High Tea at the One&only
With only 24 hours to kill in the Mother City, I made sure to make the most of all of them, writes Mantombi Makhubele
IF YOU only have 24 hours to spend at the One&only hotel in Cape Town, you might as well start with the famous afternoon tea served between 2.30 and 5.30pm.
The English tradition is fully embraced and thoroughly observed at the reception area of the hotel.
While enjoying an acoustic live band, I nibbled on a scone, a strawberry confit, some cheesecakes and a macaroon.
The menu also includes milk tart, cupcakes, marble tea loaf, koeksisters and a whole lot more.
I love people-watching, so I was happy to be on my own, observing and soaking in the atmosphere. I saw plenty of ladies making the most of their Saturday afternoon.
The table across from mine hosted a group of about 10 happylooking ladies. The guest of honour wore a floral crown on her head attached to a long, flowing veil. “A bridal shower,” I thought. My eyes then wandered up to the first floor where I could see, through the rails, colourful artwork by the at-risk youth of Lalela hanging along the wall.
Through Lalela’s arts curriculum, the founders teach the children how to map and manifest their dreams and goals to create a better future for themselves and their communities.
Every day after school – during the hours when children are most vulnerable to abuse – the organisation works with the children to break the barriers of challenge in their lives. Children as young as six start the programme in developing the art of imagination.
They continue through to Grade 12 to connect the arts to everything important in their lives, from core academics to critical life skills. Having their art on display at a posh hotel like the One&only is a sure way to boost their confidence.
I got pulled out of the art zone by a friendly gentleman in a black suit.
Phetofo Sesanyetso, the assistant bar manager, came over to my table to tempt me with one of his signature cocktails – I suspect he felt sorry for me because I was sitting alone.
“Ma’am, just tell me your favourite fruit and your poison of choice. I promise to give you a surprise you will never forget,” Phetofo said.
I was so tempted but I had a massage appointment 30 minutes later and I didn’t want to arrive at the spa slurring my speech.
Very soothing instrumental music welcomed me as I walked into the grey-walled spa. At reception I was offered a cute small cup of lemon and rooibos-infused iced tea. I politely declined but the lady insisted. She said it would help with detoxing. So I obliged.
After changing into my creamcoloured robe and puffy slippers, I was escorted to another room for my 90 minutes of the African Journey Spa.
My hostess started by explaining how the treatment would nourish and revitalise my skin.
The chat was followed by a gentle scrubbing of the whole body, something I needed after spending three days in the bush at the West Coast National Park.
Thereafter the full body massage kicked in, concluded by a tapping on my back with an African wooden ball-like thingamajig. It sent soothing vibrations all over my body. Apparently ancient Africans used vibrations to heal the body.
I missed out on the opportunity to soak in a vitality pool and relax in the aroma-steam room because I was running late for my dinner reservation at Nobu.
I was looking forward to my first experience of the famous Japanese restaurant loved by Hollywood stars. The staff shouted in unison “Irasshaimase”, which means “welcome to our home”, as I walked in.
Because the menu can be slightly overwhelming for a firsttimer, it’s best to put your trust in the waiter to design a bespoke menu for you.
Don’t be surprised if you end up eating more than four courses, but it’s worth the experience.
The baby spinach salad mixed with crushed soya beans and Parmesan cheese, deep fried shrimp and the duck went down well.
In the morning I was woken by a chorus seagulls that were flying as if they were in competition.
I thought the birds were part of the landscape plan at the hotel. It turns out that between January and March they make their home at the hotel because of the many exotic trees there.
I’m glad I went during their nesting season because the sight of hundreds of them flying around in the morning and singing their hearts out added to the magic of the place.
The weather in Cape Town was great. It was perfect for a table out in the patio overlooking the Waterfront.
During breakfast at Reuben’s, the general manager, Richard Lyon, recommended a drive along Chapman’s Peak, for the breathtaking views, and a walk on Table Mountain.
Seeing that they still owe me a cocktail, I promised him that I would be returning very soon for that walk. Mantombi was a guest of the One&only Cape Town.