The plane descends to land in Cape Town. All passengers have the same reflex – their minds wander to the windows, and cameras go in motion. 10 o’clock in the morning, May 1, the beginning of the local winter, and the pilot announces that the temperature is 24 degrees! Cloudless sky contrasts with the picturesque scenery of mountains, beaches and scattered buildings. In the distance, a futuristic oval famous stadium built for the FIFA World Cup in 2010. So began another stay in the most beautiful city in Africa, and for me the world. I spoke once with an airline pilot, who said that male peers going to retire want to settle most of the cases here or in Sydney. Invariably they fall in those cities already during landings.

Not only pilots fall in love in Cape Town, as it happened to me … Every time I discover something new, and the city is more beautiful from year to year. Surely it is not just my subjective opinion, as in 2014, Cape Town was endowed with the ennobling title of World Design Capital. I arrive at the hotel before noon. This time it is Belmond Mount Nelson,

at the foot of Table Mountain. This is a legend, functioning in 1899. It was founded by Donald Currie, naval magnate Union-Castle. The characteristic pink color of the hotel was supposed to be a form of celebration of the end of the First World War. I was assigned to the 100-meter corner suite, named Lord Nelson. I think you couldn’t do better … The interior is classic, and some of the furniture comes from a luxury cruise ship from the late nineteenth century.

– Would you like a glass of sparking wine? – Asks the nice receptionist. Why not, you should start your stay in proper style. The lobby captivates me with colonial atmosphere and a terrace overlooking the garden full of exotic trees and flowers. At the bottom of the garden is a swimming pool where even in the winter when in this weather you can bask on the sun loungers. After checking in and unpacking my suitcases in a separate dressing room I’m ready for tasting the chef’s culinary imagination. I begin with an afternoon of delicious afternoon tea. Belmond network renowned for its great gastronomy,

and Cape Town is a Mecca lovers of haute cuisine. Denmark Oasis Bistro is formulated using only the freshest ingredients. South African cuisine is called the rainbow cuisine, which is a fusion of flavors, often quite original, but always meeting with my appreciation. 3 days at the Mount Nelson passed like a whip shaking. In the rush I was getting into and I’m going to adjust the bill. And here’s a nice surprise: the use of the hotel’s shoulder is included in the price.

The hotel Taj Cape Town is moving from the reserve. However it may be difficult to compete with the network Belmond. But the network Taj like it persists and the lobby dazzles me with luxury oriental style. I lived in a spacious apartment on the so-called Club Floor, with sensational views of Table Mountain. Changing the hotel as most appealed to me. I like its location which can not be better, if you are thinking about exploring the city on foot.

The immediate area is the Company’s Gardens, founded in 1647, a symbol of the city’s history. Nearby you will find: the so-called Museum Mile, which is the South African Museum and Planetarium, Iziko Bertram House Museum, the Parliament, the National Gallery, the Great Synagogue. 2 days at the Taj helped me discover corners of the city I did not know. After fairly intensive walks I have wanted to experience relaxation in nature and escape from the center of the metropolis. The ideal and logical idea was moving to a vineyard in the hills region of Constantia.

After just a 30 minute drive from central Cape Town we get to the land dotted with vineyards, with traditional architecture. I highly recommend spending there at least 1 or 2 nights to those who value peace, the most exquisite food, wine and the proximity of the ocean. 2 hotels which are noteworthy are certainly Steenberg and The Cellars-Hohenort of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux. That the latter was the purpose of my culinary and oenological journey. It turned out that I’m lucky, because Relais Chateux just celebrated its 60th anniversary.

All guests receive a bottle of Cap Classique (South African champagne), and in addition were invited for a great dinner. I also have the pleasure of meeting the owner of the estate Cellars-Hohenort, Ms. Liz McGrath, whose age is shrouded in mystery. Anyway, it probably only works in its favor, since suprised me, that it just acquired another hotel in the charming Matjesfontein. The town is a major travel hub of the most luxurious train in the world – Rovos Rail. My 2 night stay at Cellars Hohenort were graced with 3 delicious meals, all of which sank the most in my memory the Eggs Benedict. 2 days of obscene gluttony and lazing around with a book were a nice interlude to an active stay in Cape Town. The hotel has a well-equipped library for guests and provides a free ride several times a day to the center of Cape Town.

