Cape Town for Youngsters

Addiction. It’s a word we use for many things, and it mostly refers to a bad habit of some sort. But what if you become addicted to the sultry, sunny beaches of an unbelievable destination? Perhaps then, the bad habit can be considered a guilty (but acceptable) little pleasure instead; especially if the destination is Cape Town.

With a vast array of natural splendor, locally produced food and wine, and beaches sprinkled with sexy locals, is there any question as to why it was voted as the 2011 Number 1 destination in the world by Trip Advisor? If you keep a bucket list, a journal, or even a checklist you started on the back of a bar napkin while incredibly tipsy, do yourself a favor and add Cape Town to the top of it.

Sleep:

If Cape Town is one of the raciest destinations in the world, then the Camps Bay’s Bay Hotel has got to be one of the world’s raciest places to stay. Not only does this 5 Star Heaven have some of the most luxurious rooms anywhere, the location could not be better. The Bay sits amongst some of the greatest restaurants and bars and is the only place for pleasure-seeking adventurers looking to spend some time in the lap of luxury. If cocktails and bikinis are the scene you crave, The Bay flaunts plenty of both—disappointment not included.

The 2Inn1 Boutique Hotel may be more your style if you are craving a taste of some modern African spirit. The hotel is a remodeled Victorian house turned African bungalow that boasts its personalized service and a style all its own.

For a completely unique experience, the Cape Grace offers the comforts and amenities of a luxury resort while still harboring the traditional feel and culture of the Cape. The V&A Waterfront Hotel offers a taste of both extremes as well with the Table Mountain towering over it, offering a work harbor on one side and yacht basin for millionaires on the other.

Eat:

As if the resorts themselves didn’t have enough luxury to offer, Cape Town has some of the most amazing food to ever tantalize your taste buds. Prepare to loosen your belts as you try some of the most famous restaurants and local cafes—overindulgence is the name of the game.

• There is no better way to start your day than with the perfect breakfast. Café Neo is located directly across from the Mouille Point Light House and is the perfect stop if you’re looking for something quick. While the menu is limited to a few select items written on a blackboard, a little flirting might just get you a special order. If you need a quick jolt of caffeine to get you going, their cappuccino is about as mean as they get.

• The Famous Constatia-Uitsig Wine Farm about 20 minutes from central Cape Town offers a special treat for its visitors in its River Café. If you believe trying Eggs Benedict once means you’ve tried it all, brace yourself for Head Chef Dineel Terblanche’s new spin on an old recipe—you’ll never want to eat them at a 24 hour diner again.

• Chapman’s Peak Hotel istheplace to be for a Calamari or Portugese steak lunch. For those who struggle with decisions, they even offer a combination plate of half steak and half Calamari. Since you are more than likely to stuff yourself silly, you can ease yourself into buttoning up your pants again by taking a walk up Chapman’s Peak Drive.

• If a quick on-the-go lunch is what you are looking for, Giovanni’s Deli in Greenpoint is where all the locals take their lunch breaks. A completely unique combination of old school Italian and modern South African, Giovanni’s will make you any and every type of sandwich you could possibly dream of.

• If a seafood dinner is calling out to you, Wakame offers some of the best Pacific Rim cuisine available. It fills up quickly so you’ll want to call and make a reservation, but the five minute phone call is definitely worth an evening you will never forget. The rooftop bar is definitely the Wakame highlight, and pre-dinner drinks are always a great way to loosen up and scope out the eye candy.

• Carne is one of the most delectable and unique places for fancy dinner—and a great way to impress a hot date. For those of us who are less than fluent in Italian (thank you, Google), the very name of the restaurant explains its infamy. Carne is Italian for meat, and with the finest cuts of Romagnola beef, Dorper lamb, game, and other locally sourced meats from Karoo; no name could be more fitting.

• For a dinner that is truly (and literally) award-winning, La Colombe is the place to be for a night out on the town. The restaurant has secured a position in the honorable San Pellegrino 100 Best Restaurants in the World for 2011. The achievement is a tremendous one Executive Chef Scot Kirton since only 3 South African restaurants were ranked within the top 100. Kirton believes in finding ways to improve even the best dishes; fresh produce, uncomplicated flavors, and classical elegance are what he says are the, “essence of my inspiration.” All awards aside, the superior service and esteemed wine list make this upscale restaurant the only place to be.

Drink:

If you’re lucky enough to be on vacation with your significant someone, there is no better place for drinks than Asoka. Everything from the staff to the décor screams sensuality. Taking things up another notch is the central courtyard—if you’ve never seen a bar sitting in an olive tree, you’re in for a treat. With a main bar right when you enter and a champagne-martini-vodka bar in the back, the drinks keep flowing and the air gets hot and heavy in a hurry.

