Southern comfort: Cape Town, South Africa

Tripoto
23rd Oct 2013
Photo of Southern comfort: Cape Town, South Africa 1/4 by Prashi
Photo of Southern comfort: Cape Town, South Africa 2/4 by Prashi
Photo of Southern comfort: Cape Town, South Africa 3/4 by Prashi
Photo of Southern comfort: Cape Town, South Africa 4/4 by Prashi

You may still spot an Ostrich ambling down the road in Cape Town and sure, spectacular Table Mountain is home to more species of flora and fauna than you might have ever seen. But this scenic beautiful city on the southwestern tip of the African continent is known more as a place to spy glamourous folk than roaring lions. Take an urban safari through its streets and you'll find a thriving restaurant scene, design forward architecture, ultra-luxe hotels and cute boutiques. Add the laid-back vibe and Cape Town has all the ingredients for a fabulous holiday. Cape Town is a world away from the startling wildlife untamed jungle synonymous with South Africa. And it's the ideal urban escape for the eclectic girl like me.

The 12 rooms of Cape Cadogan (Capecadogan.co.za), close to the buzzing Long and Kloof streets, evoke a Victorian-era mansion feel with lush interiors. For a queen-sized holiday, reserve the two-storey Owner's Villa, which has its own entrance, a private courtyard with a plunge pool, expansive hardwood living and dining and a modern kitchen. Or book a suite at One & Only Cape Town (Capetown.oneandonlycapetwon.com) on the bustling Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. David Beckham, Mariah Carey and Sharon Stone have all laid their heads on the plushest of linens there (use the in-room menu to order a pillow with the 'fluffiness' of your liking), waking up to glorious views of Table Mountain (which can be marvelled at from each of 131 rooms).

Photo of The Cape Cadogan, Upper Union Street, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa by Prashi
Photo of The Cape Cadogan, Upper Union Street, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa by Prashi
Photo of The Cape Cadogan, Upper Union Street, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa by Prashi
Photo of The Cape Cadogan, Upper Union Street, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa by Prashi
Photo of The Cape Cadogan, Upper Union Street, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa by Prashi

The minute you have booked your trip, call The Test Kitchen (Thetestkitchen.co.za) for a reservation. Chef Luke Dale Roberts whips up a cutting-edge take on fine dining. If you can't get in, try your luck at his Pot Luck Club & Gallery (Thepotluckblucb.co.za), conveniently located under the same roof. Feast on innovative dishes like fried prawns with tom ka gai butter, and smoked beef with truffle café au lait.

Photo of The Test Kitchen, Albert Road, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa by Prashi
Photo of The Test Kitchen, Albert Road, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa by Prashi
Photo of The Test Kitchen, Albert Road, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa by Prashi
Photo of The Test Kitchen, Albert Road, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa by Prashi
Photo of The Test Kitchen, Albert Road, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa by Prashi

Lined with clubs, restaurants and boutiques, Long Street is where the action is. MeMeMe (mememe.co.za) stock labels from local designers like Doreen Southwood Jinn and Silver Spoon. Aspiring Lady Gagas will love the avant-garde finds at Traffic (Trafficshop.co.za). For artsy, locally scoured home decor, head to Cape Quarter, where Africa Nova (Africanova.co.za) sells contemporary regional ceramics, textiles and fine art that blend in African references.

Photo of Mememe, Long Street, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa by Prashi

Every Saturday morning, chic Capertonians descend on the Old Biscuit Mill for Neighbourgoods Market (neighbourgoodsmarket.co.za) where over 100 local farmers, bakers and artisans purvey their freshest wares in a gargantuan former warehouse. The colorful Bo-Kaap district has sweet homes in shades of watermelon lime, strawberry and tangerine which pepper the slopes of Signal Hill. Pose here for a photo op - it's the perfect souvenir.

Photo of Neighbourgoods Market, Albert Road, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa by Prashi
Photo of Neighbourgoods Market, Albert Road, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa by Prashi

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