Undisputed leader and winner of all prizes is the Hotel Cape Grace. It retains the classic luxury, the decor is elegant, yet cozy. Here it is so perfect that you do not have to go anywhere. Again, I got a room with a view of Table Mountain and an invitation to the SPA for a massage with aromatic oils of Africa. The hotel’s guests enjoy free limousine service within a radius of 10 km., which is also not just any bonus. At the Cape Grace Hotel, you can find everything: peace, but also some “action”, because just go down to the level of minus 1, next to the marina to find a sympathetic bar with live music.

If you already have to leave this hotel, the main attractions are mainly restaurants and chic boutiques of the Waterfront district. I abstain from too many temptations of purchasing, because I already have excess baggage primo and secondo can not yet purchase a huge chair with silver hardware and leopard leather upholstery, because in my Warsaw apartment it will be a bit strange .. In the end I can not stand it and buy myself earrings with stunning Tanzanite. After 3 nights I am reluctant to leave Cape Grace, but the curiosity of the new towers over comfort. It was worth it, because my stay in South Africa ended, and in addition I felt closer to heaven …

The last hotel where I had the pleasure to host, lies on the slopes of Table Mountain in Oranjezicht superluxe residential district. Hotel MannaBay has by far the best view of all hotels in Cape Town! Behind it there is nothing, only the wildlife and trails for hiking in the mountains. Before the hotel stretches a great panorama of the city that you can sit and enjoy for hours on the terrace, drinking tea, Rooibos, or sipping Amarula (African sweet liqueur). 8 apartments feature 8 eclectic compositions of refined art, original decoration and furniture designed exclusively for the hotel. The pearl in the crown of an apartment Versailles, often hosted on the covers of magazines

interior design. The biggest advantage of this apartment is a big terrace with a magnificent four-post bed. Here we fall asleep and wake up, not giving up the most spectacular views, although no Table Mountain in the background! Last night I decided to spend in the hotel MannaBay, the most beautiful boutique hotel Cape Town, and enjoy its highlight apartment Versailles.

During our stay in Cape Town sin, however, we would spend evenings in the hotel room. The city offers plenty of restaurants and bars, in addition, there are quite affordable prices.

I would recommend some best restaurants and bars:
• The Kove restaurant chain Collection: Zenzero, Umi and Paranga at Camp’s Bay with views of the best beach. In summer, Camp’s Bay is the most desirable place to rest, it does not require giving up your social life with the neighborhood of trendy boutiques. If you are traveling during our winter, we will make sure that you will be accommodated in the intimate The Marly.

• Oyster Bar and an Indian restaurant Bombay Brasserie at the Taj. Oysters in South Africa are the tastiest in the world, so their connoisseurs recommend a trip to the town of Knysna during the annual Oyster Festival in July. Be sure that during this festival you stay in the most fashionable hotel in the city – The Turbine, an original industrial character, located in a renovated old factory edge design.
• Bizerca Bistro on Heritage Square, popular with locals. It is interesting that in the courtyard rises the oldest vines in the southern hemisphere, which still bear fruit. Vines brought the first settlers in the eighteenth century. Duet: tongue and marinated beef steak, worth prizes.
• Gold restaurant, with live music and interesting dishes from different parts of the Dark Continent.

When it comes to attractions surrounding Cape Town, then I recommend:
• Seeing the Table Mountain, but by helicopter;
• A visit to the Kirstenbosh Gardens and dinner, combined with wine tasting in the vineyard Steenberg Hotel, Constantia region;
• A visit to the flower market, the so-called Cape Town Flower Market. The sea of ​​bouquets and multi-colored stalls, the ubiquitous protei flower, a symbol of South Africa;

• Departure for the Cape of Good Hope, with a picnic on the beach. The attraction itself is to take an unusual way of Chapman’s Peak Drive;
• A trip to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Interesting fact: a guide is a former prisoner;
• Walk combined with afternoon coffee at one of the many cafes on the streets Kloof and Long Street;
• For lovers of design and decor – shopping at the Green Market or in Mr. African Craft Market.