by Editor | Nov 1, 2007 | Africa, Cape Town, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
We returned to the Steenberg Hotel after a two year absence to find the property much enhanced and the setting more beautiful than we remembered. Smiling staff members greeted us at the security gate and again at reception making us feel especially welcome. The grounds and manicured gardens were green and thriving and soon the cloudy skies turned to stunning blue. The mountain and vineyard setting once again took our breath away. This time we stayed at one of the property’s three new Heritage Suites set on a vineyard facing corner of the property, each with distinct décor.
by Editor | Nov 1, 2007 | Africa, Cape Town, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
We arrived at The Tasting Room in the early evening courtesy of our hotel’s private transport following a pleasurable day exploring the village of Franschhoek. At our request, one of the staff escorted us on a brief walk around the pretty hotel grounds. Knowing we wouldn’t have to drive or find the way back to our hotel in the evening dark through the village’s unfamiliar streets should we choose to partake in the copious quantities of scrumptious sounding food and tempting local wines listed on the menu allowed us to relax and savor the meal.
by Editor | Nov 1, 2007 | Africa, Kruger, Sabi Sand, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
Guests at the Lion Sands Reserve had lots of ways to spend their time. In addition to dawn and dusk game viewing, it was also possible to work out at the property’s fitness center, visit the curio shop and enjoy a spa treatment. The spa was especially popular when we visited Ivory Lodge in the summer of 2007. Four staff members divided their time between the Reserve’s three luxury properties: Ivory Lodge, Lion Sand’s top level facility; 1933, the newly opened rental villa; and the River Lodge, where the Lalamuka Spa was housed.
by Editor | Nov 1, 2007 | Africa, Cape Town, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
Staying at Beaumont House, more like a luxury bed and breakfast than a hotel, was an unexpected pleasure. The lovingly restored home is nestled in a Cape Town residential neighborhood. It was named Beaumont by its new owners, a charming English couple, in honor of the nearby Table Mountain. Thanks to our brief stay at Beaumont House we gained a deeper and more expansive appreciation of the Cape Town area and its environs than we have experienced during previous visits.
by Editor | Nov 1, 2007 | Africa, Cape Town, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
Location, location, location! Set on the hills overlooking the town of Franschhoek and the Klein Dassenberg Mountains, Mont Rochelle’s most notable asset is its precious setting. The Saturday we arrived, verdant hills peppered with vineyards were a stunning contrast against the perfect blue hues of the sky and puffy white clouds seemingly added by an artist brush.
by Editor | Nov 1, 2007 | Africa, Cape Town, Simon and Baker Travel Review, South Africa
A short scenic drive from Cape Town led us to Waterford Estate, best known for its Shiraz and most recently for The Jem, a premium blend of eight varietals. Time was short and we could only visit one or two cellars. A local oenophile who directed us to Waterford said that the wine and chocolate tasting was not to be missed.
