On a sunny and breezy November afternoon we drove placidly through the vineyards of the Grande Provence Estate until we found the wine tasting area, restaurant and nearby gravel parking lot. Perhaps because it was our first impression of Franschhoek, when I think of that Cape Wineland village I immediately think of the delicious meal and striking setting we had at the Grande Provence Restaurant.
: Baia was near full when we arrived for dinner around 8 p.m. We had discovered the restaurant, tucked inside the large mall, on a previous visit and wondered how it faired in our absence. We sat at a comfortable table in the outer deck facing the waterfront with a sigh of relief (glad we had thought to make reservations in advance). Having spent the day driving to Cape Town and running errands in preparation for our departure on safari we had no time for lunch. Dinner, when it arrived, was most welcome – and delicious.
A trip on South Africa’s famous The Blue Train is the dream of a lifetime for many. On board, travelers celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons or just long planned trips to South Africa. The 1,600 kilometer train ride affords guests the opportunity to see some of the South African countryside while basking in luxurious accommodations and enjoying appetizing meals and premium service. The Blue Train offered guests an out of the ordinary ride in luxurious comfort and style that they could reminisce over for years.
We found Tokara 60 kilometers from central Cape Town, high atop a mountain pass known as the Heights of Hell (Helshoogte in Afrikaans) named perhaps because of how tough it was to get an ox-wagon up over the pass in the old days. It was one of those strikingly beautiful, sunny and hot Cape Town days.
This small family owned luxury property located in the heart of Cape Town was a jewel. Renovated from a home that had fallen into hard times, the property was carefully spruced up and decorated to accent its assets. The 200 square meter Owner’s Villa, my favorite part of the property, was a two-story one bedroom villa next to the main building. Downstairs, it had its own entrance, social area, fully equipped kitchen, private plunge pool, entertainment center, high speed Internet access and terrace. Upstairs, there were comfortable and attractive sleeping quarters for a couple. Someone dedicated much time and care to ensure Villa guests a good looking, roomy and well appointed place to retreat from the city’s excitement while remaining within easy reach of all the Cape Town fun.
Our second visit to the Cape Grace was once again a pleasure. We only had one afternoon and night to spend in Cape Town (our international flight departed the following morning) and although there were many choices near the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront our initial visit to the Cape Grace was so positive we decided to return. Staff were attentive and polite and the facilities were just as handsome and comfort oriented as the last time although our room had signs of a little wear. The small hotel, offered well designed, luxurious, waterfront accommodations for business and pleasure oriented guests with great attention to detail.
