Cape Town: This summer’s must-do magic

It seems that the Brits just can’t get enough of Cape Town: UK visitors constitute South Africa’s biggest foreign visitor constituency, with over 300,000 visiting annually. As a relocated Capetonian, I don’t blame them – I take every opportunity I can to return and below I share a few insider favourites. 

Eat at Terrarium Restaurant

Nestled within the luxurious interiors of the five-star Queen Victoria Hotel, away from the hustle and bustle of the Waterfront, Terrarium is a new highlight on the Cape Town dining scene. Here, Chef Patron Chris Erasmus’ passion for sustainability and local produce combines with Head Chef Anlou Erasmus’ fine dining expertise. FLORA and FAUNA are the two multi-course menus, full of enticing flavours and foraged finds.

From bone marrow-sculpted butter, to roasted venison loin, and Ocoa chocolate crémeux – it is a mouthwatering eight-course journey. When our server Alan brought over a magnum of my favourite Cap Classique, I knew the wine pairing would be as exciting as the food. His knowledge of food and wine was incredible – do ask for Alan if he’s around.

Wellness at the Westin’s Heavenly Spa

The city has no shortage of spas, so if you’re going to take a couple of hours of R&R, you might as well do it in style. At Westin’s Heavenly Spa, the sky is the limit – literally, since the spa occupies the top story of the towering glass hotel, and from every corner, unparalleled views are offered. Pushing 19 on the elevator and stepping out into the spa always feels like I’ve left the humdrum of life far below, and from this elevated position, I can simply focus on some self-care.

From the range of treatments, bookmark the Heavenly Pamper Package, which includes a massage, facial, manicure, and pedicure over three lavish hours. Floating out afterwards, the choice is whether to lounge at the heated pool, take a dip in the jacuzzi, or visit the steam and sauna rooms – all glass-encased, framing views of the busy city around. If others in your party want to enjoy the facilities without a massage, they can get full access for £30 and also soak up the wellness with a view.

Paddle with Cape Kayak Adventures

Cape Town’s views are complete with the azure encircling waters of the Atlantic Ocean, teeming with life. Cape Kayak Adventures is one of the foremost operators giving guests the chance to explore the ocean from the safety of a kayak. What also catches me off guard is the commanding views of the city you’re served once out on the water. The waterfront is flanked by the city skyline, all set at the foot of the austere Table Mountain. Take your phone along – you’ll want to snap a shot or two, and with waterproof bags, it’ll stay safe and dry.

Owner Tracey is one of those people whose passion is simply contagious. Even a message from her conjures up memories of paddles I’ve joined her on. On almost every paddle, we’ve seen dolphins, penguins, whales, and sunfish. She recently told me of an unforgettable sighting: “We were surrounded by a super-pod of over 500 Long-Beaked Common dolphins speeding past us on a hunt, and we could hear their loud squeaks to each other from the kayaks above. The water surged as they flew by, breaking the surface with an exhalation so loud that it made our hearts and kayaks bounce with pure joy.”

Wine tasting at Steenberg

Since Cape Town’s Constantia wine region is the birthplace of wine in the Southern Hemisphere, a visit is imperative. Skip the generic tastings and head to Steenberg Farm for the Vineyard Experience: the 90-minute tour includes a walk through the historic estate, learning about the region’s distinct terroir. The tour concludes with a tasting of the estate’s premium cool climate wines: the Sauvignon Blanc, Black Swan, Merlot and Catharina. If you love the experience as much as I did, you won’t need much persuasion to cancel the rest of the day’s plans and enjoy a meal at one of the two restaurants or a massage at the award-winning spa. Be sure to book the experience in advance.

Stay at Spindrift Villa

After all the exciting exploring, I expect somewhere equally memorable to stay, and Nox Cape Town never fails to impress. With over 220 properties, there’s truly something for every budget, group size, and preference. On my most recent trip, I wanted to gather a group of 14 friends. On their website, I selected seven bedrooms and above, entered my dates, and then revelled over the enticing options.

I chose the seven-bedroom Spindrift Villa in the prestigious Camps Bay strip. With the towering peaks of the 12 Apostles Mountains behind and generous ocean views below, Spindrift knew how to play to its location. The dreamy family holiday home is spread over several levels, with endless entertainment and communal spaces, including a cinema room, gym, study, and no less than three dining areas. Then there’s the garage converted into a games room with table tennis, foosball, darts, snooker, and a basketball hoop. Throughout our stay, there was no shortage of shouts and cheers coming from the room.

Outside the pool was surrounded by inviting loungers and a covered jacuzzi. Come sunset, it’s a case of double bubbles – the water jets massaging our bodies, and glasses filled with sparkling local wine – of course, made just miles away in the city that effortlessly offers it all.