OOooooooooh is how I feel about the One & Only, reputedly Cape Town’s top resort, which comes as no surprise. A little ‘ooh’ just won’t cut it, not after what I recently experienced together with a marvellous group of travel and lifestyle media.
I was invited by PR agent Ian Manley to participate in the One & Only’s new Insta-Walk, curated by a fabulous duo, Dawn Jorgensen and Seth Shezi, and co-ordinated by the expert team at Escape + Explore Private Cape Adventure. We all love those places in beautiful Cape Town that make for gorgeous Instagram pics and this walk doesn’t disappoint- it’s an IG timeline dream. The walk can be tailored to suit the wishes of a hotel guest and takes in some of the best areas of the CBD.
Fuelled by a delish cocktail mixed by barman Archie, we hopped into a minivan and drove up to Signal Hill where we kicked off with a Scootour jaunt down the mountain and ending in Bokaap. A little nerve-wracking at first but we got the hang of it pretty quickly – it was so much fun! I know I’m repeating myself when I say, yet again, that we live in the most MAGNIFICENT city and the scenery on the ride down is breathtaking, taking in sweeping views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and the V&A Waterfront. At the end of it we handed over our rides and walked around the corner to Monkeybiz in Wale Street to see some of the exceptional beaded wares on offer there and hear more about the history of the business. Across the street, Ozzy from Explore + Escape had somehow morphed into a barista and, with brightly coloured Bokaap houses as the backdrop,he miraculously procured Tanzanian drip coffee from his Land Rover- amazing! Our next stop was the gallery called 99 Loop Street and after that we took a turn into Church Street to see Faith 47‘s latest wall art creation, striking as ever (see one of my street art posts here that include one of Faith’s stunning pieces in Woodstock). If you love gin, the Honest Chocolate Gin Bar nearby on Wale Street is a fab finale to your bespoke walkabout.
Back at the One & Only, we enjoyed a stunning dinner at Isola and, after much excellent Left Bank red wine (I do so love Neil Ellis vino), and a night in the company of wonderful people, it was time to retire to our beautiful suite with its spectacular view of Table Mountain. I soon disappeared into my duvet cloud and woke absolutely convinced that I’d just slept on the best bed ever. Breakfast at Reuben’s is an event all of its own-an uber feast that propelled me perfectly into my day. Oh, if you have time, book a pedi by Celeste at Bastien on the ‘island’ at the O&O…such a luxurious treat.
After all that I settled into the hotel’s stylish lounge and, with the fast wifi on offer, flipped open my laptop conquered a large workload over a cup of Earl Grey tea and a few pastries.
I loved this staycation – a perfect escape in the heart of the city. Try it for yourselves – it’s an ‘ooh’ experience from beginning to end.
Starting with a cocktail at One & Only
My beautiful suite
Scootouring with views to die for…
Monkeybiz -stunning beadwork
Ozzy from Escape + Explore, prepping the drip coffee in Bokaap
Moi, in Bokaap, an Instagrammer’s dream… (the Bokaap, not moi obvs)
Faith 47, Church Street
And this view, from my suite…never ceases to thrill me
All pics by CT DIVA
The launch of the One&Only Cape Town Insta-Walks offering coincides perfectly with the resort’s current locals-only #OneEscape seasonal special. Beautifully equipped, waterside Marina Harbour Rooms are available from R3250 per night and valid until 22 September 2016. The special offer includes a sumptuous breakfast at Reuben’s and is the perfect excuse to check into South Africa’s only urban resort for a cheeky winter escape in unprecedented luxury. For more information or to reserve a One&Only Cape Town Insta-Walk contact the resort’s Guest Services Desk via zara.lochner@oneandonlycapetown.com. For accommodation: reservations@oneandonlycapetown.com