What a year it has been: here I've selected the Best places, meals and spa's I've enjoyed in 2006.
Best Hotels visited in 2006 (in order)
The Four Quarters at Auberge Le Quartier Francais, Franschhoek 021 876 2151. www.lequartier.co.za
Bespoke luxury in a sophisticated but relaxed atmosphere. Every detail, including an iPod docking station, has been considered. R2900 per person sharing includes comp bar, light lunches around the pool and butler service.
Pezula: Lagoonview Drive, Pezula Estate, Knysna, Garden Route 6570
Tel: 011 679 2994
With views over Knysna and beyond, this resort development provides championship golf, tennis and soccer facilities as well as superb luxury accommodation. R5120 per suite.
The Fairlawns Alma road, Morningside Manor Ext. 6, Sandton
Tel: 011 804 2540/1/2/3 and email: Fairlawn@fairlawns.co.za and visit www.fairlawns.co.za
Very large, individually themed suites that provide luxury as well as privacy. The bathroom in the Gandhi suite rivals the best I’ve experienced in India R3870.
The Blue Train, www.bluetrain.co.za
I’ve yet to experience a better way to see South Africa while feasting Karoo lamb, quaffing fine wine and having a mirror-ball of bright stars in the cabin by night. R8875 per person sharing.
The Westcliff, 67 Jan Smuts Avenue, Johannesburg. 011 481-6000.
A large hotel that feels intimate. With staggering views over the zoo lake it has a comfortable, lived-in feel which is an achievement for a fairly recent property. Graham Viney’s elegant interiors are notable.
Top Five Best Restaurants (in order)
Mange Tout, Mont Rochelle, Dassenberg Road, Franschhoek 021 876 2770
Ryan Smith’s degustation menu is a delight and one dish – confit tomato with basil foam confirms him as my culinary hero for 2006.
Zachary’s Restaurant, Pezula 044-302-3333
Conscious cuisine at its best. Largely organic produce beautifully prepared. Sweetbreads with butter poached prawns and smoked trout risotto are memorable.
The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français 021 876 2151If we had a rock-star chef she’d be Margot Janse. Although I found the menu daunting it demonstrates a passion for innovation and culinary gymnastics. Red Roman with mussel and chorizo risotto and crayfish lollypop is special.
Manolo, 30 Kloof Street, Gardens. (021) 422 4747
Stylish interior, excellent service and Philip Alcock’s delicious cuisine which, when greatly reduced during the winter months represents outstanding value.
Best Breakfast: Azure at The 12 Apostles Hotel (021-437-9000)
The cuisine alone makes Azure the best place for breakfast while the view over the Atlantic means R135 provides outstanding value.
Best Buffet: Oasis, Mount Nelson Hotel
Fresh goodies largely untampered with – to mix and match as we please. Select raw flesh for cooking upon request. Lightly cooked baby veg are sublime. Glorious setting overlooking the pool means celeb spotting over dessert. Gardens. (021) 483 1000.
Best Sunday lunch: Catharina’s at Steenberg Hotel Steenberg Hotel: 10802 Steenberg Estate, Tokai Road, Constantia Valley 7945, Cape Town. Tel: 021 713 2222 and email:info@steenberghotel.com and visit www.steenberghotel.com
Can traditional Sunday lunch get any better than this? The buffet needs two rooms to display and the wide variety many hours to enjoy. Ask for a table under the oaks. Wonderful jazz.
Tokai. (021) 713 2222.
Best Afternoon Tea: The Mount Nelson Hotel
Perhaps only rivaled by Tea at London’s The Savoy, its popularity, especially on the weekend does mean a jostle for the petit fours but remains a special place for elegantly scrumptious bites.
Gardens. (021) 483 1000
Best Coffee:Vida e Café
Although I’m finding the ra-ra a little annoying it remains my favourite place for coffee.
Shop 6100, Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront. (021) 425 9440
Best Spas
Arabella Sheraton Grand Hotel.
Arabella Sheraton: Convention Square, Lower Long Street, Cape Town 8001
Tel: 021412 9010 and email: info@arabella.co.za and visit: www.starwoodhotels.com/southafrica
Sweat it out at the unisex hot spa 19 floors above the rabble while the pool overflows into the sky. R220 for day use.
Western Cape Hotel & Spa
The African Rain Forest Experience is worth the trip to Botriver. Steam, sauna, fragrent mist and pelting rain complete a relaxing and detoxing spa experience.
R200 for day visitors.