I recently spent an evening at the newly revamped Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel, which has been one of my favourite inner-city Cape Town hotels for many years.
The lobby and common areas have recently been revamped with a new lighter stone palette with hand-painted columns, creating an elegant marble effect.
The hotel rooms have also seen an upgrade, with USB and USB-C ports on both sides of the bed, new air conditioning units and individual wifi access points for each room.
New to the hotel’s offerings are dedicated floors for corporate clients, families and single female travellers, which is identified by the guest relations team before arrival.
The views from my window over Table Bay and the pool area were magnificent.
Dinner was a relaxed affair at the newly added patio braai area, which now offers al-fresco dining with an outdoor braai and pizza oven, offering guests and local visitors an opportunity to experience true South African hospitality.
With an extensive pizza menu and authentic wood-fired braai, this is a definite winner for Cape Town’s balmy summer evenings.
Breakfast buffets and a-la-carte dinners are served on the first floor at Peachtree restaurant, which showcases South Africa’s culinary delights with a selection of South African dishes.
The following morning we set off on the 90-minute drive to the Arabella Hotel, Golf and Spa.
Whether you’re seeking a golf break with friends, a family holiday, or a romantic couples’ spa retreat, this 5-star hotel ticks all the boxes.
Situated in the picturesque Kogelberg Biosphere, one of the world’s richest floral reserves, the hotel is surrounded by stunning vistas.
There is a choice of 145 contemporary rooms and suites, which include Deluxe and Deluxe Premium rooms, suites, and two Presidential Suites.
What’s on offer?
The hotel’s main pool, complete with a Laughing Waters waterfall is the perfect place to lounge and take in the stunning scenery. Grab a lunch or sip a cocktail while embracing nature.
The Spa journey
The hotel’s spa is home to a unique African Rainforest experience, a 120-minute journey of hydro-therapy-based treatments. The 13-step programme includes hot and cold therapies, all aimed a boosting immunity, improving circulation, and relaxation.
Golf course
Known for its golf, the Arabella Golf Course is a 72-par 18-hole course with one of the country’s most striking backdrops.
Ranked fifth in the country by Golf Digest, the Peter Matkovich-designed course is open to day visitors with the option to play either 9 or 18 holes or the family can try their hand at putt-putt for a bit of fun and laugh.
Although very different hotels, both the Cullinan and Arabella Golf Resort and Spa offer 5-star luxury and service.
From the elegance and convenient location of The Cullinan to the relaxing retreat into nature at The Arabella Golf Resort and Spa, I was impressed by every aspect of the experience.
sarene.kloren@iol.co.za
IOL Travel