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Published: June 27 2014

Cape Town International Airport provides an inauspicious arrival in arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world. To reach the city center you need to drive past long stretches of informal settglements which line the N2 freeway. Again the divide between the rich and the poor is apparent in this magnificent yet flawed country.

South Africa was first a Dutch colony and then a British; this is most evident in the Cape. As you explore you will note Dutch street names and architecture, which features ornately rounded gables reminiscent of features found in townhouses of Amsterdam. British culture and architecture have also survived and will be evident in the Victoria and Albert Waterfront, as well as the Victorian style homes in the upper city bowl.

Cape Town from the air (Courtesy www.collectionmcgrath.com)

Table Mountain appears before you as you drive into town, its iconic shape not yet obvious as you take the De Waal Drive off-ramp. (De Waal drive is one of South Africa's engineering achievements; built with a natural curve away from the mountain, its contours are a thrill to drive). From here, there are a multitude of options to choose from when deciding where to lay your happy tourist head. Two veritable institutions when it comes to luxury hotel accommodation are the Belmond Mount Nelson and over on the other side of Table Mountain is The Twelve Apostles. The Mount Nelson, as it is commonly called, is, as one guest described it, "classy and sophisticated without being stuffy." The Mount Nelson serves the traditional English high tea, with a local twist, every afternoon between 3:30 and 5:30. Even if you do not stay there this experience is a must on your schedule. A room at the Mount Nelson will cost about $500 per room per night, and if you would like to stay in one of the gorgeous Garden Cottage Suites (I know I would if I could) then you can expect to pay $1,650 per night for the suite.

The Mount Nelson Garden Suites

The Mount Nelson offers glorious views of Table Mountain and is an excellent springboard to explore all that the city has to offer.

The Twelve Apostles has spectacular views of the twelve mountainous ridges of Table Mountain behind it, lending the hotel its name, and the Atlantic Ocean in front. You'll feel like you are hovering above the ocean, experiencing her every mood and all of the colours she reflects. Accommodations at this hotel are heavenly. For the sensational Superior Sea Facing Suite you can expect to pay around $600 per person, per night, sharing. The Twelve Apostles has a well-known spa offering treatments over-looking the ocean. The hotel bar mixes a mean cocktail too, with a view to die for; it is one of the premier sundowner spots in Cape Town. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to where to enjoy a sundowner.

Massage heaven at The Twelve Apostles.

For the rest of us mere mortals there are excellent B&Bs, hotels and backpackers. Check out: www.sa-venues.com/visit/acornhouse www.sa-venues.com/visit/blackheathlodge and www.daddylonglegs.co.za or www.backpackers.co.za and (if you like to party) www.carnivalcourt.co.za

For the active person a hike up Table Mountain will reward you with impressive views, great bird-watching, beautiful fauna and flora, as well as a cardio workout. Riaan at www.hiketablemountain.co.za will match your fitness level as they take you on a route that will challenge, yet not kill you. Hiking up Table Mountain on certain routes can be done unguided but this is not recommended due to unpredictable weather and the ease of getting hopelessly lost.

Courtesy: www.hiketablemountain.co.za

Another great day out in the Cape is a leisurely drive. There are a few routes to choose from, or you can do them all; my personal favorite is Cape Town to Simon's Town with a stop for lunch and a browse of the shops in Kalk Bay. Kalk Bay is a quaint little town rich in culture and history with a fantastic little bookshop. The Brass Bell has been serving lunch since 1939, when it opened as a Tea Room serving bathers. It has been recently expanded onto the beach and is a great place for a beer and some fish 'n chips.