The Camps Bay beachfront has several popular hot spots to offer, but none equal the attention received by Café Caprice. If you’re looking for a hangout to sip drinks and people watch, the chic crowd of young sophisticates, sexy locals, and celebrities that come through are sure to give you plenty to see—and drool over.

When interior designer Andrea Graff designed the Jade Bar in Greenpoint, the goal was to recreate the intimacy felt in one’s own living room. All things considered, her mission was definitely accomplished. The low, soft light is the type that somehow flatters everyone’s best features, the feel is sexy yet sophisticated, and the ambiance is totally laid back. Needless to say there is an age requirement to get in to the Jade Bar and the place fills up quickly on the weekends.

Beach:

The heart of Cape Town’s beach scene offers the three “B’s;” bronzed, beautiful, bikinis. We are not talking your run of the mill department store bikinis here; Clifton 4^th Beach is pulsating with barely-there bikinis, tiny little g-strings, and other limit pushing (yet exciting) ensembles. Clifton also offers 4 white sand beaches, outcrops of granite rock, yachts, and clear crystal waters as part of its exotic flavor. One thing to keep in mind; topless tanning may be okay, but total nudity may best be saved for other beaches.

Since Clifton is essentially the place to see and be seen, break out your finest water wear and designer shades and join a sweaty game of beach ball or Frisbee. Of course these events are broken up with dips in the cool water and snacks from the vendors lining the shores. It’s easy to spend an entire day on the beach without going too far—especially since each of Clifton’s beaches has a feel all its own.

If a Spring Break feel is what you are looking for, Bikini Beach is overflowing with girls from Stellenbosch University (“Stellies”), donning their teeniest tiniest bikinis. Bikini Beach is also one of Cape Town’s Blue Flag Beaches, which means that it has a substantially high level of water quality, facilities, safety, and cleanliness. Bikini Beach is harbored on both sides, with the Hottentot’s Holland Mountains on one side and harbor breakwater on the other. It also offers an endless view of False Bay, nearby shops, and of course—plenty of attention seeking college girls.

If you’ve frequented (and loved) the Clifton Beaches, you may want to try Camps Bay which is only a short distance away. Unless of course palm trees, endless grass, and shaded picnic areas are not your thing. Camps Bay has a little something for everyone—million year old rock formations for the history junkie, and trendy shopping complexes and entertainment for those with credit cards just waiting to be swiped. Camps Bay is also a popular spot for film producers and photographers and attracts just as many locals as it does visitors.

Shop:

Original Cape Town souvenirs and gifts are available in all shapes and sizes at any of Cape Town’s markets. These items come from a variety of local artists and designers and are unlike anything else you can find.

• Greenmarket Square in the very center of Cape Town is a craft market overflowing with the true Cape Town vibe. Animated colors, African carvings, masks, drums, beads, jewelry, clothing, ceramics, and more all offer a genuine Cape Town treasure that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. If you’re feeling a little bold and cheeky, a little bargaining with the shop owners may be in order as you shop.

• The Red Shed Craft Workshop and Waterfront Craft Markets are definite stops that must be made by those looking for some artsy souvenirs. Both markets are open 7 days a week and offer clothes, accessories, and a vast selection of crafts and artwork.

• If you are into flea markets and swap meets, Greenpoint Market on a Sunday morning is the place for you to be. Greenpoint is a flea market mixed with a craft market and offers everything from beads to CD’s all in one lively location.

• Vivacious Long Street offers stylish Art Deco shops, clubs, street cafes, and all the food you could want lining the streets from end to end. If diversity is what your heart (and inner shopaholic) desires, Long Street has everything from Retro to couture to urban street—and everything in between. You can spend your day looking at everything you could possibly think of, from antique jewelry to books. Another (though slightly odd) perk; Long Street offers a traditional Turkish Bath House where you can relax and enjoy a nice little dip to end your day.

• Come a little closer so we can whisper Cape Town’s best kept secret in your ear. The Cape Quarter delivers interior decoration, art, fashion and beauty, and healthy lifestyle stores all snuggled into astounding Cape Malay architecture. If you want to be considered “Cape Town cool,” make sure to stop here for a genuine Cape Town vibe, eateries, and shopping. The locals who consider themselves the best of the best all draw together here, making this one place you do not want to miss.

Be Pampered:

If you are well traveled, you know what the international standards are when it comes to spas and salons. The Sanctuary inside of the 12 Apostles Hotel offers top of the line service unlike anywhere else. A unique and striking blend of east and west, local and exotic create a holistic leisure experience that will appeal to each of your senses.

