Tag: Camp’s Bay

A Camps Bay Day – Forest Streams to Beach Sand

Cape Town,South Africa,Traveller's tales
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By Tamlin Wightman on

The Camps Bay Retreat

Ideal for: Nature lovers who enjoy luxury

Camps Bay is known for its beaches, ocean and mountain views (and cocktails and models…), but yesterday a few of us from Rhino Africa found ourselves in a different part of this seaside suburb – on a swing bridge. Over a river. In a jungle.

Not quite the Amazon, but four acres of lush green nature reserve with thickets of trees, waterfalls and streams. It’s quite something, especially as you can look out at the bay in the near distance. The setting was Camps Bay Retreat, about 5 minutes from Cape Town city centre.

A fluffy golden retriever resembling Falkor the Luck Dragon in The Neverending Story led us through leafy walkways to an old mountain pool. He picked up a small log in his mouth and led us on to the Spa, where he traded wood for towel and walked out to the pool as if a hotel guest about to dive into the water.

Looking out of the Atlantic Ocean

Staying at the Camps Bay Retreat is an experience. It’s a child and dog-friendly sanctuary between the Atlantic Ocean and Twelve Apostles Mountain Range. Stay in Earl’s Dyke Manor, with dining room and library, for something more colonial and traditional; or the more modern Deck House or Villa. The estate has three pools, a tennis court, a spa and a fine dining restaurant – The Retreat Kitchen. The beach and its promenade of sidewalk cafés and exclusive restaurants are within easy walking distance. Contact us to find out more/book.

The Bay Hotel

Ideal for: Sun-worshippers, cocktail quaffers, beach bums, jet-setters, cityslickers.

After cappuccinos in the garden, we made like Falkor (our new pet), grabbed towels and headed for the beach. Well, that’s a lie, we had work to do. We had to pop into The Bay Hotel on the beachfront of Camps Bay. For lunch. And more cappuccinos.

It’s a beautiful venue, ideal this time of year as Spring becomes Summer, with blue skies stretching on over infinity pools. A few nights spent here, between beach sand and hotel pool lounger, I wouldn’t be able to imagine thinking about work again – only when to turn over and who to holler for pink drinks.

The Bay Hotel is a 5 star beach hotel on Camps Bay’s Platinum Mile on the slopes of Table Mountain, facing the most beautiful beaches and just minutes away from the city centre. You pay for location here and the several facilities on offer – such as the Tides Restaurant, the private Celebration Table for intimate events, Traders Cigar Bar & Lounge, Mint Wellness Spa, Gym, Hair Salon and Tennis and Squash Courts.

Contact us to find out more about The Bay Hotel and to book a stay.

Lunch Time at the Bay

For more great Cape Town inspiration, watch our video and contact us to start planning a tailor-made Cape Town itinerary. For other great restaurants to eat at while in Cape Town, read our favourites list for 2012.

Private Villas & Lodges in Southern Africa

Cape Town,General,South Africa
7 comments
By Tamlin Wightman on

How To Stay Alone In The Wild

Well, not entirely alone, and not only in the wild…

Exclusive-use villas and lodges – they’re “the next big thing” when travelling to Africa. Instead of sharing Africa with others, and their screaming children, do it alone, or with a few special family members, or a lover or two. Whether staying on a luxury game reserve or in a bustling city, Southern Africa’s private-use villas and lodges afford privacy, flexibility, space and freedom.

We all love to be pampered, served in bed and waited on with hot towels and silver tray deliveries of caviar and champagne. Right? But there’s something special about going away on holiday and having the place all to yourself. If you still want to be slightly spoiled and the self-catering element puts you off, don’t worry – most of these properties can provide you with your own private chef, butler, housekeeper, driver, game ranger, tracker or masseuse – you name it!

View of Table Mountain
Cape Town is a beauty, day and night

Cape Town in particular has some of the most spectacular villas, mansions and apartments in the world. Private villas and lodges have become a popular way to enjoy the sunny South African lifestyle. For family holidays and groups of friends travelling together, renting a comfortable and lavish holiday home can be extremely cost-effective.

