Architectural Digest raves about the glories of the Western Cape

28 March 2019 - 06:30 By DAVE CHAMBERS
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Morukuru Beach Lodge in De Hoop Nature Reserve, on the Western Cape coast.
Morukuru Beach Lodge in De Hoop Nature Reserve, on the Western Cape coast.
Image: Morukuru Beach Lodge

“An ocean the colour of Bradley Cooper’s eyes, mountains that rival Rio’s Sugar Loaf, and vineyards that produce wine that’s so good, you’ll rethink everything you know about oenophilia.”

That’s a description of the Western Cape from no less an authority than Architectural Digest, the 99-year-old US magazine that styles itself "the international design authority”.

Writer Mary Holland says there are “few places more remarkable” than the Western Cape, and highlights three accommodation options that are keeping it on the cutting edge.

Gorgeous George, a new hotel in old St George’s Mall buildings is the first. Holland says it displays exquisite taste.

“The rooms are keenly contemporary with shelving constructed from wood, steel, and glass, exposed cement ceilings, and walls washed in dark tones. In the evenings, the rooftop is where it’s at. There’s no better setting to sip locally infused gin cocktails than in the shadow of the city’s majestic Table Mountain.”

Then she moves on to Babylonstoren in the winelands, owned by media mogul Koos Bekker and his designer wife Karen Roos, saying it has just launched its Fynbos Cottages.

“Clustered around a farm dam set deep in the vineyards, the cottages were built in the Cape Dutch style in keeping with the Babylonstoren aesthetic.

"The almost entirely white rooms have Oregon pine floors, pitched ceilings, jute bouclé rugs, and private outdoor patios with swing nest seats — they’re the kind of rooms that make it challenging to explore beyond them.”

Fynbos Cottages at Babylonstoren in the Cape winelands.
Fynbos Cottages at Babylonstoren in the Cape winelands.
Image: Babylonstoren

Finally, Holland recommends Morukuru Beach Lodge in De Hoop Nature Reserve, home of the Whale Trail.

“Much as with a traditional safari experience, guests have access to two activities a day," she says, adding that these include marine walks, game drives, and sandboarding.

“Nothing is compulsory but there is one activity that should be: sunset drinks that take place around a roaring fire cauldron on the ocean-facing patio. On a calm, clear night, it’s frankly unforgettable.”


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