Sometimes with all the stress and pressure of modern life, I feel the need to get away from it all! I mean really get away from it all! No cell phone, no computer, no electricity; just me my thoughts and Mother Nature. The De Hoop Collection offers the perfect place to do just that! [Read more…]
Travel Inspired Living SA
Inspired Living SA Travel Blog brings you great travel adventures from South Africa, as well as International destinations. You will find out more about the fantastic travel opportunities within the Western Cape and the greater South Africa. Read articles featuring the amazing places I have travelled, as well as what is on my Travel Bucket List.
The Verge Aparthotel Sea Point
At the end of last year Grant and I stayed at The Verge Aparthotel Sea Point. The Verge is centrally located within the heart of Sea Point on the Atlantic Seaboard, in Cape Town. It offers guests a unique accommodation option, which has all the convenience of a hotel, with the comfort of home.
The Verge Aparthotel
The complex houses 21 impeccably furnished, fully equipped suites, which are available for stays of one night or longer. Weekly and monthly rates are available on request for guests requiring a longer stay. The Verge offers a host of on-site facilities, which include a front desk concierge, round the clock security, free WiFi, secure free parking and keycard access.
The accommodation is well-priced, offering a solution that caters to business, as well as leisure travellers. The elegantly designed self-catering suites, include a selection of one and two bedroom units. All suites are furnished to a four-star level, with luxurious, modern furnishings and a fully kitted out kitchen.
I loved the arty décor touches and the hand-chosen artwork, which all enhance the space, giving it a sense of warmth and style. The bedroom is elegantly furnished and the bed was super comfy, which in my opinion is a very important factor, when selecting accommodation!
Our apartment had balcony with an amazing view of Lions Head! The balcony area is equipped with a patio table and chairs, as well as a gas braai if you are keen to embrace your inner braai-master!
The complex lies just one block away from the iconic Sea Point promenade, with a selection of excellent restaurants, coffee shops, cocktail bars and eateries found within walking distance. Early evening we decided to walked down to the promenade and watch the sun set. Naturally this had to be done with a delicious Italian ice cream in hand. En route back to the apartment we picked up a few breakfast supplies at Woolworths and then stopped off at Simply Asia for a takeaway dinner.
Both Grant and I really enjoyed our stay at The Verge Aparthotel Sea Point! The location is perfect and we both loved the convenience of being able to walk down to the shops, as well as the promenade. It is also a mere 5 minute taxi trip to V&A Waterfront and within easy reach of Camps Bay or Clifton beach. For those travelling on business, the Cape Town International Convention Centre and CBD are equally close by.
Contact and Location:
Contact: To book accommodation or find out more please contact The Verge via tel +27 21 286 0794 or The Verge Aparthotel Website.
Location: Cnr Main Rd & Holmfirth Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8060, South Africa
Radisson Blu Hotel Cape Town Romantic Getaway
One of the things Grant and I have really enjoyed doing over the past few years, is staying overnight in the Cape Town CBD. Cape Town has so much to offer as far as accommodation goes, ranging from fabulous Luxury Hotels, Cosy B&B’s to Self-catering Apartments. When booking accommodation, location is everything! If you get it wrong, your experience can be rather unpleasant. My advice is, select accommodation that is centrally located but not in the hub of the busy nightlife. That is if you would like to get any sleep at all! Our most recent romantic getaway was to the the Radisson Blu Hotel Cape Town.
Radisson Blu Hotel Cape Town
The Radisson Blu Hotel is situated on the picturesque waterfront of Cape Town, with the iconic Table Mountain as a backdrop. It is also a heartbeat away from Cape Town’s pulsating business centre with The Cape Town International Convention Centre only five minutes away. The famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, which has a vast selection of Shops and Restaurants , is an easy stroll (or complimentary shuttle), from the Hotel. A short trip also gets you to some of Africa’s most beautiful beaches. Location, location, location!
Accommodation
The Hotel offers 177 elegantly designed guest rooms, including 11 Two Bedroom suites and 71 Business Class rooms. These rooms all have private balconies and spectacular views. Additionally there are 9 Superior rooms and 86 Non-Sea Facing Standard Rooms. All guest rooms are equipped with free Wifi, direct dial telephones and 42-inch HD TV’s with HD DSTV channels in all rooms. There is also a mini bar, tea and premium coffee-making facilities.
We were fortunate enough to stay in a gorgeous Business Class Room with the most breathtaking view over the pool area and across the bay.
The room was wonderfully spacious, with a cosy lounge area. Grant and I are both fussy when it comes to hotel beds and pillows! The Radisson did not dissapoint – the bed was super comfortable, with the most silky soft linen. There is also a pillow menu available, if the ones provided are not to your liking.
