Its décor is a combination of luxury and glam with gold and silver being the main colour theme. The digital art and photographic gallery that can be seen in the corridor leading up to the bar is impressive to say the least and adds a touch of sophistication to the place. The intimate area by the bar is great for a dance or even a quick catch up with a friend – I know that I don’t always want to be shouting over loud music when chatting with a friend. The Daddy Cool Bar is the perfect spot to chat, drink and dance (if the party goes that way).

The first few times I went to the Daddy Cool Bar I was completely unaware of what was right above me on the roof top. Seven (very silver) luxury caravans are on the Grand Daddy roof top, providing private accommodation. Each of the caravans have a different theme – the themes include Pleasantville, Goldilocks and the three bears, Love of lace, Earthcotes Moontides and Airstream, The ballad of John and Yoko, Afro funk and lastly a caravan named Dorothy  – its interior covered with large blue polka dots. Ever since I discovered these charming caravans I have been plotting and scheming to get myself a weekend (or more) in one of them.

If you thought that the Grand Daddy Hotel couldn’t possibly have anything else to offer then think again – every Monday they have screenings of classic movies, not in the hotel, but on the roof top! Can you imagine how romantic that would be? The stars, the old movie, snuggling under a blanket sipping hot chocolate (or maybe rather a cocktail) – sounds like heaven to me!

Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rsp/

There is something so fun and carefree about lifting off into the sky while you stand in a large wicker basket – I can imagine that it is quite a freeing experience. The beautiful colours of the balloon are also something that makes this kind of experience even more enticing. There are various places around Cape Town that offer this magical experience, such as Extreme Scene, which does its balloon flights in the Berg River Valley just outside of Paarl and then there is also Life Ballooning, which does its balloon flights just off the R304 by Klein Joostenberg.

I can already picture how beautiful the view would be from so high up. The view of wine lands, Table Mountain, the ocean in the distance – I always enjoy looking at something from a different perspective and having a birds eye-view is something I know I will enjoy and something I will remember forever. Can you imagine the amazing photographs you could take from such a height?

I think that hot air ballooning is really one of the most incredible experiences you can have. A few things you should definitely have with you include champagne and someone you love (and possibly a blanket and definitely a camera) – what a heavenly adventure you will have! The fresh air, flying with the birds, a magnificent view and nothing but blue sky around me is a fantasy that better come true pretty soon!

Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidberkowitz/

The enormous amount of things to look at can be overwhelming so I would almost definitely recommend that you take a break half way through and grab some lunch at the wonderful Marimba restaurant situated in the convention centre itself. Their food is unforgettable and if you are like me, you would want a wide range of food to choose from (especially for a mid shopping break). Marimba’s menu includes South African cuisines as well as some Cosmopolitan dishes – whatever your craving might be, you’ll find it there.

So, after your delicious meal and a maybe a glass of wine, head back into the inspiration space that is the Cape Town Design Indaba. I find that a map of the layout always helps and deciding beforehand what you really want to see also helps make it less overwhelming and more enjoyable. Another useful tip is that, although there are lots of pretty things to look at, you might want to leave the kiddies at home (with your hubby) and treat yourself to some lazy browsing with a group of friends. If you are not in the buying mood just remember to take some business cards of the creations that inspired you the most, or maybe reminded you of a friend – you never know when you might need to contact the artist or designer for a special birthday or Christmas gift.

All in all, the Design Indaba is a fantastic way to spend a day (especially if you have an interval of good food and wine) – this is a must see for all you Luxury Cape Town woman out there – don’t miss out!

Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/spo0ky/

Depending on your budget, you can go big or small when it comes to cruise frills. Frills can include champagne, snacks or even fine dining and dancing. The champagne sunset cruises can take you as far as Clifton 4th beach or even to Table Bay with both cruises providing you with breathtaking sunset views with Table Mountain in the background. On the 24th September 2010 I was taken on a sunset cruise departing from the V & A Waterfront and what was still to come was a complete surprise. With the sun setting and champagne glass in hand, my boyfriend knelt down on one knee and told everyone on the cruise that I was the most amazing woman he had ever met and then he looked me in the eyes and proposed. So, if you are thinking of a unique and wonderfully romantic way to propose to your partner, I can honestly say that a sunset cruise is the way to go.

The V & A Waterfront has a wide range of charters and yachts docked in their harbour and often it is not necessary to book in advance as there are so many available. Summer is always best as you are sure to get lovely weather but snuggling up with your partner on a cold winter’s evening with a glass of port might not be the worst way to spend your time either. Being out on the ocean surrounded by spectacular views and wonderful company is a Cape Town luxury worth experiencing – I know that I will never forget my first sunset cruise and I hope that you all get a chance to be treated to something this luxurious and romantic at least once.

Image Credit:http://www.flickr.com/photos/candice-winterboer/

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Myatt Café and Chocolatier is divine. Its purple chairs, orchid in the centre of the restaurant and swinging chair make for a very stylish café. Set in the V&A Waterfront, everything from the chairs to the crockery say sophistication.  Sitting at Eileen Grey tables, sipping coffee out of Villeroy and Boch cups and lounging on designer Vitra chairs reminds you that you are indeed in the lap of luxury. It is this attention to detail that makes Myatt so glamorous. This is opulence at its best and even the staff are beautiful.