Simon's Town is the headquarters of the South African Navy and an old Royal Naval Base. If you spend a night here you will be awakened with sounds of the navy singing as they run through the historic streets. Lord Nelson is said to have come ashore at Simon's Town to be nursed through an illness in the late 1770s. Another naval legend was Able Seaman Just Nuisance, RN, the only dog ever to be enlisted in the Royal Navy. The story goes that one of the sailors had a Great Dane and a request was sent to the British parliament asking for him to be enlisted in the Navy. Permission was granted and the dog was brought to the Recruiting Officer who asked, "Name?" "Nuisance, Sir," the sailor replied. "First name?" "Just Nuisance, Sir."

While in Simon's Town be sure to visit the Penguins at Boulders Beach.

Boulders Beach (Courtesy: www.capetown.travel)

Drive back towards Cape Town along Boyes Drive and stop at the Shark Spotters post over-looking Muizenberg Beach. The shark spotters watch for Great White Sharks in the bay and erect flags to alert bathers and surfers of their presence. Depending on the flag being flown, and if you would like to learn to surf, stop at Muizenberg Beach where you can rent wetsuits, boards and hire a coach. The water is warmer on this side of the peninsula because of the Mozambique current.

Another drive you must do is from Camps Bay to Noordhoek along Chapman's Peak. Chapman's Peak was closed between 2000 and 2009, save for brief openings, while safety measures were taken to ensure that landslides and rock falls were infrequent and did not cause injury or death. Thankfully, those passionate about Cape Town's beautiful scenery can now enjoy the drive once more for a small fee at the Toll Gates. Steep drop offs to the ocean on one side, and towering mountains on the other make for stunning photographs. Booking is essential, but lunch at The Foodbarn Restaurant is fantastic +27 (0)21 789 1390. If you are not driving, enjoy the three course meal with the wine pairings. Do not risk more than 1 or 2 drinks when you are the designated driver. If you are stopped by the police, tested, and found to be over the legal limit you will go to jail.

Chapman's Peak Drive (Courtesy: www.chapmanspeak.com)

On a beautiful day, head to Clifton Beach to catch some rays. Clifton runs from First Beach to Fourth Beach; First Beach being the smallest, Second the most chilled, Third is the Gay Beach and Fourth is the beach to "see and be seen". If you are in Cape Town in December, be sure to get to the beach before 8am to secure parking and a spot on the beach. Camps Bay Beach is nice too, with a line of bars and restaurants across the street from the beach. On "Sunday-funday", head to Caprice for cocktails in Camps Bay to rub shoulders with the "in-crowd".

Surfers will find great waves on all sides of the mountains. One of my personal favorite beaches for surfing and scenery is Llundudno, towards Hout Bay.

Llundudno Surfing

Mixology is a big part of the bar culture in Cape Town. Wine is the Capetonian life-blood, and the craft beer thing is catching on.

Check out these bars:

The Waiting Room
 above Royale Eatery at the top of Long Street is trendy with a balcony over-looking Lion's Head, Long Street and Table Mountain, where you can also listen to live music and deep house DJs.

Tjing Tjing
on Longmarket Street, above Dear Me Brasserie, is a relatively new addition to the Cape's rooftop club and has an inner city feel to it. The interior is contemporary and slick, and frequented by the "who's who".

Publik Wine Bar on Bree Street is a strange but cool concept which combines the two owners' passions for quality wine and ethically-reared meat. You can sample rare wines from all over the world and the wine list changes daily. Pair your wine with charcuterie, cheese, cured olives and treats like tartare or rillettes.

HQ is the original craft beer bar in Cape Town and is a good pick-up spot on a Friday evening.

Neighbourhood on Long Street is a Cape Town classic from where you can watch the madness that is Long Street at night.

Neighbourhood - Long Street

For those who seriously want to party, first be warned if you are partying on Long Street pickpockets are prolific.

Here are just a few options:

Head to The Dubliner, on Long Street, which is always filled with drunken revelry and is open until the early hours of the morning.

Asoka on Kloof street has both cocktails and deep house DJs mixing at this Asian inspired restaurant/bar.

Visit live music club Assembly's website before deciding which night to go as you want to know who is playing. It's a creative, underground kind of place.

