, therefore, that the row of boutiques, shops and luxury cafes, should be outstanding. AnnA G Interiors has more covetable kitchen/dining/home accessories (some of which are bespoke) and necessities than any shop of its kind we have seen almost anywhere. Even if you can resist temptation it is worth visiting in order to marvel at the outstanding displays.
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