Sometimes when you visit a city you don’t always want to stay slap, bang in the middle of it. You want to be able to experience the chaos when you feel like it but also enjoy a bit of peace and quiet when needed – after all you’re on jollies. This is exactly what The Alphen in Cape Town offers, set in Constantia Valley, between some of the oldest vineyards in the Southern Hemisphere, right next to the stunning Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and only a 30 minute drive to Cape Town.
The five-star hotel has just 19 suites, spread across 3 manor houses, a fine dining restaurant, bakery offering a less formal experience, a garden bar and a small outdoor swimming pool. We stayed in one of the Superior Suites with ‘His and Hers’ bathrooms, one with a bath and one with a shower. The main room was huge with big bed, separate seating area, TV, complimentary mini-bar and lots of windows and natural light. Some of the decor may of being a little chintzy but it did quite suit the style of the building and we can live with that.
The swimming pool is for hotel guests only with big comfy day beds, fresh towels and cushions, surrounded by two very pretty gardens and is the ideal place to spend a few hours relaxing. Breakfast is served in La Belle Cafe and Bakery, which features a picturesque courtyard and serves everything from freshly baked bread to Eggs Royale, French Toast and juices.
If you’re looking for a place to stay whilst you ease yourself into a South African adventure, The Alphen ticks all of the boxes.
Alphen Dr, Alphen, Cape Town, 7848, South Africa
www.alphen.co.za