Fiction is a stalwart of the Cape Town club scene. It recently changed owners and has already had an impressive line-up of DJs mixing techno to indie electro.

Decodance in Sea Point is a quintessential dance club. It features sing-a-long (and dance-along) music and a fun-loving crowd of people from 20 to 35.

For dining in and around "The Mother City" here are some spots to try:

The breakfast spot after a walk or jog along the Sea Point promenade is Newport Deli in Mouille Point.

Jason, formerly known as Jardine, on Bree street supplies scrumptious fare – try the bacon and cheese croissant.

Euro Haus Continental Bakery and Bistro on Loop Street has irresistible pastries and cakes.

For lunch check out the Earthfair Food Market at St George's Mall. The food stalls feature flavors from around the world and you can sit on the stairs of the Bishop Gray Monument to enjoy your food.

The Roundhouse and Rumbullion is exceptional. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and sublime setting for a boozy lunch.

The Opal Lounge on Kloof Street is in a romantic setting with several dining spaces each decorated with a different theme. The food is excellent too.

Aubergine in Gardens, near the city centre, focuses on wine-pairing. Each evening a menu is lovingly prepared by the chefs and the experienced sommeliers pair this with sensational wines.

Karibu at the V & A Waterfront does traditional African food in an elegant way. Try the potjie-kos or babotie.

The Roundhouse and Rumbullion

Do not miss the wine routing around Cape Town. For winos and foodies this is not to be missed. There are a few options, but really my two favorites are the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine routes.

In Franschhoek visit:

Haute Cabriere, a gorgeous estate with a lovely Pinot Noir. Join in on a cavalry sabrage (slicing open a bottle of sparkling wine with a sword). Haute Cabriere also does cellar tours Monday – Friday at 1100 and 1500, and on Saturday 1100 only. Their tasting hours are longer, please check their website www.cabriere.co.za.

Rupert & Rothschild, a partnership with Dr Anton Rupert and the late Baron Edmond de Rothschild, are opening a tasting room on 1 July, 2014, and will be open for tastings from 1000 to 1600 Monday – Saturday.

La Motte makes an excellent Sauvignon Blanc. Try La Motte Food and Wine Tastings from Wednesdays to Fridays at 11:00. Prior reservation is essential and can be made by calling the La Motte Tasting Room at +27 (0)21 876 8820 or e-mailing tasting@la-motte.co.za
Dining in Franschoek is exceptional.

If you stay for a night and are feeling hungry try Monte Rochelle's Country Kitchen or Dieu Donne for lunch and La Petite Ferme for dinner.

franschhoek Wine Valley

Haute Cabriere

The Stellenbosch wine route is more established and larger in scale. Many of South Africa's most prestigious wine estates are located near the quaint, university town of "Stellies".

These estates are all spectacular, with beautiful settings, rich history, and naturally, delectable wines:

Delheim - open from 0900 to 1700 everyday.
Muratie, conveniently located next to Delheim – open Monday to Friday 1000 to 1700.
Jordan has wine tastings from 090 to 1630 and also has a wonderful restaurant that is open Wednesday to Sunday 1200 to 1430.
Meerlust has some incredible wine. Their tasting shop is open from 0900 to 1700 Monday – Saturday and Saturday from 1000 – 1400.
Lanzerac does chocolate and wine pairings everyday from 0900 – 1600 and has various dining options from fine-dining to a casual outdoor setting.

Lunch at Delaire Graff set in the winelands surrounding Stellenbosch is in a stunningly beautiful setting with delectable food and wines. A major selling point for this restaurant is that all of the food served is responsibly farmed or harvested, and organic.

Lanzerac Terrace Restaurant

Delaire Graff Dining

You won't run out of culture, restaurants, bars, hikes, beaches, sunsets or gorgeous views while in the Cape. And, if your holiday is not over, a trip up the West Coast will reward you with more of the wild-side of the Cape.

{module Stephanie Bekink}