The One & Only Spa is Cape Town’s own expression of today’s contemporary spas. Indulgence and pampering are truly defined, and guests are encouraged to take it for all it’s worth. African influences combined with a modern feel are what create the relaxing atmosphere in each of the 12 treatment rooms.

The Spa Island is known for its lush landscape, but has so much more than just that to offer its visitors. A few of the mention worthy amenities include sauna and steam rooms, a relaxation room complete with breathtaking scenery, ‘experience’ showers with three unique water settings, a vitality pool, and full service salon by Bastian Gonzalez and Wayne Gates. Let’s also not forget the treatment villas—uniquely designed with either the simplicity of singles or the intimacy of couples in mind.

Lady Anne Barnard felt that the Asgsana Spa overlooking the Liesbeeck River was the perfect place to nurture her spirit into tranquility, so who are we to disagree? This English country house was a first for South Africa and offers both harmony and serenity among the Vineyard Hotel’s historic gardens.

Attractions:

For a brief South African history lesson, the ferry to Robben Island is just the ticket. You’ll get a quick look into South Africa’s political history, a tour around the island, and a prison tour led by a previous inmate. This trip is incredibly popular though and your chances of boarding the ferry without advance booking are slim to none.

• A scenic drive with luxurious amenities is the absolute best way to discover the Western Cape. A day tour includes a scenic drive to the illusive Cape Point, and a look at a few of Cape Town’s most noteworthy beaches. Chapman’ Peak and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve are a couple of the most noteworthy stops along the tour.

• In 1867, District Six was announced as Cape Town’s Sixth Municipal District. A place abounding with both history and tragedy, the District Six Museum tells the unfortunate story of District Six. The museum will give you just a small taste of a once mixed community of freed slaves, merchants, artisans, and immigrants living peacefully and the devastation that took place with black South Africans were forcibly displaced in early 1900. The once vibrant city center became Cape Town’s neglected ward, with only the museum left to tell its tale.

• Probably the most famous attraction in Cape Town, Table Mountain can be whatever you want it to be. For a quick trip to take in the view of the city, a cable car ride can have you to the top in less than five minutes. For the more bold and daring adventurer, the majority of the day can be spent hiking your way to the top. Either way, the 360 degree views of Cape Town are breathtaking and you’ll quickly be able to see why this mountain is in the running to be a New Wonder of Nature.

• For a family friendly outing and a glimpse of some African wildlife, the Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Center is the perfect destination. A relatively new attraction, the Giraffe House teaches about animals and conservation while spotlighting major animal and bird species and providing families a place to picnic and enjoy the day together.

Secrets From the Locals:

The Old Biscuit Mill is Cape Town’s original gourmet market. This little gem offers the specialties of over 100 traders, purveyors, merchants, artisans, gourmet items, local farmers, and so much more. The only catch is that this Cape Town gold mine of authenticity is only open on Saturdays from 9 am to 2pm.

“The Rock,” as it is fittingly called is like a mountain climb that you can do from the comfort of your vehicle. Considered one of upper Fresnaye’s hidden treasures, it provides a heart-stopping view of the Atlantic Seaboard and is the perfect place to spend late evenings. A perfect romantic getaway, The Rock is the place to find an off road parking space and do some starry-eyed gazing. Witnessing an African sunset is a life changing experience; one that you will want to share with that special someone (or even a not so special someone you just met hours before), a soft blanket, and fine wine. In a word, this is Cape Town romance at its low-key best.

If you’ve got an empty morning you are trying to fill, a journey to the Hely-Hutchinson Dam will provide a truly rewarding experience. Be early to rise and get a sure to your start in the Kirstenbosch gardens. From there you will hike your way up Skeleton Gorge, which is one of the most breath-taking footpaths that Table Mountain has to offer. You’ll continue to wind your way up ladders and river beds until you finally come to the top. You’ll know you’ve made it when you reach the soft white sandy beaches just begging you to sink your toes into them. Since this beach is 1000m above sea level, the altitude may leave you feeling a slight non-drug induced high. Not to worry, this feeling gives you the perfect excuse to flaunt your teeny bikini and enjoy some sexy summer fun. Take the scenic route down through Nursery Ravine back to Kirstenbosch—once you manage to free yourself from the sensual grasp the beach tends to have on its guests.

Cape Town has so much more to offer than what we’ve managed to fit in here, which gives you even more reason to grab your bikini and hop on the next flight out. And while we’re sure you’d love to hear more, some secrets are best left untold so that you can discover them for yourself; besides, if we told you everything, we’d probably have to kill you…