Cape Town and the Winelands
An invitation to escape the UK in January and head to the southern hemisphere is not one to be turned down, so when Mundus Representation asked me to join them on a luxury trip to Cape Town and the Winelands, I jumped at the chance. Just two hours ahead of the UK, South Africa is an award-winning incentive destination packed full of culture, tradition and attractions.
I flew from London Heathrow to Cape Town on an overnight flight with British Airways courtesy of All about Flights, landing at 9am. A fantastic way to maximise my time there, I was excited to see what Grosvenor Tours had in store for us.
Signal Hill was our first port of call, a perfect place for sundowners and to catch a first glimpse of the city and harbour. It was here that the first ever transatlantic wireless transmission was received in 1901. Next up, a whistle-stop tour of the city in a fleet of vintage motorbikes and sidecars from Cape Side Car Adventures, a fantastic way to get a feel for the layout of the city.
We called in at the magnificent 5-star 12 Apostles Hotel, poised above the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by the Twelve Apostles mountain range and Table Mountain National Park. Set slightly away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the hotel feels intimate and exclusive, making it a great destination for high-end small group stays. From here we ventured on to The Bungalow for lunch. One of Cape Town’s most sought-after locations offering some of the finest sunsets in the world, this is a great spot for lunch or dinner and can also be hired for private corporate events.
Table Mountain was our next destination. One of the new wonders of nature, and a dramatic backdrop to the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town, more than one million visitors a year hike or use the cable car to reach the peak. Fast track tickets are a good option, especially for larger groups as the queues can be lengthy. Blue skies meant we could see for miles across the bay to Robben Island, the Victoria & Albert Waterfront, city bowl, harbour and more. This was a real highlight of the trip and provided endless opportunities for selfies!
We stayed at The One and Only Cape Town, ideally located just moments from the Victoria & Albert Waterfront and surrounded by private waterways. It feels like a tranquil oasis hidden away in the city. Its 132 guest rooms and suites are the largest in Cape Town – mine was beautiful with a fantastic balcony with views out towards Table Mountain. There are plenty of different meeting rooms and event spaces, including a stunning ballroom.
We met for pre-dinner drinks in the Lion’s Head Penthouse, an uber-luxurious space and entertainer’s dream with wrap-around views, four bedrooms, kitchen, two living areas and dining room. A massage was the icing on the cake after a night flight and busy day sightseeing. Dinner was at the onsite NOBU restaurant which serves a modern mix of Japanese classics fused with Peruvian flavours – and it was probably the best sushi I have ever tasted.
We stayed at The One and Only Cape Town, ideally located just moments from the Victoria & Albert Waterfront and surrounded by private waterways. It feels like a tranquil oasis hidden away in the city. Its 132 guest rooms and suites are the largest in Cape Town – mine was beautiful with a fantastic balcony with views out towards Table Mountain. There are plenty of different meeting rooms and event spaces, including a stunning ballroom.
We met for pre-dinner drinks in the Lion’s Head Penthouse, an uber-luxurious space and entertainer’s dream with wrap-around views, four bedrooms, kitchen, two living areas and dining room. A massage was the icing on the cake after a night flight and busy day sightseeing. Dinner was at the onsite NOBU restaurant which serves a modern mix of Japanese classics fused with Peruvian flavours – and it was probably the best sushi I have ever tasted.
“This pink 5-star hotel has hosted a wealth of high-profile guests, from Winston Churchill, John Lennon and Nelson Mandela”
The next morning, Grosvenor Tours had quite the surprise for us – and it proved a brilliant way to check out what Cape Town offers for meetings, events and incentive trips. We were put into teams and presented with a polaroid camera, before being sent off in kayaks to paddle - and navigate – our way down the river to the Westin Cape Town hotel.
This 5-star hotel is in a prime location next to the Cape Town International Convention Centre, has 483 rooms and guest suites with fabulous views of the V&A waterfront, as well as 19 very unique event spaces for up to 600 delegates. As we explored the hotel, we ticked off more challenges from our list.
With the help of a driver, we then spent the morning completing the remainder of our challenges, from visiting the District 6 Museum to learn about the impact of apartheid on the area, to private coffee tasting at foundry and roastery, TRIBE. A final clue led us to Bo Kaap, with it’s brightly coloured houses, to the family home of Auntie Shaamiela to help cook a delicious traditional lunch of rotis (handmade bread) and curries.
Our final stop for the day was The Belmond Mount Nelson Cape Town hotel located just off Kloof Street, one of Cape Town’s coolest streets lined with bars, restaurants, arts, crafts, fashion and interior design shops. This pink 5-star hotel has hosted a wealth of high-profile guests, from Winston Churchill, John Lennon and Nelson Mandela, so it felt very special to be staying there.
There’s 198 individually designed rooms and suites, plus eight historic cottages nestled in the gardens, and a business centre and meeting rooms. That evening we dined at the hotel’s EDGE restaurant. Its evolving menu is a real celebration of African flavours, with indigenous ingredients from local markets, artisans and small-scale farmers.
This 5-star hotel is in a prime location next to the Cape Town International Convention Centre, has 483 rooms and guest suites with fabulous views of the V&A waterfront, as well as 19 very unique event spaces for up to 600 delegates. As we explored the hotel, we ticked off more challenges from our list.
With the help of a driver, we then spent the morning completing the remainder of our challenges, from visiting the District 6 Museum to learn about the impact of apartheid on the area, to private coffee tasting at foundry and roastery, TRIBE. A final clue led us to Bo Kaap, with it’s brightly coloured houses, to the family home of Auntie Shaamiela to help cook a delicious traditional lunch of rotis (handmade bread) and curries.