Below are some of our favourites that we recommend. Feel free to contact one of our expert travel consultants to discuss the various options available, such as including your stay with other destinations, accommodation and tours, in a greater African itinerary.

Safari Lodges

  • Ulusaba Cliff Lodge – For those seeking the utmost in exclusivity, look no further than Ulusaba Cliff Lodge, part of the Ulusaba Portfolio – a private concession inside the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve adjacent to Kruger. There are two suites. Cliff Lodge is linked to Rock Lodge by a raised walkway giving you access to all the facilities of the main lodge. If you hire out Cliff Lodge exclusively (it can accommodate up to 5 adults and 4 children) you will get your own private chef, ranger and game vehicle!
Ulusaba Cliff Lodge
Ulusaba Cliff Lodge
  •  Lion Sands 1933 Lodge – Lion Sands 1933 Lodge is right on the banks of the Sabie River in the exclusive Sabi Sand Game Reserve in the Kruger National Park. It makes a great home away from home, if your home had a private chef and ranger and private 4×4 Land Rover for safari game drives.
Lion Sands 1933
Lion Sands 1933
  •  Londolozi Private Granite Suites – With a level of privacy and luxury that defies all notions of a safari lodge, the Londolozi Private Granite Suites are the most exclusive suites in a remarkable portfolio of safari accommodation in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. The three suites are available individually or as a whole camp so you and the family can have private and exclusive use of the whole camp.
Londolozi Private Granite Suites
Londolozi Private Granite Suites
  • Londolozi Pioneer Camp – This is the most secluded of Londolozi’s Luxury camps and can be converted into a private bush home for family groups of 6 – 14 through linking glass sky walkways.
  • Singita Castleton Camp – An exclusive-use property in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve adjacent to the Kruger National Park, this is the ideal place to go to with a group of friends or family. It can be booked as a complete safari lodge for a maximum of 12 guests in a single group. You will have your own private chef and a personal ranger who will be at your beck and call for game drives and bush walks.
Singita Castleton
  • Tswalu Tarkuni – Built in a remote and beautiful valley in The Kalahari, offering guests a secluded and luxurious experience, Tarkuni is available for exclusive use only and is ideal for small groups and families of up to 10 guests. There are five luxury bedrooms each with en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers. You’ll have a private game viewing vehicle and a dedicated chef.
Tswalu Tarkuni
Tswalu Tarkuni
Tswalu Tarkuni
Tswalu Tarkuni
  • Africa House – This is the exclusive-use bush villa at Royal Malewane, in the Thornybush Nature Reserve, Greater Kruger Park, which sleeps up to 12 guests in one of the most spectacular, luxurious and unique ‘houses’ in South Africa. You’ll get your own private game ranger, tracker, chef and butler. Privacy, personalised service and great game viewing – sound good?
  • Phinda Homestead – Part of the Phinda Private Game Reserve, this luxury bush villa provides an intimate and private retreat for up to 8 people, ideal for groups, families or those seeking their own piece of pristine wilderness. You will have your own private ranger and tracker, butler and chef.

