THE LUXURY TRAVEL
MAGAZINE FOR INDEPENDENT
TRAVELLERS

The Nellie, as it’s affectionately known by Capetonians, is a familiar meeting place for many of us who do business in town. And whether it’s a breakfast meeting at The Oasis overlooking the pool or sophisticated drinks at the contemporary Planet Bar in the evening, it’s always a pleasure to walk in and be swiftly swept up by its old-world ambience and gracious welcome.

With kids, it’s a little different. Before you know it, they’ve snuck past the concierge and are on their way to the cake table ahead, where the genteel tradition of high tea begins. But for the first time, as I catch up (now in mother mode), I notice happy reunions of families and friends, while grannies thrive on the attention of adoring grandchildren. The atmosphere’s relaxed and instant relief washes over me. We’re off to a good start.

It’s Easter Sunday, the weather is spectacular, and the pool attracts children of all nationalities like bees to honey. Language aside, instant friendships are struck between mini guests and every so often they trail off into the garden all drippy and wet to meet an Easter bunny or watch a magician. I settle deeper into my lounger, pull my hat over my eyes and savour some ‘me time’.

Gales of laughter sweep across the lawns, glasses chink and, as if by magic, a serene bride quietly appears. Perhaps it was just my relaxed state of mind but as I made notes and people-watched, it struck me that this is what the Nellie does best and has done for years. At this point, my son races over and tells me that I missed out big time - the magician clearly got his vote (which is saying something, as he'd rather be going to the local School for Magicians than wearing a tie everyday).

One would never have guessed that at the same time celebrity guests were being ushered into the Presidential Suite. Glam wedding guests and musicians mingled on the wedding lawn as the sun set and, when we could finally persuade them to leave the pool, the kids slipped back upstairs with us ready for their dinner.

Knowing that the kids were enjoying in-room dining while being cared for by an experienced childminder, we slipped downstairs again to the Cape Colony, the hotel’s elegant restaurant. (The kids were utterly charmed by the trolley that rolled in with their food and which folded out into an elegant dinner table for two).

At the Cape Colony, dinner can be booked at a romantic table overlooking the garden or, if you’re with friends, at the Chef’s Table in a cosy corner of the capacious kitchen, which is an altogether unforgettable experience. You enter to noisy fanfare – the welcome by kitchen staff is done naval-style with an arch of copper pans, which are banged noisily with wooden spoons as you walk beneath them!

I never thought I’d be tempted, after a delicious two courses and some robust, full-bodied wines, but Yunus Natherson, our persuasive waiter, raved about the apple dessert. We agreed, curious to see what the humble apple could offer. It was, as Yunus promised, light as a feather. A few days later, Chef agreed to share his recipe with us.

The informal buffet-style breakfast at the Oasis, overlooking the pool and gardens, is a stress-free way to start the day, as children can play while parents relax. And while the day is still cool it’s a good idea to book into the new and stylish Librisa Spa conveniently adjoining the pool area.

The spa deserves a special mention for including Kiddies Spa Treats, for the ‘young spa enthusiast’. Highly recommended: a pedi or mani for mum with a sparkly mini mani or pedi for little one. For pedicures, all girly princesses sit side-by-side with their mums on regal chairs upholstered in Deco-inspired silvery fabric. Lavender and Aloe Cinderella facials or Cocoa Fizzy Fairy Masks are also fun and completely natural.

Or, book yourself in on your own for a holistic package for several hours of blissful pampering, and unwind before or after treatments at the private sauna, steam room or plunge pool – the perfect way to start or end a family holiday.