Friday, October 30, 2009

Forget Stuffy Hotels Rooms, A Cape Town Villa For Two Is Just What You Need For Lots Of Luxury And

A Cape Town villa, kitted out with a variety of pools and Jacuzzis for relaxation, fabulously fitted kitchens for entertaining, stunningly decorated living and bedroom areas for the ultimate in tasteful luxury, all surrounded by breath taking views of the beach and mountain from almost every window and balcony. Welcome to the holiday of a lifetime!

Cape Town has, over the years, established itself as one of the ultimate tourist destinations in the world because of the diverse activities and adventures it offers. Breathtaking sunsets, picturesque beaches and captivating natural wildlife are among the obvious reasons this city has become a major holiday destination. To the American or European traveler, the South Africa Rand affords a fantastic holiday in economical yet luxurious accommodation in Cape Town.

Accommodation in Cape Town is varied but traditional lodging such as hotels and B&Bs dont offer the luxury, freedom, privacy and panoramic views in the same capacity as a stunning Villa situated in the heart of the city bowl would. Exclusive villas in famous areas of the city such as Bakoven, Camps Bay and Clifton have become the preferred choice among tourists who wish to experience only the best in luxury accommodation. Whether for a romantic getaway for two, or for a splendid holiday for a family of up to eight, a luxury penthouse or villa makes for unsurpassed splendor in a stunning country.

Apart from plush accommodation, there are plenty of handy services provided by fine establishments such as an airport shuttle that will conveniently collect you from the airport to take you to your exquisite home away from home. You could also hire a vehicle through the Villas services and get to travel at your own leisure to venues such as the V&A Waterfront for a spot of shopping. Luxury accommodation companies even offer services similar to the ones offered by tour agents, such as providing a comprehensive list of activities to participate in while in and around Cape Town and handling the travel arrangements to venues such as game reserves, whale watching spots and even wine cellars. Or you can use the booking services as a reference to recommend which hot spots you should visit first during your stay in Cape Town.

Cape Town is an idyllic venue for a memorable holiday and to handle safety concerns, villas offer secure day and night parking for your rental car. Once indoors, lockable doors to your villa or apartment will ensure that your belongings remain safe, especially if you are relaxing in other outdoor parts of the property such as at the pool or braai (BBQ) area outside. The presence of numerous security guards and surveillance cameras around the central business district mean that your safety is placed as a priority. Remaining vigilant to your surrounding at all times will also ensure that you enjoy your stay in a luxury villa or apartment in Cape Town.

But if luxury is not your ultimate desire and you are looking for a touch of simplicity, you can opt for self catering accommodation and enjoy a scrumptious barbeque on the balcony of your luxury apartment as the sun goes down. This is especially ideal for larger groups and affords the occasion for long and lazy breakfasts and dinners in a stylish Cape Town villa.

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Cape Town Self Catering Accommodation & Rentals

Thursday, September 17, 2009

The Cape Town Life

Cape Town
Cape Town is said to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and it isn’t hard to see why. The city itself is surrounded by stunning views of Table Mountain, and the bright blue ocean. Just outside the city you are welcomed by more mountain views, sandy white beaches, and lovely green valleys.

Cape Town is also well known for its vibrant people, excellent restaurants and sunny warm weather. All of this combined makes it an amazing city to live in.

Camps Bay

Camps Bay is a suburb situated right outside the city center. The spectacular mountain houses, sandy white beaches lined with palm trees, and abundance of trendy restaurants and bars situated along Camps Bay main road, are just a few things that make Camps Bay a popular destination for locals as well as tourists. Camps Bay gives you the beach lifestyle right on your doorstep.

Clifton

Clifton is an up market suburb which is situated between Camps Bay and Sea Point. The beaches (there are 4) in Clifton are always buzzing with trendy foreigners as well as locals. Due to the location of Clifton the sea water is often calm, this makes for an excellent swimming and tanning spot.