Villas

  • Grootbos Villa – The latest addition to the Grootbos portfolio, this luxury villa is hidden in the natural wonderland of the Grootbos Nature Reserve with six elegant suites, a private butler, chef and guide. It has mesmerising 180°views of the whale-watching haven of Walker Bay. The villa is for exclusive use only, and is truly one of the most luxurious villas in South Africa.
Grootbos Villa
Grootbos Villa
  • Kanonkop Guest House‘s Knysna Heights Villa – Up the hill from Kanonkop is a new addition to the guesthouse, Knysna Heights Villa. It is an exclusive-use villa with three double en suite bedrooms and a relaxing beachside feel. It has sensational views of the Knsyna Lagoon and offers utter privacy.
  • Cape Blue is a stylish, contemporary villa in a magnificent location in trendy Camps Bay. Situated on a quiet road in the suburb, it is within easy walking distance to the beautiful Camps Bay and Clifton beaches, local shops, bars and restaurants.
  • Mwanzoleo – George Michael, yes, George Michael, once booked this breathtaking villa in the heart of Cape Town’s magnificent Clifton beaches. In the summer, this is the place to be and if you choose to stay in this Villa, you’ll be the envy of Cape Town!
  • Seasonsfind – Seasonsfind is an immaculate two-bedroom apartment with what is probably the best view of Camps Bay beach anywhere in the suburb. Designed with the holiday visitor in mind it has everything that you could want for in a vacation apartment.
Seasonsfind
Seasonsfind
  • Camps Bay Terrace Suite – Camps Bay Terrace Suite is an ultimate one bedroom accommodation in Camps Bay that offers the perfect retreat for a couple looking for some privacy. The apartment has fantastic views of Bakoven Bay, the Twelve Apostles and the Atlantic. It has an en-suite bedroom, lounge and open plan dining room and kitchen.
  • Bali Luxury Suite – Bali Luxury Suite is a modern and ultra-luxurious three-bedroom apartment situated in one of Camps Bay’s most prime positions. You can bask in the sunlight on the terrace with views of the Atlantic Ocean, or take a dip in your private rim-flow pool. In winter snuggle in front of the warmth of the gas fire and watch as the crashing waves in the bay.
  • Bond House – It’s as slick as the name would suggest and it’s in the heart of Camps Bay – a prime location and a villas that will have your friends turning green with envy!
Bond House
Bond House
Bond House
Bond House
  •  Bakoven Sunsets – Bakoven Sunsets on the slopes of the Cape Peninsula’s famous coastline. Nestled against the sheer beauty of the Twelve Apostles Mountain range, overlooking the magnificent Atlantic Ocean a rare luxury retreat awaits!
  • Birkenhead Villa – Situated on a private cliff overlooking Walker Bay, next door to Birkenhead House in Hermanus on the Whale Route, this stunning villa has five bedrooms and is completely child friendly – ideal for exclusive use.
Birkenhead Villa
Birkenhead Villa
  • Vos House – As one of the most prominent buildings in all of De Waterkant, Vos House has been completely rebuilt with meticulous attention to design solutions and clever detail. This magnificently renovated period house is immaculate, opulent and brimful of character.
  • Bridge House – The recipient of numerous design awards, Bridge House is an icon of Cape Town’s best contemporary architecture. It has separate suites with numerous private decks set in the indigenous garden.
  • De Hoogwater Apartments – These apartments are nestled on the slopes of Signal Hill, overlooking Table Bay, in De Waterkant, between the historical Bo-Kaap area and the Waterfront in Cape Town.

For more information, visit the Private Villas section on our website. Alternatively, contact one of our travel experts. We can help you plan your ideal African safari adventure, tailor-making it to suit your needs and interests.

A Seaside Soiree – The Twelve Apostles Hotel

Cape Town
1 comment
By Tamlin Wightman on

The place where earth, sea and sky meet

We bunked off early yesterday and made our way to The Twelve Apostles Hotel for sundowners and canapés. We often forget that we have this little thing called the ocean in Cape Town since we spend so much of the day in our office. But there it was – as pretty as ever – as we drove along the coastal road from Camps Bay to those twelve peaks called the Apostles.

Through the butler-attended entrance we slipped and picked up flutes of Champers before setting off on a short tour of the picnic spots and the newly-renovated Spa.

The picnic spots are dotted on the mountainside; you can choose where you’d like to dine – higher or lower, depending on your fitness level. The views over the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain National Park are out of this world. For guests staying here, it’s a must. The hotel’s location is quite remote compared to Cape Town’s other accommodation options and it feels as though it’s just you up there in the hills.

Treatment room with elevated views of the ocean
Treatment room with amazing views in Cape Town, Photo Credit: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa

The award-winning Spa, with its seven superbly-equipped treatment rooms, shares that feeling of being away from it all. It has an intimate, sanctuary-like feel with white walls, gentle coves and soft, calming blue lights. It has recently undergone a makeover and boasts so many treatment options that your body, mind and soul should be cleansed, exfoliated and invigorated for life.

