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Affordable Romantic Retreat at the One & Only

When describing the One & Only “affordable” is not the first word which comes to mind, “exclusive” and “celebrity haunt” somehow feel more appropriate. This morning I met Johan du Toit for a site inspection of the One & Only Luxury Resort at the V & A Waterfront. They are offering a Romantic Retreat Special for 2 nights from R4530 per person (land rooms only) making one of Africa’s finest and most out-of-reach resorts an affordable and tempting option to celebrate an anniversary or special birthday. Johan showed me around so I could have a look at one of their Marina Harbour rooms (included in the special), and the extensive grounds and spa facilities. Have a look at our video clip below to get an idea of what the special entails:

 

All the Marina Harbour rooms face the waterfront, as I walked out onto the balcony I saw two well-proportioned seals basking in the sunshine on one of the piers below. The bathrooms are expansive and equipped with Charlotte Rhys bath products. The package includes a candle lit rose petal turndown making this a good choice for a romantic anniversary celebration.

Included in the 2 night special are daily breakfasts at celebrated chef Reuben Riffel’s restaurant and on one of the nights, a three course select dinner for 2 at Reuben’s (drinks excluded).

You could plan your stay so your other nights’ dinner coincides with one of Reuben’s Wine & Dine deluxe 5-course winter dinners held at various wine estates such as Môreson, Steenberg and Graham Beck. Reuben’s Wine&Dine evenings are priced at R395 per person.

The program is as follows:

30th June – Steenberg Wines

28th July – Morgenster Estate Vertical Masterclass

25th August – Graham Beck Wines.

I was led onto the island to visit their spa, a highlight of the two night stay for those seeking a respite from a stressful work week. Included in the special is either a 30 minute ESPA full body salt and oil scrub, a 30 minute ESPA back, neck and shoulder massage, a 30 minute Bastien Gonzalez foot refoundation massage or a 30 minute personal training session. You are also given free range of the fitness centre and Thermal suite.

The Special is valid until the 24 September, book Romantic Retreat at the One & Only” here.

Other events at the One & Only include the Dad’s Day High Tea on the 21 June, when petits fours will be replaced with mini-burgers, sosaties and sausage rolls paired with Bisquit Cognac. Remember to book ahead. Call: 021 431 4511.

If you’re feeling energetic then in between meals at Reuben’s and your spa session get out and explore the Waterfront. Kick off your explorations by taking a 5-minute stroll from the resort, past the Two Oceans Aquarium to the Watershed, where you can peruse locally-made luxury mohair products, delicate ceramics or sartorially savvy Mungo & Jemima threads. Finish off with a flat white from the Field Office at the Watershed.

Activities at the Waterfront

Stand-up Paddle Boarding with SUP Cape Town

Courtesy of SUP Cape Town

On a sunny day we suggest the intrepid rent a Stand Up Paddle Board from SUP Cape Town. An hour long rental costs R200. Dock Road, V & A Waterfront. Call: 082 789 0411. The regulars never miss the City Slickers Time Trial every Thursday (you don’t have to be experienced to compete). There are three distances from which to choose, either the 1.5km route, 3km route or the 4.5km route. It starts at 6pm every Thursday.

Watch a World Class Documentary at V & A Cinema Nouveau

The Encounters Festival runs from the 4-14 June and the documentaries are typically of an outstanding quality. If you’re staying at the One & Only before the 15 June don’t miss a screening at the V & A Cinema Nouveau. Have a look at their program here.

Sunset Champagne Cruise

Champagne by Anders Adermark on Flickr

If you feel like setting off on the expansive blue ocean you can see from your Marina Harbour Balcony then consider booking a sunset champagne cruise on the Esperance. It’s R300 per adult, R150 per child. Book here.

Courtesy of the Esperance

Travel 300 Years Back In Time

Courtesy of The Chavonnes Battery

Don a ridiculous tricorn hat and travel 300 years back in time by visiting the Chavonnes Battery Museum. There’s a wealth of fascinating information about the history of the Cape in this sunken museum which has the largest collection of muzzle loaded cannons in South Africa. Find it at the Nedbank Building (opposite Nelson Mandela gateway to Robben Island) at the Clock Tower, Waterfront. It’s open from 9am-4pm daily. Entrance costs R35 for adults/R25 Seniors. Be sure to book in advance for the daily guided historical tours. Email: info@chavonnesbattery.co.za. Call: 021 416 6230.

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