Grant and I recently enjoyed a Romantic City Staycation at The Taj Cape Town. As you know, I love a country or seaside retreat, but I also really enjoy the excitement of a city getaway.
The Taj Cape Town
Located in the city centre, the Taj Cape Town Hotel celebrates the city’s history, as well as embracing the exotic charms of India.
In its former life, the Taj Cape Town was home to the SA Reserve Bank, as well as the Board of Executives (BoE). Ideally located in the CBD, guests can immerse themselves in the frenetic pace of city living. The hotel opens onto St George’s Mall, and many of Cape Town’s famous attractions are a short walk or drive away. After exploring the city there is nothing better than retreating to the five-star luxury the Taj offers.
I have always loved a city staycation and feeling like a tourist in my own town. It helps that the Cape Town CBD is a melting pot of eateries, trendy bars, galleries and boutiques.
The Hotel
The 176 individually decorated rooms, offer guests a variety of accommodation options, catering to both leisure and business travellers. Decor throughout the hotel is elegant, with Indian influences and contemporary finishes. Each room weaves a fastastical tale, with plush linens, lavish furnishings and five-star luxury.
One of the highlights for me, at the Taj, is the panoramic views of the city and Table Mountain. On a previous visit, I had a sneak peek of the presidential suite, and the views are breathtaking.
Many leisure and business travellers frequent the Taj, because of their excellent conference and event facilities at the Reserve. The lavish Bank Hall is the ideal location for a “wedding in the city” with stunning décor that includes opulent chandeliers, marble columns, as well as banqueting tables.
Dining
Food is something the Taj takes very seriously. They are most famous for the Bombay Brasserie, which in my opinion is the best Indian restaurant in Cape Town. Dinner during our stay was more of an Indian Feast than a mere meal! The evening was an incredible journey of Indian cuisine, each mouthful a flavour explosion.
If you are looking for something lighter, Mint Restaurant offers relaxed all-day dining with a multi-cuisine menu. For a real spoil, I would highly recommend the Taj Afternoon Tea, served in the sky-lit lobby. The famed breakfast buffet also served in the lobby, offers an excellent selection of hot and cold breakfast options.
The Twankey Bar, a speakeasy-style bar makes some of the best cocktails in town. During our stay, Grant and I enjoyed a fun masterclass at the bar and learnt how to make a few delicious drinks. Something we will hopefully be showing off at a dinner party soon.
Amenities
The hotel also has a fully-kitted gym, cigar lounge, Taj Club floor, an art gallery, library, indoor pool and the Jiva Wellness Spa.
Jiva Spa
Jiva Grande Spa draws on the culture of Indian royalty through the centuries, as well as 6000-year-old Eastern wellness philosophies devised to align body, soul and mind.
The spa’s global principles ensure that everything that touches the body is entirely natural, with materials like organic cotton, sun-bleached fabric, oven-baked pottery and soy cotton.
Visiting Jiva Spa, was one of the highlights of our stay. From the moment we set foot in the spa, I could feel the stress of everyday life melt away. After herbal tea in the welcome lounge, Grant and I enjoyed a heavenly, couples, full-body aromatherapy massage. My favourite part of the treatment was the facial massage near the end.
Other treatments on offer include body scrubs, body wraps, facials, waxing and pedicures. I highly encourage a visit to this fantastic spa, which combines Indian ceremonies and rituals to promote total relaxation.
Things To Do
As I mentioned, the city is a melting pot of exciting activities. You will find everything from shopping, dining in exciting restaurants, visiting galleries to sipping delicious cocktails. Below are a few of things to do in and around the hotel.
Afternoon Tea
As I mentioned the Taj Afternoon Tea in The Lobby Lounge, is a must even if you are not a hotel guest. The spread is as decadent as traditional afternoon tea can be, with a few added culinary twists.
Guided City Walks
If you are uncertain about exploring the city on your own, join one of the guided city walks from the hotel. The two-hour walking tour departs from the hotel Lobby Lounge at 10:30 am Tuesday to Saturday. It is the ideal way to explore both the cultural and historical heart of Cape Town.
V & A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is a short drive from the hotel, or you can make use of the hotel’s complimentary transfers to get there. You will find everything from retail stores, a wide array of restaurants and bars, to cinemas and a diamond museum.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
If you would like to explore more of the natural beauty of the Cape, then a visit to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is a must. Nestled on the slopes of Table Mountain, the gardens boast some of the most picturesque and unique flora in the world. They offer excellent guided tours, as well as a Tree Canopy Walkway.
The Winelands
You cannot possibly visit the Cape without visiting the Winelands. There are quite a few wine tours which you can book, or hire a shuttle for the day. Wine Estates are plentiful and a few of the main wine regions within an hours drive from Cape Town are Constantia Wine Route, Stellenbosch Wine Valley, as well as Franschhoek.
Contact Details & Location
For more information or reservations please either call +27 (0)21 819 2000 or visit the Taj Cape Town Website for more details. Location: Wale Street, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Disclosure
Please note that meals, drinks, as well as accommodation were enjoyed as guests of the Taj Hotel Cape Town. All opinions, content, and images are the property of Inspired Living or Fiona Rossiter unless otherwise stated. To see more, read the full PR & Disclosure Policy below.
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