A table set with tea and cakes by a fireplace
Enjoy High Tea with views of the sea at Twelve Apostles, Photo Credit: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa

The best wellness equipment

There are hydrotherapy pools, a sauna, flotation tank, rain showers, a Rasul Chamber for traditional cleansing rituals using steam and mud, a manicure and pedicure salon and a Tranquillity Lounge. There are even magazines, iPods and snacks and drinks for your pleasure. Designed by Toni Tollman, family member of the family-owned Red Carnation Hotel Collection of boutique hotels, the interiors use natural stone, marble, granite and glass to create a textured feeling throughout, with Buddha statues and oil burners to add to the serenity of it all.

Presidential Suite at Twelve Apostles
Presidential Suite, Image Credit: Twelve Apostles, Photo Credit: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa

We took over the sofas in the corner of the Leopard Room Bar – a place I should frequent. We featured it in our Top 5 Restaurants/Bars with Sea Views List for 2011. Their bar definitely cuts no corners, with exquisite Martinis and a great selection of vodkas, cognacs and port, as well as several wines and cocktails. Heck – the bartenders will even throw together a cocktail of your choice – just name the ingredients! We snacked on gourmet treats like beef medallions, chicken skewers, cucumber sandwiches, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and more. They offer great snack platters, oysters, biltong and “Tea by the Sea” (from 2-6 pm), with macaroons and eclairs and other sweet temptations.

Depuis le sommet de Lion’s Had profitez d’une vue à couper le souffle sur Table Mountain et Twelve Apostles, Photo Credit: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa

The evening wound down as we watched the sun set from the balcony outside. Inside, on a stool on the leopard-print carpet, a man played guitar and sang to his audience – the main member being a pig-tailed little girl hardly able to walk, but clapping louder than everyone else, as though she was the one knocking back the Jägermeisters.

Discover the Twelve Apostles

Yep, the Twelve Apostles Hotel is a favourite of many.

  • For more information or to book a stay at the Twelve Apostles Hotel, included in an itinerary of many other Cape Town delights, contact us. The hotel is part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, which also includes The Oyster Box Hotel in KwaZulu Natal and Bushmans Kloof in the Cederberg Mountains of the Western Cape.

On your marks, get set, Summer!

Cape Town,South Africa
4 comments
By Matthew Sterne on

Cape Town burst into life this weekend as the sun came out and temperatures hit 30 degrees. Summer is well on its way as Cape Town gets ready to welcome International visitors. Peak season in Cape Town runs from November until March when the Mother City really comes into its own. There can be few better cities in the World when the sun comes out. Saturday was Heritage Day so most South Africans wrestled for the tongs and celebrated with a traditional braai or BBQ.

Cape Town Summer

Cape grace hotel - Bascule Bar

Cape grace - exterior

It all began with sunset cocktails at the the Bascule Bar in the Cape Grace Hotel followed by the best lamb pizza in town at the Woodlands Eatery. With the World Cup starting to take shape, Saturday kicked off with bacon sarnies in front of the New Zealand v France match to fuel the afternoon hike up Lion’s Head where we set up this time lapse and enjoyed a couple of cold beers as the sun delved into the Atlantic.

An authentic Thai massage at En Masse made for a rather unique start to Sunday – an absolute must for anyone living in Cape Town to experience. Then it was time to hit the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay before taking a sunset cruise on the Peroni yacht from the V&A Waterfront. R200 will get you 90 mins on their slick catamaran with a couple of glasses of bubbly thrown in for good measure!

Cape Town Summer

Cheers to an excellent weekend and the start of Summer!

Cape Town Summer

Have you booked you booked your Cape Town summer holiday yet? If not, you’d better get cracking as the hotels and guest houses are filling up rapidly. Speak to one of our expert consultants today and let us tailor-make your Cape Town holiday of a lifetime!

