Don't let the weather get in the way of planning your next vacation
Cape Town is beautiful. Voted best travel destination by the Daily Telegraph (Britain) in 2018, it's not difficult to see why - the Mother City has it all.
If you're an adventurer, scaling the iconic Table Mountain must be on your to-do list, water babies can melt away days on the beach, while creatives have a playground of live music venues, art galleries, comedy clubs and theatres to explore.
Don't get me started on the smorgasbord of eateries foodies can stuff themselves with.
It seems Western Cape's capital city offers tourists a dream holiday. But when the winter chill sets in, travellers tend to flock to where it's warmer. Though the Cape Doctor can be unforgiving, I've personally spent time at a few hotels and guesthouses that make you forget all about the winter.
If you're planning a seasonal getaway, consider staying at:
This eclectic hotel is warming from the moment you cross the threshold. Owners Anahid and Armid celebrate local colours and textures with a vibrancy of commissioned pieces completed by local artists.
Located a mere 550m from Kloof Street, one of Cape Town's most popular strips, you won't be able to tell as the walls seems to magically cancel out the noise while wrapping you in their hospitable embrace.
This oasis will make it feel like it's summer - or at least it did for my stay. Luca, the hotel manager, must've driven the icy bite away because by the time I checked in, we managed to enjoy a chilled glass of Chenin Blanc by the pool.
If you've ever asked yourself, 'where can I find a conveniently located hotel that isn't stuffy and static, but rather exciting, dynamic, and filled with amenities I didn't even think I needed?'
Radisson Red is your answer.
The funky hotel only opened its doors at the end of 2017, but has already become one of the most sought after accommodations in the city. Not only are you in the heart of the Silo District, with Zeitz Mocca right next door, but the Red team have curated seasonal events and weekly activations locals don't even want to miss out on.
And look, if the gin blending course or rooftop bar stocked with the in-house Baxter Bitchin' Blonde beer isn't enough to keep you entertained, a BMW motorbike will take you wherever you'd like to go.
PS - I managed to sneak a few nibbles of the winter menu set to premier in July; you'll want to reserve a table for dinner or you risk missing out on a jaw-dropping meal.
Their farm-to-table ethos has established them as one of my favourite places in the world (sorry guys, but Maputo will always maintain the coveted spot), Babylonstoren is an ideal getaway for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
You'll enjoy the quiet at this historic Cape Dutch farm that reveals itself to you like a Matryoshka doll.
A jam-packed itinerary will comprise of a cellar tour that includes olive, mampoer and wine samplings; a mountain drive, which is really just sun downers at sunset; dinner at Babel; a garden tour at dawn that takes you through the incredible grounds of free-growing fruits that you can enjoy at will - whetting your appetite for brunch at the legendary Greenhouse restaurant.
Because there is so much to do, I suggest spending an entire weekend with the faultless Babylonstoren team. That way, you can carve out time to soak in their restorative baths, pop into the spa for a massage, make 100% organic cosmetic to take home, and enjoy the generous offering of complimentary room wine.
Though Cape Town is a wonderful city, it tends to get a little claustrophobic for those who live and work within its walls. The heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom is spacious enough for you to really stretch out and let your body, mind and soul breath.
There are only five glass-fronted cabins at this ethereal hideaway, giving you a chance to explore the boast of breath-taking waterfalls, hiking trails, and private rivers and damns in peace.
Shift gears, and slow all the way down at Oudebosch. The restorative getaway destination will have you indulging in what Elizabeth Gilbert, author or Eat Pray Love, celebrated as il dolce far niente (sweet idleness).
Gorgeous George
New kids on the block, the innovative Gorgeous George team have completely reimagined the way we do 'space.' This hotel is a literal fusion of two buildings and the theme of merging is found throughout.
Honouring the historical site they call home - which is St George's Mall - as well as the local landscape, this bohemian hotel manages to also effortlessly execute contemporary styles through a careful and intentional curation of the entire experience.
Each room is cosy, not because it's small but rather the personal touches and refined finished make you feel at home. The immaculate Gigi Rooftop Bar is a jungle-inspired oasis decorated with palm trees, terracotta couches and an emerald tiled pool you can enjoy when the sun is out.
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We're only a month into #winter so you can expect this list to grow. Keep an eye out for more additions to my #winteraccommodationcapetown listicle.
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