It’s twelve noon on a luminous Saturday in the picturesque little village of Hout Bay. I am surrounded by a big bunch of screaming five year olds, running around with huge pink and blue balloons, the remnants of chocolate cake stuck to their sun-kissed faces.
It’s my oldest, Hannah’s, birthday party and Carl and I have been up late getting everything organised for her big day. With a sigh of relief I think of what we have to look forward to later. We have been invited to stay the night at the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, just down the road on the way to Camp’s Bay. A very romantic-looking hotel, I wonder what it would be like for the kids.
Two hours later we’ve said our goodbyes and the station wagon, filled with presents and balloons, is hopping down the bumpy drive down to the main road. At last, I can’t wait to get there.
The drive around the Cape Peninsula from Hout Bay to Camps Bay runs along the foot of a mountain ridge known as the Twelve Apostles. The landscape is remarkable and Victoria Road is one of the most beautiful drives in Cape Town. On your left is the Atlantic Ocean with its rocky shore littered with huge granite boulders and on your right is the high sandstone ridge of the Twelve Apostles. The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa stands at the very edge of the Atlantic, surrounded by acres of marine coastal nature reserves.
We pull up in front of the stately entrance of the hotel and the porter quickly comes over to welcome us and take our bags. Hannah comes bounding out of the car and says “Hello Mister”, a broad smile beaming across her face. To my surprise, and her utter shock, he smiles happily and says “Hello Hannah. You must be the birthday girl. Welcome to the Twelve Apostles.” She giggled as he came over to shake her hand. All the way, from walking into the door, throughout refreshing welcome drinks, to unlocking the door of our suite, we are greeted warmly by passing staff and a few more times one would smile at Hannah and say, “You must be the birthday girl”.
You know that feeling when you’ve been on your feet and going all day and you finally get to walk into your cool, fresh hotel room? Bliss…and another surprise. On the table, in front of the big sliding glass doors, overlooking the azure Atlantic Ocean stands a little tower decorated with sweets and dried fruit and next to it a chocolate birthday cake, iced with little pink flowers and the words “Happy Birthday” in curly letters. There’s a card for her too, and one for Carl (his birthday was two days ago) personally signed by the hotel manager.
The room is amazing – equipped with a modem connection and complimentary internet access for editor mommies like me. A welcome tray of snacks, satellite television, a DVD player (even an X-Box) for the kids, exquisite linen…it’s pure elegant luxury.
All I want to do right now is enjoy the comfort of the big wide bed. Alas, as romantic as this hotel truly is, it is also a haven for kids, and they want to go for a swim. I grab one of the exquisite blue and beige “pool gowns” hanging behind the front door and quickly fill the beach bag next to it with armbands, sunscreen and juice bottles, and off we go.
The hotel has cold and heated pools suitable for all weather, including a small secluded rock pool with mountain views. We opt for the heated infinity pool just below our suite, overlooking the ocean. There is a mini kid’s pool (like a Jacuzzi) attached to the main pool and there is a pile of towels and swimming noodles ready to be used and enjoyed. I’m sure it’s the hottest day we’ve had this winter. We spend the afternoon by the pool…and it’s the middle of July!
I must admit, although I was exhausted when we arrived, I’m already feeling refreshed and significantly more energized…even without that nap I couldn’t have.
Eventually I coax the kids out of the pool with promises of something sweet after supper – as if they haven’t had enough sugar for one day…then again, it is still Hannah’s birthday…another bit won’t hurt.
The cuisine at The Twelve Apostles is as magnificent as its setting. We had a choice to dine in the Azure restaurant with its magnificent sea views of the Atlantic Ocean, but we opted for The Café Grill. They offer lighter fare such as delicious fresh salads, light snacks, grilled meat and fish and there was more than enough on the menu to satisfy all of our tastes.
In true Twelve Apostles manner, we were greeted warmly at the door and Hannah was asked with a smile if she enjoyed her birthday. On the counter they had yet another assortment of gigantic glass jars filled with sweets. Luckily by now, even our two had had enough. The girls were each given a little colouring book and crayons – perfect for keeping them busy so Carl and I could enjoy our wine and have a conversation amongst ourselves.
The hotel is certainly full of lovely surprises. Upon our return to our suite, the girls were delighted to find milk and cookies waiting for them. After a warm bath the kids jumped into the hotel’s delightful little kiddies gowns and were soon of to dreamland, cosy in their little twin beds in the lounge – their 12 Apostles gift bags (containing water bottles, fridge magnets and beach bat sets) neatly placed next to their pillows.
The next morning a full breakfast buffet, which includes chocolate milk, purity and rusks for the kids, is served outside on the Azure Restaurant’s terrace overlooking the ocean – a treat we thoroughly enjoyed.
Above the Azure Restaurant is the Leopard Bar, perfect for enjoying cocktails while gazing at the sun dipping over the ocean. Perhaps not quite so enjoyable with two gaudy children in tow.
The hotel has 55 deluxe guest rooms and 15 luxurious suites. Some face the sea and some the mountain. Believe me, it’s a tough choice. Each one is unique; the décor relaxed, soothing and intimate.
The Spa is a tranquil oasis where you’ll find hot and cold plunge pools and a hydrotherapy bath. You can even have your treatment outside under the gazebo.
The hotel also has its very own private 16-seater cinema which screens family movies twice a day. The seats are covered in bright red patent leather and the familiar glass jars filled with sweets are protruding from the table in the corner. If the cinema times don’t suit you, you can make use of the free family DVD library with over 200 movies. Popcorn, sweets and soft drinks are complimentary in the cinema and for in-room viewing.
The hotel’s close proximity to the centre of Cape Town, means easy access to enjoy the shops and restaurants of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. The hotel even offers complimentary car transfer services with car seats. Even closer is the trendy area of Camps bay where you can enjoy a day on the beach or hang out in one of their trendy restaurants. The hotel will advise you on child-friendly activities in the area.
At the Twelve Apostles they live to serve. Whatever you want they will arrange for you. If you can’t find a sitter for your dog, he or she is welcome too. Even they will be fussed over.
Contact:
Tel: +27 (0) 21 437 9000
www.12apostleshotel.com
(Images courtesy of the Twelve Apostles Hotel)