Cape Town - The West Coast has a biodiversity corridor, which is an important thing, but it also offers diversity in terms of things to do and places to stay.
On a trip sampling those places to stay, our final night was spent in luxury at Bon Hotel’s Shelley Point in St Helena Bay. How can you resist an address that is on Golden Mile Boulevard?
When you get there, be sure to ask for Charl Schoeman. He’s the front office manager and can fix anything. Wi-fi not connecting? Give your device to Schoeman and, with nimble fingers, he’ll make it work. Can’t get your key card to open your room door? No problem. Schoeman will simply stand next to it and, voila! He’s also highly enthusiastic about the hotel, works double shifts every day, and knows everything about the property.
Facilities include a golf course and pro shop, tennis courts, bowling green, pool table and indoor entertainment centre, conference venues, and a spa.
Naturally we had to try this last one; it would be rude not to.
They treated us to “golfer’s” massages which treat the back, neck, shoulders, and back of the legs. It’s as close to the game as we’ll ever get, and just the thing before a lavish buffet breakfast.
Besides the normal treatment rooms, the Shelley Point Spa has a divine water room which can be rented by the hour for couples or small groups.
There is a plunge pool, a Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and multi-head shower. It’s very reasonably priced and completely private, including changing rooms and lockers. Add a bottle of bubbly and some chocolate-dipped strawberries and you’ve got yourself a romantic treat.
As the mom of a young one, Divine Lady D was especially impressed by the child-friendliness of the hotel, while losing nothing in style and class.
It has a dedicated Kiddies Club which keeps them entertained during the day with games and activities, an outdoor playground, and movie evenings.
If parents want to keep their offspring with them, there are two pool areas, one of which is also open to the Shelley Point public.
In this area there is the casual Sao Gabrielle restaurant for light poolside munchies and a bar.
The Sao Gabriel was the flagship of Vasco da Gama’s armada on his first voyage to India in 1497-99. He landed on African soil long before Van Riebeeck, and there is a monument in his honour on the beach, and a statue near the hotel.
The Sao Antonio (named after another of Da Gama’s ships) restaurant in the main part of the hotel is where we had dinner, and so did former Springbok Kobus Wiese.
I’ve been around long enough to hear “we make the best (insert dish)” more times than I care to remember, but in this case it was no idle boast. Those pizzas were amazing.
I had to have the Shelley Point Special, the most popular on the menu. It’s topped with ham, pineapple, mushrooms, bacon, feta, onions, salami, and peppers (red not green as per my request). With a glass of Nederburg Baronne, which turned into a bottle, and the songs of Mark Johnstone who plays there every Saturday night, it was a fabulous evening heralded by a glorious sunset in hues of orange, pink, and purple.
I found it interesting that because of the shape of the land, Shelley Point sees the sun rise and set from and into the ocean.
Strange but true.
We stayed in two interleading standard rooms which were spacious, comfortable, with lounge areas and kitchenette, and way above what you’d expect for standard. Sliding doors opened out on to the verandah, and the huge bathrooms had tubs and showers. All very posh.
Between the beautiful rooms and everything there is to do on site, perhaps you’ll find time to walk down to the beach.
We braved the heat under our parasols, and allowed Schoeman to escort us the short way (five minutes he said).
I’m glad we made the effort because the sea was the most incredible colour, and that’s the stuff of good memories.
* For more information, call 022 742 1394, or go to www.bonhotels.com/shelleypoint Central reservations: 0861 266 222.
* The trip was arranged by West Coast Way. Plan your own by visiting www.westcoastway.co.za for information, downloadable guide and maps.