The Kove, Camps Bay

Cape Town
0 comments
By Tamlin Wightman on

The Horny Grazer Review

I had never dined in Camps Bay before. It’s a strange but true phenomenon…

I’ve lived in Cape Town for 24 years and had never sat at a table in Camps Bay and eaten a meal. Sure, I’d bought a pie at the Pick ‘n Pay and sat on a bench by the beach munching as bronzed men in gold thongs strutted bantam-cockerel-like before me. Amusing snack time entertainment, for sure.

Perhaps it’s because the strip of restaurants on the promenade tend to be expensive by local standards and are more catered to tourists. Or maybe it’s just that gold-thonged bantams (what’s accepted in Brazil is not necessarily here) put me off. Nonetheless, last week Thursday, I gave it a shot.

Interior of The Kove

It being winter in Cape Town, there was a nip in the strip and fewer people than normal were out. A plus, to me. The Restaurant: The Kove. That night, being a Thursday, we had a live Jazz band play for us. It was a great touch – soft enough to hear my dining partner talk, but loud enough to block out the table next to me’s natters.

We sat further back, in a corner by the roaring gas fire place – so effective, that I’m sure this was the warmest joint in Cape Town that night. Up front is a floor-to-wall window through which you can glimpse the sea while dining. The Kove’s website explains its decor as classic Gentleman’s club meets contemporary Continental grillroom. Although, kitch but comfortable is how I’d describe it.

The big green throne that was my seat: comfortable, very comfortable. The walls of fake roses, ivy creeping up a pillar and across the ceiling and butterfly mobiles above tables: kitch. Nonetheless, the warmth, dim lighting and ocean view, together with my throne, made for a relaxing and pleasing setting to enjoy a meal. Especially with Diemersfontein Viognier white wine flowing smoothly.

Enjoy a decadent dessert afterwards

I went the seafood route and had the Prawns Three Ways as a starter. It’s one tasty threesome. Served with balsamico and fresh rocket are twelve sea water prawns in orange and cumin, brandy and mustard, and ginger and garlic. Like my main meal of Cajun kingklip with salad, the starter was strong but flavoursome and well-cooked.

My partner had the signature dish of Kove Fillet – with dark lindt chocolate, cashews, sweet onion mash and gorgonzola. The steak was exquisite and so perfectly soft in the centre. I stole a few forkfuls. But the addition of chocolate, together with the other flavours: not for me.

The service was prompt; friendly but not overbearing. Manager Ricky warmed us with a parting gift: a sweet shot of vanilla vodka, white chocolate syrup, splash of lime and a hint of chilli. Definitely better than a pie eaten on a bench. I think I might warm to the place…

Decor at The Kove is contemporary

Contact:

Shop 2B
The Promenade
Victoria Road, Camps Bay
Tel 021 438 0004
E-mail info@thekove.co.za
Web www.thekove.co.za

If you’re planning on visiting the Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town, visit our list of accommodation in the area and Camps Bay in particular. For other reviews of Cape Town’s diverse range of restaurants, read the Horny Grazer’s Cape Town section.

Other queries? Contact us.

Cape Town is a Beautiful City in Timelapse – Don’t You Agree?

Cape Town,Photography & Videos
3 comments
By Craig Harding on

Rhino Africa Safaris is based in Cape Town so it’s understandable that we really love this city. No one can deny that it ranks up there as one of the most spectacular cities in the world. Table Mountain towers over the Cape Town City Bowl and watches over the V&A Waterfront and Lion’s Head protects Sea Point and Greenpoint from the Cape Doctor (what we call the wind round here). Then there’s the amazing beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, the seal filled harbour at Hout Bay and the baboon and dassie filled Cape Peninsula National Park. Every bit of Cape Town just seems to ooze pretty, scenic and beautiful and this timelapsed video set to some dramatic music certainly shows the Mother City’s best side. Enjoy!

Check out our Cape Town Tours, which we can tailor-make to suit your individual requirements, or simply contact us now to plan your Cape Town holiday and African safari.

The Last Word Educational

Cape Town,Cape Winelands,South Africa,Traveller's tales
0 comments
By Matthew Sterne on

 

Like the A-Team, the Rhino Africans set off in the two black Mercedes Rhino Tripping vehicles for a Saturday evening to remember with the ebullient team from The Last Word and the Mantis Collection. The Last Word collection comprises five fantastic properties – Franschhoek, Sea Five, Bishop’s Court, Constantia and The Long Beach.

