THE FARE: Enjoying a delicious peanut butter smoothie at the smoothies bar aptly called the The Shake Down at the The Oranjezicht City Farm, which is now in Granger Bay Blvd. This is a gem of a market offering fresh produce, healthy organic and free-range food and snacks, and fresh flowers
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We know there is no shortage of things to do in and around Cape Town. From cool eateries that line the streets, many offering magnificent views, to drinking holes that offer both local and international beverages suitable for pretty much any occasions. I’m a big fan of exploring and discovering new hangout spots in the city - no matter the season or temperature, I always find something cool to do.
To prove my point, my bestie and I planned a girls-only weekend away which included a spa treatment. We didn’t have to venture far, with our chosen base being the Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge. A stone’s throw away from the V&A Waterfront Mall, an excellent shopping, dining and entertainment hub, we were in the middle of the action.
A perfect morning:
Our Saturday began with a visit to the Oranjezicht City Farm, which is now in Granger Bay Blvd. This is a gem of a market, which surprisingly has not been over-saturated by all the cool kids (you know what I’m talking about). Offering fresh produce, healthy organic and free-range food and snacks, fresh flowers and plants, this is a perfect start to a morning.
THE ROOM: Modernly decorated, it had impressive views of Table Mountain and some of the Waterfront’s many eateries as well as the harbour.
The hotel:
A walkable distance from the hotel, the Breakwater Lodge comes with a noteworthy history. In a nutshell, the building used to be a 19th century prison, housing long-term male convicts who were sentenced to work on the construction of the breakwater in Table Bay. Tales of racial segregation and being the birthplace for rehabilitation make up the narrative of the history of the place. Modernly decorated, the room had impressive views of Table Mountain and some of the Waterfront’s many eateries as well as the harbour.
THE WALK: Strolling along the Mouille Point promenade is pleasant and refreshing. We came across this beautiful sculpture titled Morphous by Lionel Smit. Picture by Nontando Mposo.
What to do in the area:
You are spoilt for choice here, there is something happening in every direction. We chose the organic route and went for a slow walk along the Mouille Point promenade. We passed public art and groups of birds along the way, and got splashed by the ocean bliss.
Eating:
We stopped at Sotano for a drink and a bite to eat on the main beach road in Mouille Point. This offers Mediterranean eats, sushi and beers from around the world. It also offers ocean views. We sat in the covered balcony area with heaters on.
The pit stop: We had a drink and bite at Sotano on the main beach road in Mouille Point. Picture by Nontando Mposo.
Pampering
: Our Sunday started on a very relaxing note with a spa treatment at the Breakwater Lodge called Relax Spa. You have an option to have the treatment in your room or visit the spa on the first floor. Prebooking is essential.
Explore:
Don’t be scared to venture a little bit outside the hotel and the city to visit neighbouring suburbs. The next day we drove to Table Bay for some scrumptious seafood at the Blowfish Restaurant. After lunch we took a stroll on the beach with a magnificent angle and view of Table Mountain.
Top Tips
1. Winter is for dressing comfortably and warmly. When venturing outside to explore, wear light sneakers which are perfect for wandering. It’s quite lovely walking in the cold with the fresh breeze hitting your face.
2. Don’t be shy to ask the hotel staff for places to visit or see. They are always helpful and willing to chat. Also, there are handy pamphlets at the reception area.