Cape Grace Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Grace Hotel, Cape Town

Cape Grace Hotel

Curtains flutter in the breeze as I open my room's French doors to a majestic view of the flat-topped Table Mountain and the Victoria and Albert Waterfront. Posh boats, including one owned by the hotel, bob in the private quay directly below me. Luxury is the name of the game at the Cape Grace Hotel, located on the water's edge of Cape Town, South Africa.

However, despite amenities, there is no pretentiousness here. Free daily newspapers, the Fitness Studio adjacent to the spa, and a private library, among plenty of other services, make Cape Grace Hotel feel more like a 120-room mansion with extremely gracious hosts, rather than one of the top-ranked hotels in the world.

Warmth permeates the lobby. Everyone greets us and seems to immediately know our name. My husband and I are ushered up to our spacious, modern digs, where a comfy king-sized bed beckons. Fresh flowers, free internet access, a well-stocked room bar, plus coffee and tea facilities are just a few of the highlights. Adjacent to the bedroom is a spacious dressing area with two closets. The bathroom features a separate tub and shower, topped-off by an impressive marble double-sink vanity with contemporary metal detailing.

After getting settled, we go downstairs to explore the public rooms of the Cape Grace Hotel. Pictures and murals depicting old Cape Town hang everywhere. Decorated with large handwritten histories of the city's past, the walls, drapes and furniture speak volumes about South African culture.

Rooms are filled with antiques, including huge armoires, chests, vases, brass samovar and dazzling chandeliers- one with crystal, sea shells and birds hanging from it. Cabinets brim with South African artefacts. Scattered here and there are modern touches, like a metal chair. Books line the library walls and lots of pillows accent large couches and chairs. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy high tea, while soaking in Cape Town's rich heritage.

Outside, the Cape Grace Hotel sits in close proximity to shopping and restaurants. A quick stroll out the door and over the bridge lands us amid Cape Town's bustling marina, the Victoria and Albert Waterfront. Here, we can choose from over 400 retail shops, taste cuisines from all around the world, charter a boat out to sea, or even marvel at marine life in the Two Oceans Aquarium.

It's quiet on the waterfront, so my husband and I return and head for the bar. First, we stop at the reception area to pick up a spa menu.

"Don't bother to take it," says Marcus, the young man behind the desk. "We will send it up to your room."

It is not even necessary to give him our room number. He already knows it.

At the Bascule bar, we order some wine. The only Viognier offered by the glass is too sweet for me, so the bartender opens a higher grade bottle. Just another way this hotel aims to please.

The bar fronts the Signal Restaurant, an airy room with an adjoining conservatory that overlooks the pool. Entrees vary from seafood and steak to wild game like springbok. Breakfast, with its huge buffet, variety of breads and order-off-the-menu choices is positively delightful. My husband gets hooked on the French toast made with croissants.

The next day after touring the city and wine country, I head to the hotel spa. Vividly coloured mosaics give off a distinct African vibe, while treatment rooms with names like Paprika, Saffron and Calendula are each decorated with the corresponding spice colour. I indulge in the African Cape Massage. Gleaned from the tribal dances and healing practices of the desert wandering Khoi tribes, it uses relaxing, circular motions that simulate tribal dances and healing practices. It leaves me feeling like jelly.

I mention the short turnaround time between my 90-minute Skin Sphere Spice Journey and our dinner reservation. Once my treatment begins, I don't give it another thought. I am too busy falling into a deep rest during the skin emulsion, body massage, wrap, and shower followed by sprits of plum, frangipani and calendula. Afterwards, the lady I see in the mirror looks ten years younger.

As I am about to leave, the receptionist tells me that our dinner reservation and chauffeur-driven car have been rescheduled so we will not be pushed for time.

Regardless of how England fare in this World Cup, this hotel is unbeatable.
 
Cape Grace Hotel, Cape Town
Tel: (021) 410 7100.
Website: www.capegrace.com 
Prices from £368 per night (two sharing), including breakfast.