High Tea at Myatt Café and Chocolatier will make you feel like the Queen. This afternoon luxury comprises of mini sandwiches (salmon and cream cheese, thank you very much), macaroons, croissants, scones, your choice of tartlet or éclair and a choice of cakes. Cap that off with either one of the blended teas (with wonderful names such as Blooming Show or Kenyan Black) or a coffee and you’re ready for one lavish afternoon. Cakes and sweet tartlets range from amaretto, coffee and chocolate concoctions to cheese cakes with fruit on top and they are all fantastic.

Make sure you go inside this café to look at the decadent chocolate assortment, which is guaranteed to leave you salivating. Each small chocolate is so indulgent you’ll find it hard to walk away after just one. Ranging from hazelnuts to coffee caramel fillings, Myatt Café and Chocolatier knows how to make its customers squeal with delight.

Also…

Myatt isn’t only about sweets and chocolates; this café also offers gorgeous sandwiches, ranging from vegetarian to smoked Norwegian Salmon; a more continental-type breakfast; delicious salads with all kinds of interesting combinations and savoury tarts. Go there, but be warned: You may never want to leave.

Myatt Café and Chocolatier

Shop 6244 V&A Waterfront

Tel: 021 418 8844

The vodka bar and the deli below are on the opposite side of the road to their bigger sister, Salt Restaurant at the Ambassador Hotel. The deli has become a popular breakfast spot, but today we’re interested in something a little stronger than coffee and a full English, and upstairs Salt has 30 local and international premium vodkas on offer.

‘People only think of vodka as something you mix with Coke or Red Bull,’ continues Virgil. ‘But vodka is like whisky – there are your cheaper bottles for mixing, and then there are premium brands, which can be sipped straight up or over ice.’

So we sip. Over the next hour we try Ftv vodka, Pravda, Skyy and Ciroc (‘French, and the best, in my opinion,’ says Virgil), and then compare two citrus-flavoured vodkas, Absolut and another Skyy. The clear winner is, as Virgil predicted, the Ciroc. There’s no kick in the back of your throat, it just sits very roundly on the palate and then goes down smooth. Of the two flavoured varieties, the Absolut is far more subtle but a lot easier to sip than the Skyy. Special mention must go to Pravda for its vanilla aroma but clean taste.

Another handy need-to-know we gleaned from Virgil was that, despite the fact most people stash their vodka in the freezer, this spirit should actually be drunk at room temperature (as should tequila, believe it or not). It’s at this temperature that the real flavour and bouquet of the vodka is released, which is what you want – provided, of course, you’re drinking a decent brand.

Aside from vodka, Salt’s appeal lies in its walk-in Champagne fridge – real Champagne, as well as local sparkling wines, many of which are available by the glass. The warmth of its wooden shelves makes a nice contrast to its chilly temperature, and nothing says luxury more than being surrounded by bottles of Dom, Taittinger and Lallier. I choose a glass of the Lallier Blanc de Blanc (the boys stick with mojitos) and we retire to the balcony. The bubbly is divine, very subtle and sophisticated – the perfect tipple with which to toast the good life.

SALT VODKA BAR AND DELI

29 Victoria Road, Bantry Bay

021 439 3354

Nitida Cellars is gorgeous with its sprawling lawns, long lines of trees, vineyards and a picture perfect dam. After a stroll along the lawn, we decided to lunch at Tables. Tables is one of two restaurants on the estate, the other being Cassia. While both menus looked equally appealing, Cassia had a cocktail menu, which we agreed would be of better use later on in the afternoon. After all, we didn’t want to get sidetracked from the quality wine. We were not disappointed with our lunching choice. Tables is farmyard chic at its best, with a small herb garden at the entrance, giving off the most delicious smells as you wait for your meal.

Lounging outside under the umbrellas, it was very easy to polish off some of Nitida’s famous Sauvignon Blanc before having a wonderful vegetarian dish called Imam’s delight. A Middle Eastern plate, it is the most fun you can have with eggplant, feta, tomato, rocket and balsamic glaze. Then, being a sucker for cheesecake, I had to indulge in desert and I must say that the cheesecake was the best I’ve ever had. It was so light and fluffy that I almost recreated the orgasm scene in When Harry met Sally.

After relaxing on the terrace, we set out to the wine cellar for some good old fashioned wine tasting. Sitting in the cellar enjoying the rich smell of barrels, Kerry poured over a dozen wines, including the very interesting Semillon. Although it’s not a huge seller, the soil in Nitida is well suited to this nettle flavoured white and being the luxurious adventurer that I am, I was quite taken by it.

After all that wining and dining, we headed over to Cassia for a cocktail to cap off the day. Cassia is very elegant inside, with its white table clothes and modern minimalist décor. However, on such a beautiful day there is only one spot you want to be and that is outside on the deck, overlooking the dam. Here we sat, cocktail in hand surveying the natural beauty around us. Although Cassia’s cocktail menu is not extensive, it is very glamorous, with some of the favourites containing Nitida Sauvignon Blanc. After a hard day’s work of luxury dining and delicious wine tastings, sipping on a frozen cocktail (the Vanilla Aztec to be precise) was nothing short of heavenly.

Nitida Wine Sales
t +27 21 976-1467                                 
f +27 21 976-5631
Cassia Restaurant
t +27 21 976 0640/ 975 3825
Tables at Nitida
t +27 21 975 9357