After dropping our luggage in our room, we hopped on the courtesy shuttle, which leaves the hotel every hour, to visit the V&A Waterfront. First on the agenda was a bite of lunch, at Willoughby & Co, one of our favourite sushi spots! Mr had a hair cut booked, so I did what I do best – shopping! We decided on a walk back to the hotel – it was such a beautiful day for a stroll to take in the sights.
A quick change and we set off for the rim-flow swimming pool, which is heated year-round I might add! A definite win in my books. We spent a wonderful few hours doing nothing more than reading, sipping on G&Ts and simply relaxing.
Dining
Tobago, the Hotel’s Restaurant, Bar and Terrace, overlooks the vast blue Atlantic Ocean. It is truly the most magnificent setting and I cannot think of a better location for lunch, dinner or a leisurely drink.
The atmosphere on the terrace is very relaxed and you certainly do not need to dress up. After a quick shower we decided to enjoy a few cocktails, while soaking up the gorgeous view and watching the yachts sail past.
The Hotel’s Executive Chef brings many years of experience to the table, to provide an internationally inspired menu, catering for just about every taste. Expect a combination of fresh local dishes with exotic delicacies, all complemented by superb South African wines.
As well as the normal a la carte menu, the Radisson Blu Hotel Cape Town has introduced a new seaside grill eating experience at Tobago’s. The seafood grill is available every Saturday from 6.30pm to 10pm, until the end of April 2016.
It is a buffet style seafood offering with line fish, calamari, paella, mussels, and seafood kebabs. For meat lovers there is also a curry, sirloin beef and shoulder of lamb, all available with salads and vegetables dishes. If you still have room, there is a selection of decadent deserts including pavlova, crème caramel, chocolate mousse, profiteroles and fruit salad. The cost is R295 per person.
The Amani Spa
Before checking out the next morning we had a couples massage booked at hotel spa. Both Grant and I were really looking forward to our massage, as the last few months have been rather stressful!
From the exterior the spa is rather unassuming but what waits behind the glass doors is anything but! The Amani Spa at the Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront offers guests the ultimate in relaxation and pampering. The state-of-the-art unisex spa, boasts ten luxurious treatment rooms, plus a couples spa suite. Wellness facilities include a heated vitality pool, duo vichy showers, kneipp, caldarium, sensation shower and sauna as well as a high-tech gym overlooking the harbour.
Amani Spa’s philosophy of 360° health, beauty and wellness is all encompassing, embracing all aspects of holistic health and beauty. Indulge yourself with one of our signature spa rituals, the Amani Journey – an aura cleanse, body balance and sensory feast for one or two people.
After changing into our robes, we were shown to the couples spa suite – or as I would like to think of it, a small slice of heaven. I have had many massages in my time, ranging from some which have been fantastic, to some which have been downright torture. So you must realise when I say it was good it was GOOD! I carry the weight of the world on my shoulders or as my therapist suggested all the stress of 2015 – so anyone who can deal with all that tension is a miracle worker!
The Spa offers customised spa packages for each and every occasion, from day spa packages to stay over packages, for an individual or for a group as well as unique Corporate Wellness packages. The Amani Spa and Fitness Facility is open to hotel guests as well as to day visitors seven days a week, 365 days a year, including public holidays. Please note that the spa vitality pool is not available for kids under the age of 16 years.
The Radisson Blu Hotel Cape Town has definitely been added to my list of top hotels in Cape Town. The location is perfect as a tourist or as a local! I love the fact that you can act like a tourist in your own city. Tobago’s restaurant is a great a spot, whether you are a hotel guest or not!The facilities at the hotel are great and the staff were friendly and very helpful.
Location & Contact Details:
Location: Beach Road, Granger Bay, Cape Town 8002, South Africa. Contact: For bookings please contact the hotel via Tel: +27 21 441 3000, Fax: +27 21 441 3560 or Email: [email protected] or visit the Radisson Blu Hotel Cape Town Website.
London Countdown { Travel Journal }
The countdown has begun – 26 days and counting! I cannot believe it is less than a month until we leave for London! I know most people think we are crazy, to be venturing off to the UK in mid-December! They are probably right seen as it is freezing, not to mention the current exchange rate but there is a purpose. Well a few actually…we have friends and family in the UK and want to spend time with them over the festive season. Then there is the possibility of a white Christmas – maybe just maybe. Last but certainly not least SHOPPING – sales, sales and more sales!!! [Read more…]
Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort Citrusdal
My local travels this year, have allowed me to explore a few wonderful new places! One such place I visited recently, was Piekenierskloof, in Citrusdal. Situated high up in the Piekenierskloof Pass, nestled within the Cederberg Mountains, you will find Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort.
Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort
Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort, is a 2-hour drive from Cape Town. The resort offers guests a real opportunity to escape city life! With stunning views across the Oliphant’s River Valley and a host of leisure activities, it really is the perfect getaway destination.
Accommodation
The Hotel offers guests the choice of either a Valley Suite, Valley Studio, Mountain Suite or Deluxe Suite. All the rooms are well appointed and feature: ceiling fans, air conditioning, under floor heating, bar fridge, microwave, DSTV channels, hairdryers, tea & coffee making facilities, electronic safes. There is free WIFI available at the resort but only in the common areas, not in the rooms. Two children {under 12} can be accommodated on a sleeper couch, in the Valley Suites, at an additional cost.
I stayed in a Valley Suite, which had a balcony and great views across the valley! My bed was super comfy and room is wonderfully spacious, with a small sofa and coffee table. If I had to book a room again I would definitely request a Valley Suite!
As well as the Hotel Accommodation the resort offers Two Bedroom Self-catering Chalets, which sleep six people. Chalet accommodation consists of two bedrooms, both ensuite, a loft room, open-plan lounge dining area and a fully equipped kitchen. The main bedroom has a queen size bed, the second bedroom has two single beds and the loft two twin beds. There is also an under cover patio area with a built-in braai. Chalets have DSTV, ceiling fans and selected units have aircon.
The chalets are perfect if you are travelling with children but be warned they are booked up months in advance! My advice is book now for next year, so you won’t be disappointed!
The views from the hotel suites, as well as the chalets are stunning! The grounds are beautifully maintained and there is a wonderful kiddies play area, within view of the chalets.
Dining
Kloof, the hotels restaurant, is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As well as indoor seating, there is a wonderful outdoor deck area. The deck overlooks the pool and has beautiful mountain views!
We enjoyed both lunch and dinner at Kloof and I must commend them on delicious food, as well as great service! Portions are generous and the meals, in my opinion, are good value for money. They have a rather extensive wine list, which features many of the wines from the immediate area. Keeping it local, which I think is great!
Facilties
Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort has a indoor heated pool, as well as an outdoor swimming pool. The swimming pool has the best views and is rather refreshing in the heat, which can be extreme during summer. I actually took the plunge after our rather adventurous activities!
The Piekenierskloof Wellness Centre offers face and body spa treatments, an ideal way to unwind and enjoy a bit of pampering. Unfortunately due to time constraints I was not able to enjoy a spa treatment but there is always next time!
As I mentioned earlier Piekenierskloof has a great kiddies play area, as well as tramolines and a cute put-putt course. Volley ball is also available, as well as outdoor chess.
If you are a bit of an adventure junkie, they have you covered! Onsite activities include target shooting, zip lining, walking trails and a wonderful mountain bike trail.
Eendekuil Lookout
A wonderful surprise organised by the hotel, was a sundowner trip to the lookout at Eendekuil. The views literally had us all speechless!
It really felt like you were on top of the world! I do not think my photographs do it justice but you will get some idea of the pure splendour of the place. I love the shot I captured of @MrCPT {aka Dylan Moore} – the image says it all, no caption needed!
Part of the surprise was a beer and wine tasting and delicious nibbles. We tasted a variety of local beers, from the area. There were definite favourites amongst the group. I am not going to attempt to weigh-in, as I am not a beer drinker but the most talked about beers, were the Boggom en Voetsek, from Cederberg Brewery!
We also had the opportunity of trying a few wines from the surrounding area, including one of my favourites the Cederberg 2013 Shiraz! What a truly magical experience sipping some of the best wine the Cederberg has to offer, while soaking in that amazing view! The resort does arrange trips to Eendekuil lookout, for hotel guests as an add on, so please remember to inquire when you make your booking.
I really enjoyed my stay at the resort and had loads of fun! I must say a big thank you to the wonderful staff, who took care of us so well, especially Natasha who showed us all the sights! As well as thank you to Big Ambitions, who arranged the trip! I am looking forward to taking my family back soon and possibly staying in one of the chalets.
Special Offer
As a special offer for my readers, Piekenierskloof are offering a 25% discount off your booking value. All you need to do is book via the Dream Resorts website, using my Twitter handle, @inspired_lifeSA, as the promo code. The special offer is valid for travel and booking any time {both on and off peak season}. Please note that your discount, will be provided in the form of vouchers, upon arrival at the resort. the vouchers can be used towards food, drink and activities at the resort {excludes the spa}.
Location & Contact Details:
Address:N7 Piekenierskloof Pass, Citrusdal, 7340, South Africa Contact: Via Telephone:+27 (0) 22 921 3574 +27 (0) 22 921 2569 or Email
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