Tintswalo Atlantic Cape Town, A Tiny Clifftop Hotel With Big Ocean Views
Cape Town, South Africa
If you like the sea as much as I do, there is nowhere else I'd recommend staying than Tintswalo Atlantic when in the Cape Town area. This newly opened gem of a retreat is not central (e.g., not in the Camps Bay or Clifton Beach areas), yet it's a 20 minute very pretty scenic drive from mostly everywhere in the area you'll want to explore. The staff arranges to drive you anywhere you'd like to go so no need to rent a car here if you prefer to really be taken care of. The setting is this hotel's trump card followed by the private home feel we experienced as did every guest I asked there.
At the base of a cliff on top of the Atlantic Ocean, the views from the rooms and the lounge/library areas are so dramatic and change throughout the day with the different light and weather patterns. July through November, guess who shows up right in the bay of the property? Whales. Many of them. Built mainly from wood and glass, the hotel sits perfectly at ease in the surrounding natural environment. The front public decks for all guests to enjoy and the private room decks are the spots you'll spend most of your time, gazing out, reading, sunning. Each suite, with separate entry like a little house, the perfect size room, large bathroom and with the crashing waves at night, a real respite.
Suites are all unique with flourishes of color inspired by various worldwide islands such as Antigua and Zanzibar. My favorite interiors are that of Sicilly & Madura for its view; my least favorite, Robben Island. The presidential suite: Corsica, sleeps four and sits high up above the trees over the sea. A nice and lovely touch only such a small property can afford (8 suites) is that the Chef asks what you'd like for every meal; fun and yummy! The glass jars of homemade rusks (South Africa's version of biscotti, but better) is just one of my favorite homey touches. My hands found their way throughout the day filled with coffee, tea, port and desert wine. 75% of the way there, this new property has yet to create its ‘vibe;' hopefully with my detailed suggestions to the management, by the time you go you'll notice the flair. If you have the time, stay at least four nights.
Rates from $416.
www.tintswalo.com | Phone: +27 11 464 1208
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lulubelle on Jan. 17, 2009
Agree, we just had tea at the Mount Nelson with friends that were staying there from Sweden. They were so disappointed in their tiny room with no view that they were checking out! Even the high tea was absolutely not what you would expect - the sandwich bread was stale, at one point there were no plates or napkins and the service although friendly, was inattentive. Definately over rated and won't rush back.