Our final stop for the day was The Belmond Mount Nelson Cape Town hotel located just off Kloof Street, one of Cape Town’s coolest streets lined with bars, restaurants, arts, crafts, fashion and interior design shops. This pink 5-star hotel has hosted a wealth of high-profile guests, from Winston Churchill, John Lennon and Nelson Mandela, so it felt very special to be staying there.
There’s 198 individually designed rooms and suites, plus eight historic cottages nestled in the gardens, and a business centre and meeting rooms. That evening we dined at the hotel’s EDGE restaurant. Its evolving menu is a real celebration of African flavours, with indigenous ingredients from local markets, artisans and small-scale farmers.
From Cape Town to the Winelands
Our third day began with a magical boat trip from Hout Bay to see seals and dolphins We then travelled up the spectacular- albeit hair-raising- winding roads of Chapman’s Peak Drive, past several stunning picnic spots and whale-watching vantage points, stopping briefly for photos and a G&T. The views were out of this world!
Travelling on through Table Mountain National Park, we arrived some 45 minutes later at the Cape of Good Hope, where the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean. From here, it’s either a hike or funicular up to New Cape Point Lighthouse - an absolute must for amazing views of the ocean, cliffs and beaches.
Driving on a short way to Buffels Bay, we were treated to a wonderful private picnic lunch on the beach. VentureScapes Events had decorated the area for us, with rattan furniture, cushions, blankets and a pop-up bar, something that can be organized for groups up to 200 people for a private dinner. I can’t think of a more spectacular place for a special dinner.
We ventured on to Massacar Pottery Studio, a fabulous social enterprise in one of the townships that provides upskilling and employment to young people who have not completed their education. We took part in a class to learn how to make and play musical instruments from clay.
“We were greeted with a glass of crisp rosé. Delicious, even if it was only 9am!”
Our final destination was The Winelands, famed for producing some of the world’s finest wines. We stayed at Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa, a luxury 5-star hotel set at the foot of the Hottentots-Holland Mountains, in an elegant Cape Dutch farmstead dating back to the 1700s. Even though it was at capacity, this 56-room hotel still felt very peaceful. There are a number of self-contained event spaces for up to 190 people, perfect for smaller, more intimate incentive or meeting groups. After pre-dinner drinks on the lawn, we dined at Stefan’s Restaurant onsite, where the food was outstanding.
Our fourth and final day in South Africa was all about wine. Our first stop was Vergelegen Wine Estate, just a five-minute drive away, where we were greeted with a glass of crisp rosé. Delicious, even if it was only 9am! A jeep safari tour around the estate and vineyards provided the opportunity to learn more, taste some grapes and see some native animals, such as the Nguni cattle, Bontebok and Eland antelope. After a stroll around this historic venue and stunning gardens, we finished with wine-tasting. The Vergelegen Sauvignon Blanc was my favourite!
The Morgenster Wine and Olive Estate is just next door and here we tried their award-winning extra virgin olive oils and more wine, of course! Our last stop was Boschendal Wine Estate, a working farm that offers a wide range of authentic culinary experiences. I loved their focus on eating sustainably. There’s a selection of accommodation, some dating back to 1685 which has been lovingly restored, plus some great event spaces. After a refreshing dip in the pool and more food and wine, our time in South Africa had sadly come to an end and we headed to the airport.
Through this whirlwind tour of Cape Town and the Winelands, I learned that this special place has something for everyone– even the most seasoned travellers. Adventure, history, cultural experiences , beautiful scenery, bustling city and amazing wines. It’s not hard to see why it was named ‘World’s Leading Festival and Events Destination’ at the 2018 World Travel Awards.
A massive thank you to Mundus Representation, All About flights and Grosvenor Tours for hosting us – and to all their suppliers for helping organize what was an unforgettable trip.
I’d love to tell you more about my time in South Africa – so please do get in touch.
Our fourth and final day in South Africa was all about wine. Our first stop was Vergelegen Wine Estate, just a five-minute drive away, where we were greeted with a glass of crisp rosé. Delicious, even if it was only 9am! A jeep safari tour around the estate and vineyards provided the opportunity to learn more, taste some grapes and see some native animals, such as the Nguni cattle, Bontebok and Eland antelope. After a stroll around this historic venue and stunning gardens, we finished with wine-tasting. The Vergelegen Sauvignon Blanc was my favourite!
The Morgenster Wine and Olive Estate is just next door and here we tried their award-winning extra virgin olive oils and more wine, of course! Our last stop was Boschendal Wine Estate, a working farm that offers a wide range of authentic culinary experiences. I loved their focus on eating sustainably. There’s a selection of accommodation, some dating back to 1685 which has been lovingly restored, plus some great event spaces. After a refreshing dip in the pool and more food and wine, our time in South Africa had sadly come to an end and we headed to the airport.
Through this whirlwind tour of Cape Town and the Winelands, I learned that this special place has something for everyone– even the most seasoned travellers. Adventure, history, cultural experiences , beautiful scenery, bustling city and amazing wines. It’s not hard to see why it was named ‘World’s Leading Festival and Events Destination’ at the 2018 World Travel Awards.
A massive thank you to Mundus Representation, All About flights and Grosvenor Tours for hosting us – and to all their suppliers for helping organize what was an unforgettable trip.
I’d love to tell you more about my time in South Africa – so please do get in touch.