Cape Town - Lion’s View: Recommended by Wallpaper City Guide (it’s a big international thing) as one of the best places to stay in Cape Town, so I thought it well worth checking out.
I drove up the quiet cul-de-sac above Camps Bay, rang the bell and friendly Moses opened the garage for me to drive in. We had hardly put my things down when the doorbell rang and in came the lovely Elize Sewell, over the little bridge under which Koi fish swam. She was there to make sure we were well settled.
How could we not be?
Designed by leading architect Greg Wright, Lion’s View is flanked by a really lovely park below the Twelve Apostles peaks, with great views of – you guessed it – Lion’s Head, bits of Camps Bay and the ocean.
Camps Bay is gorgeous, hip and happening. That means it is busy – ie noisy – so Lion’s View, a four- or five-minute stroll from the palm-fringed waterfront strip, is ideally located: really close to the beach and the great local haunts, and quiet when you need quiet.
And you may just enjoy the peace so much you don’t leave the hotel. The property – inside and out – has clean, flowing lines, soothing colours, minimalist yet luxurious furnishings and open, airy spaces. The innovative architecture and stylish interiors have received international recognition, featuring in design magazines, fashion shoots and TV commercials.
Lion’s View is divided into two sections, with separate entrances; the five-bedroom main house and the two-bedroom penthouse apartment. You can opt for either or combine them to form an ultra luxurious seven-bedroom villa. Comfort is guaranteed, with a friendly housekeeper always on hand, plus a private chef on request. There’s under-floor heating and air-conditioning. Five-star mod-cons include iPod docks, hi-fi, telephone, satellite TV, DVD players and 1GB of complimentary high-speed wi-fi a day. The penthouse is immaculate, spacious (140m2), bright with high ceilings, beautiful natural lighting and views captured from every angle. There’s a gas fireplace in the open-plan living area for cold Cape nights and the kitchen has every gadget you’d need, including a Nespresso machine, plus full laundry bits and bobs.
Outside is probably the main attraction – a solar-heated plunge pool and sunny, private terrace with braai and loungers.
The main house gives an impression of endless space. From the sunken lounge the eye is led through the glass doors to a large terrace with dining table, manicured lawn, infinity pool and a view of Lion’s Head. A dining room and open-plan kitchen adds to the spaciousness while furniture and fixtures by designers like Philippe Starck add elegance. The master bedroom, with its raised spa bath behind the bed, curving glass and panoramic view of the pool and beyond, comes complete with telescope. The area is ringed by palms and shrubs, making it private. It is also pretty sheltered from the “Cape doctor”.
The city centre and ever-popular V&A Waterfront are a 10-minute drive away while, in the other direction, it’s a short hop to the stunning Chapman’s Peak Drive which takes you around the mountain to beautiful Llandudno, Long Beach, Noordhoek and Hout Bay (and much more besides).
After gadding about, it was always a treat to retreat to our haven and enjoy a good meal, a glass of wine and relax while looking at one of Cape Town’s famous mountains painted red by the setting sun.
Call 083 719 5735 and check out www.lionsview.co.za, www.facebook.com/campsbayapartments and twitter.com/elizesewell. Lion’s View is offering a 10 percent discount until mid December (fully booked for the festive season).
Adrian Rorvik, Sunday Tribune
First Car Rental is proud to be the car hire company of choice to drive Sunday Tribune’s Adrian Rorvik to experience the best in luxury lifestyle.
He stayed at Lion’s View in Camps Bay, a modern luxury house and penthouse packed with amenities for the urban traveller, as well as a swimming pool and a manicured garden. Experience Camps Bay with First Car Rental – www.firstcarrental.co.za