Unwind in the lap of 5-star luxury

Feel the heartbeat of the city at Taj Cape Town

IT’S my dream to one day live in a fancy apartment block with a liveried doorman and concierge. Until that time, these fantasies can be realised when checking in at Taj Cape Town because apparently I am striving to live in a five-star hotel.

In the heart of the CBD, Taj Cape Town has a rich history, having been home to the SA Reserve Bank and Temple Chambers, and later the Board of Executors – transformed into the hotel.

The main entrance is in Wale Street, directly opposite St George’s Cathedral, where your vehicle will be magically whisked away and valet parked. On entering the opulent lobby, the grand lounge gives you a sense of quiet luxury with its marble floors, double-volume vaulted ceiling, hushed tones, rich fabrics, fresh flowers and subtle lighting.

There are 176 individually decorated rooms and suites offering travellers the option of a short business stay, a leisurely luxury sojourn and everything in between.

Our suite had spectacular views from the lounge and bedroom of Table Mountain flanked by Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head, the lush trees lining Government Avenue in the Company’s Garden, part of the Houses Of Parliament and the cathedral, with the rest of the vista filled with tall shiny office blocks reflecting the sun in a blaze of glory.

The dining table was laden with fresh fruit, wine, and snacks and the desk was perfectly ordered.

Among the amenities is a fitness centre with a lap pool plus the

Jiva Grande Spa, where the fabled lifestyle and culture of Indian royalty through the centuries is drawn upon, along with 6 000-year-old Eastern wellness philosophies devised to align body, soul and mind.

Here I had a Pada Mardana treatment, a traditional Indian foot massage. I struggle with having my torso manipulated, but this one sent me into a state of bliss.

In Bombay Brasserie, the hotel’s Indian fine dining restaurant, every dish we sampled was exquisite and expertly paired with wines that complemented the flavours and spices (no easy task). As a testament to the excellence of the cuisine, the restaurant was full – an exception rather than the rule when it comes to hotel eateries. We feasted on truffle-scented tandoori mushrooms, seared prawns in butter, pepper and garlic, Norwegian salmon fillet tikka and ginger-flavoured Adraki Karoo lamb chops. For a post-dinner cocktail there is the Twankey Bar.

Breakfast is served at Mint, which opens up on to St George’s Mall. Here, in true Hobbit style, you can have first and second breakfast in the same sitting. There is a lavish hot and cold buffet and egg station plus a menu with options like: a breakfast sundae made with granola, seasonal berries, yoghurt and honey; brioche French toast with crispy bacon, banana and maple syrup; and steak, egg and chips. Everything sounded so good I took ages to decide while sipping a superb Americano. Eventually I ordered an omelette with super-tasty Moroccan meatballs.

Daily newspapers are the norm. And being right in the city, guests have easy access to visitor attractions, which includes the hotel’s own free walking tour.