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Tintswalo: A tranquil, luxury hotel in Cape Town that is located in a magical situation

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By Katie Ann Lamb

Tintswalo is the only luxury Cape Town hotel located within Table Mountain National Park. It is positioned at the base of Chapman’s Peak. It is also the only hotel in the city that is right on the beach. I find this extraordinary, considering one of Cape Town’s best assets is the beach! So, when the opportunity presented itself to discover the new Tintswalo Atlantic Luxury Boutique Hotel, we jumped at the chance to experience the idyllic destination.

The hotel has ten ocean-facing luxury island suites and it also boasts an opulent two bedroom presidential suite. Tintswalo Atlantic is widely known as Cape Town’s hidden gem and it is one of the best kept secrets in South Africa.

Located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, the boutique shoreline lodge offers the best of both ocean and mountainside views. What I found particularly beautiful was the panoramic vistas of sunset that you can enjoy over Hout Bay harbour and the dramatic Sentinel mountain peak.

You get an excellent sense of remoteness at this property, despite its close proximity to Cape Town. The city centre feels miles away due to the fact the lodge is almost entirely hidden from view, but all the top tourist sites lie within a 20 to 45 minute drive away, so you are within easy access of the main hotspots. Hout Bay is the closest town and this is only a five minute drive away. For those wanting to make the most of the wine tasting experiences, the Constantia Wine Farms are only a further 20 minutes away.

As with any luxury getaway, it is important to enjoy some peace and quiet during any stay. Surrounded by nature, guests can indulge in the solitude of this magnificent seaside destination and this is a big appeal of the hotel. Due to the serene setting, it has been hailed locally as the most dramatic and romantic destination in Southern Africa. Naturally, Tintswalo Atlantic is considered to be an ideal venue option for weddings, honeymoons, romantic getaways and any special occasion, such as an anniversary.

As you would expect, Tintswalo Atlantic presents all the luxuries of a world-class hotel, including beachside dining, long hours of leisure and personalised service. From the moment you enter the property, you can guarantee to be blown away by the décor and views. Despite the location being a “beach house” style, the décor is elegant refined, but also relaxed and inviting at the same time. From ornate silver ware to chandeliers, velvet loungers, glass coffee tables to a showcase bar. The central area offers two open-plan lounge areas and a choice of dining areas that open onto two balconies, both with unobstructed ocean views.

Part of the pleasure of travelling is discovering new menus and local delicacies. The food at Tintswalo Atlantic is highly notable. From the start of the day until the end, you will be able to enjoy delicious cooking in a fantastic setting.

The mouth-watering breakfast spread has a changing a la carte menu and the lunch and dinner options also provide a diverse selection of food. Even if you aren’t staying at Tintswalo Atlantic, I would say that it is definitely worth trying to get a reservation for lunch or dinner. The food, combined with the views, is something that you won’t experience anywhere else in Cape Town!

Lunch can be as substantial as you wish, with options such as mussels and fresh calamari all prepared in the open plan kitchen by the head chef Thando and his team. I found dinner to be the most magical and romantic affair. Crisp white tables are lit by hurricane lamp candles. The sound of the waves gently crashing against the rocks and the sun setting in the distance means that you can appreciate a fabulous ambience while you dine. Specials, such as the Seafood platter, are my recommendations. With such extraordinary cuisine available onsite, there really is absolutely no reason to venture away from this little slice of paradise.

With regards to the accommodation, there are 10 beautifully appointed luxury Island suites at the hotel. These are made of simple timber and glass and each enjoy unique views of the ocean. The private balconies and wood burning fires for the cooler months are among the extra features that add a unique aspect to a stay here.

Rather distinctively, each of the suites are named after Islands around the world with the décor complimenting the name. Each Island room offers something slightly different. For example, Madagascar and Ithaca are slightly shaded, whilst Lamu has a larger deck perfect for Honeymooners not wishing to leave their suite.

Tintswalo

The attention to detail in each suite is stunning. From the carefully chosen fabrics, to the colours and artwork they are all very spacious and equipped with modern day luxuries. Due to the remoteness of Tintswalo Atlantic we actually left our balcony open at night and allowed the ocean sounds ease us to sleep. While safety is always a concern when visiting South Africa, Tintswalo Atlantic ensures that you feel safe and relaxed in the most magical environment.

For those wanting to explore further afield, several excursions can be organised from horse riding, to wine tours and even hiking directly from the lodge. Tintswalo Atlantic has secure parking and a boutique gift shop with lovely mementos and exclusively South African offerings. Although Tintswalo Atlantic doesn’t have a Spa, they do offer guests the opportunity to relax and be pampered from the comfort of their suite with only the sounds and smells of the ocean. Advance booking is required and most beauty treatments are offered.

Another of my top highlights of Tintswalo Atlantic is the heated pool. This is rare find in Cape Town. Despite the warm climate, the Atlantic Ocean is not the most inviting temperature-wise and on cooler days, unheated swimming pools aren’t that appealing either. So, this really is a nice luxury and it ensures the pool is not only seasonal but appeals throughout the year! It also has great views and a selection of recliners available for the lazy days and these range from sun beds to four poster day beds.

If you’re looking at visiting Cape Town, we strongly recommend spending a few nights at Tintswalo Atlantic. You will benefit from a tranquil break with outstanding cuisine and this is a place that you won’t want to leave.

Rates start at approx. £315per night based on two people sharing, this includes accommodation, breakfast, sunset canapes & cocktail of the day, Wi-Fi, welcome bottle of wine on arrival, 1% tourism levy.

You can book at: https://tintswalo.com/


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