A beachside garden of Eden
A cool breeze wafts in from the Atlantic Ocean.
Contemporary stylish and opulent boutique hotel, the Last Word Long Beach, is among the Western Cape’s best-kept secrets.
It’s situated in Kommetjie, a small town 50.1km from Cape Town International Airport and a 54-minute drive via the M3 highway. There I found peace and solace amid dazzling natural beauty.
The cab ride down the coastlines of the Mother City was a vista filled with luscious green mountain slopes and crisp clean air, which overwhelms you as you go down lower into the valley.
The cab finally came to a stop outside a pearl-white gate which slid open revealing the staff wearing eager, warm smiles in the driveway.
Outside, the mood was set by the gentle, chilled breeze from the Atlantic Ocean, which hugs the shoreline near the hotel entrance.
After checking in, I was ushered into the double-storey compound, which houses six private suites, each with a double bed, jacuzzi bathtub and shower, all perfectly furnished in a Tuscan-inspired style.
The dining hall and restaurant are in the reception area of the hotel, with an outside terrace from where visitors can survey the splendour of Cape Town from a distance.
From each room, there is a view of the back of Table Mountain, along with surfers riding the waves of the Atlantic.
Having completed a preference document with my booking in which I selected the type of sheets, pillows and bedding I wanted, it was refreshing to find that extra care had been put into the preparation of my room and ensuring I got that personal service experience.
As the sun cast a golden shimmer over the sea, a glass of Cape Town’s finest gin and tonic seemed a fitting accompaniment to reading a novel, while the gentle sounds of the tide created a harmonious ambiance – unlike the loud and discordant sounds of Johannesburg.
Having completed my book, I had a warm, soothing soak in the tub and prepared for dinner, which I would enjoy while watching my selection of a Friday night movie, comfortably ensconced in a white cotton robe and pyjamas.
Saturday morning brought with it sunny, warm rays and breakfast in bed.
There was a selection of cereals and a perfectly-made eggs benedict with fresh orange juice or perfectly brewed coffee. I was feeling like a king. My suite opened up onto a garden and pool area, which would be the setting for the day.
From a distance, the pleasurable sound of dogs barking excitedly drifted in the air as they and owners revelled in their morning runs of the beach.
After a day-and-a-half in pure luxury, returning to the city was a dire prospect.