Trip Report- Cape Town
Exploring Cape Town: A Tale of Three Stays
Cape Town, South Africa, is a destination that offers an incredible diversity of experiences – from the bustling ocean-side vibes to serene wine country retreats, and majestic mountain hideaways. Our recent trip led us to three unique accommodations, each offering its own charm and a slice of South African splendor.
Chapman’s Peak overlook
The Winchester Hotel: A Sea Point Gem
Our adventure started at the Winchester Hotel, located in the charming neighborhood of Sea Point, which instantly captivated us with its close proximity to the sea. We quickly fell in love with morning strolls along the promenade, basking in the refreshing ocean breeze and harmonious sounds of waves hitting the shore.
The fact that we could easily walk around was a definite perk, especially with a variety of restaurants serving delicious local and international dishes just a stone's throw away from our hotel. A few of our favorities…
Kleinsky’s Delicatessen - Classic NY Style Jewish Deli with the best bagels in Cape Town!
Ellerman House Restaurant - Unbelievable views at sunset with fantastic drinks & food
Una Mas Mezcaleria - Surprisingly good Mexican food for South Africa
Fyn - One of Africa’s best restaurants for a good reason. We did the Lunch tasting menu and thoroughly enjoyed it. *Pro Tip - Do to the favorable exchange rate to USD, you can dine at Michelin-quality restaurants for much cheaper than in the US/Europe!
Despite the tempting food options nearby, we often looked forward to what our hotel had to offer. The breakfast at Winchester was consistently delightful – a wonderful start to our days filled with new discoveries.
The highlight of our stay was when we visited Boulders Beach and the penguin colony that live there. Watching the adorable African penguins waddle around and swim in the crystal-clear waters was a true delight. We also took a scenic drive along Chapman's Peak, marveling at the breathtaking coastal views. Returning to the comfort of our hotel after a day of exploration felt like coming home.
La Clé Lodge: Floral Elegance in Franschoek
Next on our itinerary was La Clé Lodge in Franschhoek, nestled amidst wine country's rolling hills and lush landscapes. The lodge's grounds were nothing short of enchanting; endless flowers and manicured greenery invited leisurely strolls and moments of quiet reflection.
An unforgettable experience was our private dinner surrounded by twinkling candles – it felt like a scene plucked out of a romantic novel. However, our stay wasn't without its drawbacks. The lodge's design as a large house with few rooms meant that privacy was scarce. Sounds carried easily from one space to another, reminding us that privacy here was more an illusion than reality.
Franschhoek itself proved to be an incredible stop after Cape Town. With its array of wineries, beautiful terrain, and relaxing vibes, we did not want to leave! Specifically, the winery Babylonstoren stood out as a one of the best wineries we’ve ever visted. We also discovered the town's famous "Painting Pig" named Pigcasso, and even took home a painting done by the pig himself!
The Thatch House: Hermanus' Hidden Treasure
Our journey ended at The Thatch House in Hermanus, a truly stunning property nestled between towering mountains and the vast sea. Our room was borderline GIANT, giving us a wonderful place to spread out and relax during this part of our journey.
The staff really worked to go above and beyond in ensuring our stay was wonderful, from addressing small issues in our room to going “off-menu” & making me the best grilled cheese sandwich I've ever tasted. Their willingness to accommodate us was clear and highly appreciated.
However, this property might not be for everyone. We has some issues, such as having no staff available during the night and occasional power cuts due to load-shedding – something future visitors should be ready for when planning a visit. We'd also recommend having a rental car as the property is incredibly isolated and not in a walkable area at all.
During our stay, we ventured into the town of Hermanus so we could explore the coast and its beaches. We were particularly drawn to the Cliff Path, a scenic route that offered glimpses of majestic southern right whales during their annual migration. Unfortunately, we didn't see any whales during our stay due to the time of year, but we saw videos and hope to return! The natural beauty of Hermanus combined with the warm hospitality at The Thatch House made for an truly relaxing experience and one we would seek out again.
Conclusion
Cape Town presented us with three distinct stays that each contributed uniquely to our experience in Cape Town. From urban convenience at Sea Point to natural elegance in Franschhoek and secluded luxury in Hermanus – South Africa proved once again why it’s a place that captures hearts effortlessly with its diverse allure. Whether you crave vibrant city life or quiet natural beauty, Cape Town offers an experience tailored just for you.
