Cape Town City Experiences
By Nontando Mposo
We all know there is no shortage of things to do in and around Cape Town. From cool eateries that line the streets, many offering magnificent views, to drinking holes that offer both local and international beverages suitable for pretty much any occasions. I’m a big fan of exploring and discovering new hangout spots in the Mother City, no matter the season, I always find something cool to do.
To prove my point, my bestie and I planned a girls only weekend away which included a spa treatment.
We didn’t have to venture far, with our chosen base being the Protea Hotel by Marriott® Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge. Situated a stone’s throw away from the most popular tourist destination, the V&A Waterfront Mall, an excellent shopping, dining and entertainment hub, we were in the middle of the action.
Our vision for the weekend: to discover new parts of the city and revisit places we love but don’t get to visit enough.
A perfect morning:
Our Saturday began with a visit to the Oranjezicht City Farm, which is now in Granger Bay Blvd. This is a gem of a market, which surprisingly has not been over-saturated by all the cool kids (you know what I’m talking about!).
Offering fresh produce, healthy organic and free-range food and snacks, fresh flowers and plants, this is a perfect start to a morning. Our first stop was the smoothies bar called the The Shake Down and from there we indulged in fresh oysters while listening to cool beats by a live DJ. I love that there is ample comfortable seating available and beautiful ocean views.
The hotel:
A walkable distance from the hotel, the Breakwater Lodge comes with a noteworthy history. In a nutshell, the building itself used to be a 19th century prison, housing long term male convicts that were sentenced to work on the construction of the breakwater in Table Bay. Tales of racial segregation and being the birthplace for rehabilitation make up the narrative of the history of the place.
The Room:
Modernly decorated, the room had impressive views of Table Mountain and some of the Waterfront’s many eateries as well as the harbour. The room was equipped with an LCD flat screen, a mini-fridge, fast Wi-Fi and tea/coffee facilities. Basically everything you want from a modern hotel room.
The environment was pleasantly peaceful considering we were at the hub of entertainment and leisure. The hotel is tastefully decorated with a homely feel.
What to do in the area?
You are spoilt for choice here, there is literally something happening in every direction. We chose the organic route and went for a slow walk along the Mouille Point promenade. We passed public art, groups of birds along the way and got splashed by the ocean…pure bliss.
Sotano:
We stopped at Sotano for a drink and a bite to eat, on the main beach road in Mouille Point. The eatery offers Mediterranean eats, sushi and beers from around the world. Offering ocean views, we sat in the covered balcony area with heaters on. Inside is a cosy seating area with a blazing fire place…perfect for when it’s a bit colder outside.
Get pampered:
Our Sunday started on a very relaxing note with a spa treatment at the Breakwater Lodge called Relax Spa. You have an option to have the treatment in your room or visit the spa situated on the 1st floor. Pre-booking is essential.
My bestie and I had a heavenly hot stone massage which left us so relaxed and pampered, a lovely treat for hard working girls.
The spa’s in-house range of aroma oils named Noli Mini are divine and luxurious. The price list is quite reasonable as well. Definitely worth a visit!
Explore:
Don’t be scared to venture a little bit outside the hotel and the city to visit neighbouring suburbs. The next day we drove to Table Bay for some scrumptious seafood at the Blowfish Restaurant. After lunch we took a stroll on the beach with a magnificent angle and view of Table Mountain….well worth the drive.
Handy tip
Don’t be shy to ask the hotel staff for places to visit or see. Especially the staff at the Breakwater Lodge. They are always helpful and willing to help. Also, there are enough handy pamphlets at the reception area.