We recently sent our contributor, Warren Green to the Mother City.
Here’s what he had to say about his epic stay at Mannabay, Cape Town:
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MannaBay – Nestled in the foot of Table Mountain lies the boutique hotel of your dreams.
Cape Town is a city of diverse cultures, interesting people and strong international influence. Just like the city itself, MannaBay has been able to combine international influence with a strong South African flavour – a vibrant, modern swing on a South African luxury hotel.
Fabulous artwork, fill the space of the hotel from floor to ceiling. Continental flags caress the floors, modern furniture infuses with ornate fabrics and edible views of Table Mountain, with Fynbos, surrounds drip into the entrance hall. All artists are local and range from tattoo artists, to street artists, to fine artists and everything in between.
Art is essential to MannaBay and is celebrated in many ways – through commissioned works, partnerships with art curators and galleries – MannaBay features various themed artworks, of which, profits are given to various charities.
Each room in the hotel has been decorated and designed to a specific theme. In total there are eight rooms; One suite – the Versailles Suite – and seven luxury rooms, including Black & White, Orchid, Flamingo, Explorer, Persian, Pom Pom, and Oriental.
We were lucky enough to be put up in the Oriental room, a rich culture we love.
After indulging in the opulent scenery, we were invited upstairs to our room and greeted with sparkling wine, homemade biscuits and fresh strawberries.
The room was exquisite, down to every fine detail. Traditional Eastern artwork graced the walls with a buddhist sculpture in its glass casing. At the foot of the sturdy king-sized bed, an array of pink and white orchids with fine wallpaper clinging to the walls. The room was modern, with an iPad to control the flat screen TV, and encompassed everything you need to feel like you were truly home.
At MannaBay, expect to be treated like royalty. Guests receive the services of a butler! Our host, William, gladly looked after us throughout the day with attending to our every whim. Chef Lori is also at your service, delivering mouth-wateringly indulgent dishes.
Everyone made us feel so welcome that we had to remind ourselves not to walk around in our underwear, just like we do at home!
One of the great events that Mannabay offers is their high tea. We were fortunate enough that this event took place the day we arrived. We had settled in our room and at around 15:00, our noses lead us down the artwork covered staircase to the centerpiece table where the cakes, tarts, fruit, tea, juice, sparkling wine and savoury goodness lay out in abundance.
In all my years, I had never tasted a Lemon Meringue pie that could compete with my mother’s recipe, but that day I found one that was on par! (Sorry, Mom) We set up our tea spot on the balcony, which boasted the most incredible view of Cape Town city, and indulged and indulged… and indulged. After a gorgeous, warm sunset, in the exact same spot, we were wrapped in blankets with whiskeys in hand.
That evening were driven into the city,by the MannaBay chauffeur, for dinner. When we got home later that night, the night service butler was there to greet us with some whiskey, sherry and a few treats, which we could enjoy by the fireplace, the library, outside by the firepit or (our choice) of the patio that overlooked the beautiful lights of the city. A perfect way to end off a perfect day.
The next morning we woke up to blue skies and Table Mountain at the foot of our bed. We couldn’t wait to head downstairs as breakfast was being served. We entered the kitchen to find Lori making magic in the kitchen, and a large wooden table filled with all your breakfast desires. Breakfast with a view was the order of the morning. We started off with some delicious options from the buffet table and a cup of coffee. We both couldn’t resist the idea of Eggs Benedict on the menu, despite being irrationally full. I also couldn’t stop eating the fresh pastries – yes, it was that good.
MannaBay is where you go to get away from the city, but still feel its tangible aura. As a luxury boutique hotel, it’s the perfect place to feel like a celebrity but still feel as though you are home. From check-in to, check-out, the intimate experience they provide is something you can’t get from a big hotel. The service is beyond compare, the food is exceptional and the hotel itself is an unbelievable place.
If we could score MannaBay higher than ten out of ten, we would. We were blown away by this luxury boutique hotel and I know we will be back sometime in the future.
Website: www.mannabay.com
Tel: +27 21 461 1094
Address: 8 Bridle Road, Oranjezicht, 8001