Hout Bay

Regarded as the Jewel of the Cape, Hout Bay is entirely surrounded by mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. A blend of colourful cosmopolitan culture and rural ambience creates a truly unique lifestyle experience in this popular seaside village. The bay is guarded by the peak known as the Sentinel and nestled at the foot of Chapmans Peak Drive ¬ rated as one of the most scenic passes in the world.

About Dogon Group

Dogon Group is a real estate company who specialise in selling property across the Atlantic Seaboard. Denise Dogon has been a successful property agent for more than 33 years, with an acute understanding of the Cape Town property market, Denise has also branched out to the overseas arena, promoting Cape Town Property in the UK and USA.

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Thursday, August 6, 2009

Hotels in Cape Town to Suit your Taste

There are many hotels in Cape Town to suit your taste. Regardless of your reason for visiting this beautiful city, you are guaranteed to find a four star or five star luxury hotel to fit right in your agenda. Cape Town is one of the world’s top travel destinations, and part of the reason it has gotten that rating is because of our high quality accommodation. All our accommodation has been approved by the South African Tourism Grading Council, which means that you can trust the quality of what we have to offer. Whether you are in Cape Town to attend meetings, experience an adventure or just relax, we guarantee there is somewhere for you.

Visitors looking for business hotels in Cape Town zoom right in on the City Center. Here, you will find two ideal hotels that fall in the center of all the city’s activities, making them suitable locations for conducting seminars, conferences and training sessions. The Ikhaya Lodge and Conference Center is an African-themed hotel which is popular among business travelers. The conference room boasts state-of-the-art equipment suitable for conducting effective presentations. Also in the City Center is Flat Rock Suites, which consists of privately owned apartments as well as meeting rooms. Flat Rock offers the independence and privacy of apartment living with the extra perk of luxury services.

Some hotels in Cape Town cater to tourists looking to experience something new. If you are looking for an active night life, or an opportunity to learn a little Cape Town history, we have just the right places for you. Place on the Bay, located in Camps Bay, is a hotel situated on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean that offers direct access to the bustling sidewalk restaurants and pit stops. Over in Claremont lies the Andros Boutique Hotel, which was built in the 1900s and is rich in history waiting for you to explore. Simon Town boasts the British Hotel Apartments that offer self-catering services and breathtaking views of the oceans and possibly whales if they choose to show their faces.

And finally, for visitors looking for hotels in Cape Town that offer simple relaxation and luxury, you will be pleased to know that we have quite a few. In the Camps Bay region, we have Primi Royal and 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa, which are both five star resorts. They are located in an area where earth, sea and sky seemingly meet, which is an experience to behold. The Glen Avon Lodge in Constantia is also a five star location, which offers various activities for relaxation and nine garden-facing bedrooms that contribute to the feel of serenity and calmness. And of course, for those select few travelers who can actually afford top of the line accommodation, there is the Steenberg Hotel in Tokai - five star, golf course and the AA prize for Best Luxury Hotel in 2005.

By now, you should be convinced that there are hotels in Cape Town to cater to your every need and desire. If not, just come over and see for yourself!

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Cape Town Self Catering Accommodation & Rentals

Friday, July 17, 2009

Finding the Best of Cape Town Accommodation, Including Camps Bay Accommodation

Cape Town, right at the bottom of Africa, but right at the top of the world in terms of beauty, attractions, entertainment, tours, adventures, sea and more. And Cape Town accommodation has stepped up to support visitors and travelers to make the most of their stay. One of the most amazing suburbs within Cape Town is Camps Bay . The beach is outstanding, the views exquisite and Camps Bay accommodation is certainly en par with its beautiful surroundings.

I visit Cape Town as often as I get the opportunity. It is a treat and a place our family aspires to find as a new home in the not too distant future. The place thrives as an economy, but offers all the luxuries of a glorious holiday destination. I have been fortunate enough to know about Cape Town accommodation, including Camps Bay accommodation in detail and can certainly offer top rated opinions. I am in awe at the attention to detail you will find at Cape Town accommodation and Camps Bay accommodation establishments. You may find the most phenomenal views of Table Mountain , the sea and the beach.

