Cape Town - What a super start to a glorious, sunny winter’s day (yep, the Cape does have them). A delicious, superbly presented breakfast overlooking False Bay from Simon’s Town, followed by a fabulous massage and then down the road to the jetty at the marina and on to a boat for a trip to Seal Island.
Five star hotels could take a page or two out of four star Whale View Manor’s book. If they only took as much care over brekkie – and other things.
“OCD can be a good thing,” I joshed manageress Dominique Tyack. She made something tidy tidier. She makes very sure guests get the most from their stay and will arrange your days while, if you are staying a couple of nights, expect a few little special extra complimentary touches – a bowl of nuts perhaps with your decanter of sherry, or a delicious cheese platter.
The massage from therapist Molly Hansen was equally fantastic. Book one, even if you are just visiting in the area.
I loved the décor, the appealing and differing wallpapers, artworks and\[jo.shepherdsmith\]pretty and interesting things everywhere in the open, spacious public areas of this 10-bedroom boutique hotel.
A steep flight of steps leads into an inviting entrance hall, once a driveway separating two now conjoined houses. To the left is the dining room with gas fire and six good sized tables, and on the right is a sunny day lounge with an honesty bar. French doors open on to a terrace across the front of the villa-like hotel, while towards the rear is a quiet courtyard in which to relax or can be used for outdoor dining. There is a one-room, yet spacious, spa, and staircases either side lead to the bedrooms.
Each bedroom is differently designed or decorated. If you are a morning person (the road below gets busy early with buses and fishermen towing boats), I recommend the sea-facing rooms with views over the small rocky cove of Fisherman’s Beach and across 24-odd sea miles to the mountains above and at night the lights of Gordon’s Bay, Rooi Els, and on to Hangklip. If you like a lie-in, then the rooms at the rear are charming, with doors opening on to patios, a tumbling grassy area and thick shrubbery and trees below the steep slopes.
There are two bar fridges and Nespresso machines on the upstairs landings.
The boat ride was better than any caffeine kick, however. Skipper Dave Hurwitz and guide Anees took us out on the only certified whale-watching boat in Simon’s Town. Around the seal, penguin and cormorant covered rocks we went, with shark cage diving vessels a little way off. Anees was a wealth of knowledge about sharks, seals, fish and naval vessels.
We didn’t spy any whales – not until a young southern right came in close to shore while we were seated at breakfast the next morning. The meals, by the way, are a delight and dinner included the most tender and succulent lamb shank either I or my foodie friend have had, followed by a decadent and delicious caramel pear mousse cake Dominique conjured up. No room left for the marshmallows which tempt passers-by in the hallway.
Whale View Manor delighted, as did Cape Point, Scarborough, Long Beach, Misty Cliffs, Kommetjie, Boulders Beach – and the rugged beauty, windswept and wild so close to Cape Town, filled my senses and soul, while the odd ale at Mariner’s Wharf filled my belly.
Call 021 786 3291 or visit www.whaleviewmanor.co.za
Simon’s Town Boat Company: www.boatcompany.co.za
Adrian Rorvik, Sunday Tribune