A few days before my birthday at the end of July I was invited to enjoy a night at the Raddisson Blu hotel near the Waterfront in Cape Town.
Ordinarily I would have opted to spend it with my husband, but this time I figured I would do something different… and invited a girl friend to join me instead for a girlie getaway celebration!
I arrived early and checked in to our room overlooking the magnificent Table Bay. My friend could only join me a bit later so for a few hours I caught up on some work, emails and blog posts while listening to the crashing waves just below my window and watching the seagulls soaring at eye level.
It was heaven.
Obviously I indulged in a few chocolate dipped strawberries while waiting for my friend to arrive and then, once she did, we popped the champagne and toasted our 15 year friendship while catching up on the balcony…
Only once we’d finished the bottle of bubbles and spent a few hours sharing our latest stories and news did we feel ready to leave the cocoon of our room… and as the sun was setting it felt fitting to take a stroll along the harbour wall in front of the hotel to enjoy the changing light.
What a beautiful setting for a hotel!!
Located right on the water’s edge and overlooking the yacht marina, Radisson Blu has the most amazing view of Table Mountain when you head out onto the pier. This beautiful walk was to become one of our favourite things to do while spending time at this hotel, drawing us towards the ocean a few times during our stay.
On the first evening we climbed up onto the harbour wall and sat atop a dolos for a memorable sunset.
Bathed in dusky light, the ominous rain clouds looked majestic and added a beautiful drama to our special time together.
Once the air cooled we headed back towards the hotel and decided we were’t yet ready to head indoors, so opted instead to enjoy a cocktail sundowner… Rather chilly for mid-winter, but no girlie getaway is complete without a cocktail or two!
After indulging in a huge hotel bath and lounging around in our fluffy white robes for a few hours, it was time for supper… And the bonus was that Tobago’s restaurant was located just downstairs. No need to Uber anywhere!
The restaurant serves up delicious meals and my Cape Malay Curry was quite possibly the best curry I’ve had in Cape Town. An amazing taste of Cape Town’s heritage that’s worth a visit alone.
The beauty of eating in the hotel restaurant was not lost on us. After the meal we were only too grateful to be able to jump in a lift and take a few steps back to our beds!
A funny movie and a bit more chocolate rounded out a great day before we said our goodnights…
The next morning we woke with the birds (the seagulls and oystercatchers didn’t want us to miss the sunrise!) And what a sunrise it was!
There is something really magical about waking in the dark and allowing a day to unfold before you. When I was in Victoria Falls I loved waking up early in my east-facing room to watch the sky change, and this was yet another east-facing room with a magnificent view. I didn’t have a choice!
We spent the next few hours on our balcony (again), catching up, drinking tea, painting our nails, watching the world go by – the fishing boats, the tugs, the kayakers, the dolphins! It really was a lovely way to spend a morning.
Eventually we realised that the breakfast buffet would be closing soon and that we should hustle to make sure we didn’t go hungry…
After enjoying a delicious, and very healthy, breakfast of fruit, yoghurt, salmon and eggs, we decided another walk along the harbour wall was in order – a bit of exercise and sea air never hurt!!
We loved the fact that we didn’t need to go any further than the hotel grounds for the most wonderful Cape Town views… Table Bay, V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak, Signal Hill, Cape Town Stadium… There was something to see in every direction. And so much blue! The morning had dawned bright, blue and beautiful with the most incredible sunshine and blue, blue sky.
Unfortunately, as all good things must, our time at the Radisson Blu came to an end all too soon. We had the most special time, especially considering this special friend will shortly be moving to the bush and far, far away from her beloved sea. We both will think back fondly on this girlie getaway for years to come!
Contact Radisson Blu Hotel
Beach Road, Granger Bay, Cape Town 8002, South Africa
Tel: +27 21 441 3000
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.radissonblu.com/en/hotel-capetown
Contact Tobago’s Restaurant
Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Beach Rd, Granger Bay, Cape Town
Tel: 021 441 3414
Images: Kathryn Rossiter
Disclaimer: I enjoyed my stay as a guest of the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel. All images and views are my own.
Love their new rooms too and yes, the views!! I miss Cape Town…