The Last Word - Long Beach

On yet another perfect Saturday afternoon, our first port of call was The Long Beach. The ideal beach house if ever there was. You’ll find a lot of ‘beach houses’ in SA that aren’t actually right on the beach but at the Long Beach you’ll enjoy true luxury and pampering right on the white sands of the Atlantic where the sun plunges into the Ocean, bathing the Cape Peninsula mountain ranges in glorious, pink hues. This is an intimate boutique guest house – the six magnificent suites all have dazzling sea views in the charming lobster fishing village of Kommetjie. As you might expect, there is a very long beach – 8kms of uninterrupted white sands. It is an unspoilt paradise in which to walk, ride horses, surf or simply laze in the sun. Watch whales frolic a hundred meters off shore and in season, you can catch your own lobster and get it cooked for dinner. Now that’s Ayoba.

The Last Word - Long Beach

After a couple of cheeky sangrias on the viewing deck and a detailed tour of the rooms, we set off for our next stop, The Bishops’s Court. Half our team were staying here and the other half at The Constantia. The Bishop’s Court is smaller and more intimate with an infinitely peaceful atmosphere under the towering backdrop of Table Mountain. It’s in the quiet and leafy suburb of Bishop’s Court but it’s still only ten minutes from the buzzing city centre. Tessa is in charge and she exudes such a sense of calm, despite the marauding Rhino Africans clearly sent to traumatise the poor woman. Shortly before Kyle decided to kidnap her pashmina for the evening (I’m still not sure whether he thought it was his or whether it was just too fabulous to resist) Tessa was leaning out over the balcony and musing about how peaceful it was at Bishop’s Court. Just as a flock of irate Hadedas trumpeted into life from the immaculate gardens below. Impeccable timing.  We then pulled off some Austin Powers-like antics in the driveway, awkwardly manoeuvring the two enormous Rhino Africa SUVs around her anxious car.

The Last Word - Constantia

Thankfully the trauma ended there as we remained on best behaviour for the rest of the evening and enjoyed a delicious, traditional Cape Malay dinner at the Constantia before returning to Bishop’s Court for a nightcap and an early night (Kyle even returned the pashmina).

What sets the Last Word apart is the attention to detail and the doting staff – everything has been thought of. The Eggs Benedict for breakfast was delicious and instead of a chocolate on my pillow at bed time, I found a meticulously placed mini crème brulee on the bed with a sheath of lavender – how very decadent. Over at The Constantia it was chocolate brownies – a different petite dessert every night.

The Last Word - Five

The rooms are huge and decadent incorporating soft autumnal and cream colours – huge baths and showers with room for all of Jacob Zuma’s wives. Kyle and I were sharing a room with an enormous open-plan bathroom, slightly awkward come shower time but no doubt ideal for honeymooners.

The Constantia is slightly bigger but still very intimate – set among tranquil gardens in Cape Town’s oldest wine valley, you’ll be spoilt for choice with some of SA’s finest vineyards and restaurants right on your doorstep.

But I think I’ve rather saved the best for last. My favourite of The Last Word collection is the newest edition – Sea Five in Camps Bay. Just 300 metres from South Africa’s most glamorous beach, the boutique hotel offers six exclusive en-suite rooms with clear, sweeping mountain and sea views.

This is a ‘beach house’ with a difference.  Every room has been individually styled through the creative collaboration of top South African interior designer, Francois Du Plessis and the Sea Five’s Italian Director Nicolò Pudel. The result is a stunning connection of the Mediterranean and southern African colour palette, an eclectic blend of the spaciousness of nature and refined luxury. The Penthouse really is quite a sight to behold, incorporating the whole of the top floor, with a huge roof terrace and balconies on every side, you won’t go wrong booking this. For me Sea Five is the jewel in the very splendid Last Word Crown.

The Last Word - Sea Five

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