Friday 11 March 2016

Cape Town – Design Capital of the World


If you can’t make up your mind where to travel to, well there’s good news; Europe and Africa had a kid and its name is Cape Town! This South African hotspot is truly the best of both worlds, from classic architecture and a jaw-dropping landscape to a thriving variety of different cultures – Cape Town has it all.

Where to Stay

STEENBERG
Just outside Cape Town, as you enter the beautiful wine country, lies this 17th century farmhouse and never-ending vineyard. Steenberg is luxurious, comfortable and totally relaxed, with lush gardens and funky antiques. Be warned though, you may not want to leave after all the unbelievable food, wine and spa treatment.


CAPE GRACE
Located on the V&A Waterfront, the Cape Grace hotel is unbeatable because of its amazing views and classic Capetonian flair. Service is top-of-the-line, with a BMW waiting to take you on adventures through the Mother City.


GRAND DADDY HOTEL
If you’re looking for something with a bit more quirkiness, The Grand Daddy Hotel is a historic yet modern hotel. You can even choose if you want to stay in a sleek suite or a designer Airstream trailer on the roof.


What to Do

DE WATERKANT TO BO-KAAP
Forget about those wooden giraffes and zebras you see all the time on the side of the road. You’ll fine even better treasures in the historic De Waterkant area. Then take a walk over to the Bo-Kaap district to watch the sculptors at the Street Wires studio.


WOODSTOCK
Packed with vintage finds and trendy hidden cafes, Woodstock is the place to be. On Saturdays wake up early and visit The Old Biscuit Mill where you’ll find nearly 100 gourmet food vendors and pop-up art. Come extremely hungry, since this is your chance to eat a much as humanly possible.


VICTORIA AND ALFRED WATERFRONT (V&A)
The gateway to the city’s historic style is the V&A Waterfront. Take a slow stroll and take in the buildings, African performances, delicious foods and the hundreds of shops, including 150 boutiques for African design.


Where to Venture

CAPE PENINSULA AND THE WINELANDS
Take a quick road trip to the charming beach towns of Kalk Bay and Noordhoek, make sure not to miss the penguin colony at Boulders Beach.  If you’ve got an extra day or two, travel further towards Cape Point and you’ll find a secret spot, Diaz Beach, which many say is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Otherwise, head north to Stellenbosch and Franschoek to test the famed vineyards.


Where to Eat

AFRICA CAFÉ
The country’s first “African restaurant”, Africa Cafe, offers a seasonal cuisine from places such as Tanzania, Malawi, South Africa and Morocco. It’s so authentic and exotic, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of the village.


THE DOGS BOLLOCKS
You can’t go wrong with a burger joint, especially when the burgers are almost the size of a soccer ball! The Dogs Bollocks is an unexpected gem in a converted garage that offers mouth-watering food and a hip environment.


CAFÉ CAPRICE
Located on the iconic palm-lined beach stretch of Cape Town’s Camps Bay, Café Caprice is the ideal spot for cocktails. Make sure to try the stand-out Granadilla Lolly and the Botanical Garden.


What to Pack

A WIND-RESISTANT TRENCH
Cape Town is at the edge of the continent, so it gets really windy. A wind-resistant jacket is your new best friend.


A SOUTH-AFRICAN ADAPTER
If you’re not from South Africa, then you’ll need to order up a South-African specific adapter and you’ll be up and running in no time.


Whether you decide to shop for local-made furniture in Woodstock, eat bacon on Bree Street or relax at one of the picturesque beaches, make sure you see Cape Town the right way.

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