Cape Town and Franschoek, South Africa
March 8-15th, 2011

The beautiful Cape Grace Hotel and polished old schooner tied alongside
This past week I spent a glorious, though somewhat hectic, time running between appointments and site-inspection tours in Cape Town and the Cape Winelands. Despite it being my third visit to the area, (I am ridiculously, hideously spoiled by this fact, I know), I remain as enchanted as my first visit by the raw, sheer beauty of the city and lush winelands. The mountains, especially Table Mountain, whose omnipotence seems undeniable, provide an indelible mark to the landscape, ensuring a humble and respectful perspective from all who view them.

The mountains and the Garden at Babylonstoren in Franschoek
Enough of my ramblings on nature, however, I must implore any and all able to visit the southern area of South Africa and see for yourself, the natural, rock awesomeness that abounds. And if you’re savvy, you’ll make the lovely Cape Grace Hotel, your lodgings of choice, where such luxury amenities as a chartered yacht, the Spirit profollica scam of the Cape, is available for private tours, meals and sunset dining anchoring just outside of famous 4th Beach in the Clifton area of Cape Town. As you can probably tell from the candid photo below, the food served onboard is delicious, fresh and abundant, plus it comes with excellent Cape Classique bubbly.

Dining aboard the Spirit of the Cape at Sunset
Our view that evening was exceptional. To choose between the setting sun and the glorious 12 Apostles range behind us, was a sincere challenge. The fact that this visual glory is a nightly affair for local Cape Townians seems like an embarrassment of riches, fortunately the locals are equally as impressed by their city’s topographical excellence and frequently gather on the beach with picnics to witness the epic affair. After all, ‘sundowners’ – a drink at sundown – are indeed, the local custom.

Our Sunset view from the yacht
MORE TO COME ON THE CAPE GRACE HOTEL, CECILE & BOYD’S SHOWROOM IN CAPE TOWN AND THE NEWEST AND MOST VERDANT PROPERTY IN FRANSCHOEK, BABYLONSTOREN.