‘noun: staycation

A holiday that you take at home or near your home rather than travelling to another place.’

I rather like this new(ish) word that came about in the early 2000s. The promise of a change of scenery and routine, even for a short while, can do wonders to restore and rejuvenate one’s body, mind, and soul. It is human nature to want to have something exciting to look forward to, and a sojourn in the city could be just what you need.

Just think – a brief but much-needed escape from the daily grind where you and your S/O can relax and reconnect, have some fun and romance in a serene setting and where your only real decisions are whether to have that cool cocktail beside the pool (I vote yes!) and what to wear for dinner. Not having to drive too far or break the bank are added bonuses. Sound good to you? I thought it might, and I have the ideal staycation suggestion for you.

The leisurely drive from our home to the trendy suburb of Tamboerskloof was a pleasure and check-in at the chic and stylish The Cape Milner was a breeze. Rest assured that all Covid-19 safety and hygiene protocols are in place and put into practice. Located at the foot of Table Mountain, this boutique-style 4-star hotel provides a welcome oasis in a secluded setting, yet is close enough to the Mother City’s attractions, such as the V&A Waterfront and the popular sandy-white beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay. Lively Kloof Street is only a short walk away, offering a wide variety of fabulous restaurants, bars, and retail stores.

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LIVING IT UP IN OUR LUXURY ROOM!

The Cape Milner team are highly skilled at creating a harmonious blend of contemporary design space, bold colours, and rich textures. Our spacious and beautifully furnished Luxury Room beside a tranquil courtyard had everything we needed and more to ensure a relaxing and comfortable stay. It was pure coincidence that my dress matched the rose-gold features, my wine and the vibrant wall print!

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An uber-comfortable extra length bed, along with luxurious, crisp linen is a must and I am happy to report that all the boxes were ticked. They even offer a Pillow Menu! For those not familiar with a Pillow Menu, I can tell you that not many establishments offer this service. Due to a neck issue, I travel with a memory foam pillow and was pleasantly surprised that The Cape Milner offered this menu.

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The lavish en-suite bathroom is separated from the bedroom by a floor-to-ceiling glass panel with the toilet discreetly tucked away in a corner closed off by a door. The bath is a deep tub which I just love, perfect for a leisurely soak with organic Africology amenities that leave you feeling fragrant and relaxed, as well as a large rain shower.

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Luxury room features include a 40-inch LED flat-screen, mini-bar with complimentary drinking water, safe, hairdryer, air conditioning, an espresso machine, bathrobes, and slippers. If you are on a working holiday or need to catch up on emails, there is a workstation with laptop plug points. WiFi is complimentary but limited to 500MB per day.

Read more about their full range of accommodation.

FACILITIES

As we passed the sparkling blue pool on the way to our room, I knew that we would spend our afternoon here, despite the pesky south-easterly wind. You will always find me where the water is! The pool deck is a wonderful spot to relax, soak up the sun, sip on a cocktail or two from The Glass Lounge and splash in the cool water while enjoying spectacular views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head.

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If you prefer something a little more active, you can use the in-house gym or take the hotel’s courtesy shuttle service to the city centre or V&A Waterfront (only available on weekdays between 08h00-17h00). Planning your next conference or business meeting? The Cape Milner has you covered with state-of-the-art conferencing and catering facilities.

DINING OPTIONS

Inspired by the 1920s Speakeasy Prohibition era with a trendy twist, the glamorous The Glass Lounge is a cocktail and tapas bar that offers an elegant and sophisticated ambience with Table Mountain as the unique backdrop. A glass roof allows for breathtaking views of the mountain and starry skies at night. Plush vintage with splashes of Art Deco influences, this modern-style venue is perfect for a catch up with friends, special occasions, or romantic date nights.

Seated in a cosy corner of The Glass Lounge, we started the evening with some libations while deciding what to order. There are no physical menus, so you scan the code with your smartphone to see what is on offer. The West Coast Mussel Pot was delicious, although I came very close to choosing the Baked Camembert.

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We both chose meat for mains, with my Ostrich Fillet declared the clear winner. It was cooked to medium-rare perfection. You can have two sides and one sauce to accompany your choice of meat. The seasonal vegetables and potato wedges were very good, but I found the mushroom sauce lacking in flavour and not saucy enough.

We moved through to the restaurant right next door, 2 On Milner, for dessert. A light and luscious Passionfruit & Vanilla Cheesecake with granadilla sorbet was a lovely way to end our meal.

Outdoor dining is another lovely option at The Cape Milner. Indulge in alfresco lunches beneath the peaceful pergola with the sweet sounds of chirping birds to accompany your light meal and drink of choice. Or have your cocktails and snacks served directly to your pool lounger.

We awoke after a heavenly night’s sleep to a calm, sunny day with zero wind! It was such a pity that we had to leave after breakfast as I could have easily lounged beside the pool for the day. But back to reality and all that! The Cape Milner offers quite a few special deals, including a Daycation package with day rooms from R450 that includes a free R100 voucher to spend on food and beverages. Email >> reserve@capemilner.com or call + 27 21 426 1101 (T&Cs apply).

As buffets are no longer allowed due to Covid-19, orders are served tableside. You simply tick what you would like from the list provided. Breakfast was a relaxed affair, with a frothy cappuccino followed by a freshly cut fruit and a cheese plate. I could not squeeze in a hot breakfast, but Ryan enjoyed his fill of bacon, eggs, and mushrooms.

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With a range of special offers, there has never been a better time to enjoy a staycation at the uber-cool The Cape Milner. Whether you are staying for business or leisure, the professional, attentive staff will ensure a relaxing and comfortable stay. All in all, our staycation experience was lovely and just what we needed for a short but sweet break from our responsibilities and routine. Don’t you think it’s time to book that well-deserved break and create your own #CapeMilnerMoments?

CONTACT THE CAPE MILNER

The Cape Milner Reservations
Tel: + 27 21 426 1101

Extraordinary Reservations
Tel: +27 (0) 11 516 4367 | +27 (0)11 463 3070
Email: res@extraordinary.co.za

Address: The Cape Milner, 2a Milner Road, Tamboerskloof, Cape Town

GET SOCIAL WITH THE CAPE MILNER

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Disclosure: I was invited by Big Ambitions to review The Cape Milner. All views and images are my own unless stated otherwise. Feature image courtesy of The Cape Milner. All prices were correct at the time of publishing. Thank you to everyone for your gracious and warm hospitality.

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Yours in Luxury Travel, Food & Wine,
xoxo

Until the next adventure!