Whether you are out finding adventure, relaxation, dining delicacies or simply taking in the beauty of your Cape Town accommodation and Camps Bay accommodation, you will find that the Cape air nourishes the soul and the body. The moisture in the air is enough to make you feel revived.

Needing a place to revive, holiday, tour, enjoy safari or even conduct business – visit Cape Town and find your resting place here.

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Monday, June 15, 2009

The Cape of Contrasts

Sailors say that the outline of Table Mountain, visible from several miles away, gives them the boost of energy they need to reach the port of Cape Town. Table Mountain is no less impressive from the air or land, and this icon stands as the symbol of Cape Town.

Travel Writer Carrie Hampton takes us on a journey of discovery to find out why Cape Town is so captivating and why so many people arrive but never leave.

The Cape of Contrasts: An Insight Into Cape Town

It is not just seafood, steaks and great wine in a Mediterranean climate that revives the many sailors who have journeyed to Cape Town for hundreds of years; it is the energy radiating from the city’s icon; Table Mountain. Table Mountain has been likened to a fortress, a sleeping goddess, the stairway to heaven, guardian of the city, a warrior and watcher of the south. It seems to fit all of these descriptions and certainly lends itself to being the central character in many a tale. The mountain is also considered sacred for the forces at work behind nature – the invisible behind the visible.

Table Mountain is made of sandstone and granite, both containing large amounts of quartz, which means that in effect it is a giant crystal. The enormous concentrations of natural energy released over the perfect Feng Shui city of Cape Town, are said to enhance psychic abilities and healing powers. As a result, Cape Town is considered to be an excellent place to practise alternative therapies and African medicine.

To absorb some of this energy, take a trip up to the top of Table Mountain in the 4-minute rotating cable car. From this vantage point a kilometre above sea level, the continent of Africa spreads north before you. Turn south and see the mountains taper down to the end of the earth at Cape Point, then let your eyes seek a watery horizon south and west towards Antarctica and Argentina.

Cape Town is a city renowned for being laid back. Fast-paced visitors have no choice but to get used to its measured slowness and unhurried service, and might even come to like it. Perhaps it’s the average 8½ hours of sunshine a day that makes Capetonians so calm, or the subtle swish of the ocean and inaudible hum of the mountains. But relaxed doesn’t necessarily mean lazy, as the number of hikers, joggers, cyclists, surfers and horse riders attests. Capetonians have developed the ability to switch from inaction to top speed without losing their cool.

Oh yes, Capetonians are cool alright, perhaps the coolest dudes in the whole of South Africa. Johannesburg residents find Capetonians far too laid back for their liking, adding that the reason Cape Town is called the ‘Mother City’, is because everything takes nine months to happen!

Most tourists can’t sit still for very long because there is so much to see and do here at the south-western most tip of Africa. Cape Point is not, as some people think, the southern most point of the continent; this accolade goes to Cape Agulhas a couple of hours drive east and just a little south. Nor is it the place where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet; satellite images of the ocean currents show that this honour also goes to Cape Agulhas. There is however, a distinct difference in water temperature between the freezing South Atlantic on the west arm of the Cape Peninsula and the warmer waters of False Bay to the east. It is not uncommon to see a distinct colour line in the ocean when looking out to sea at Cape Point, giving rise to the impression of a meeting of oceans.

With water temperature firmly in mind, it is wise to choose a swimming beach on the False Bay coast like Fish Hoek or Boulders beach. The coves at Boulders have the added attraction of a large breeding colony of African penguins. Expect to be sunbathing or swimming while penguins wander or dart past; it’s a charming and sometimes disconcerting experience.

The most popular Atlantic beaches like Camps Bay beach and Clifton’s four coves are closer to the city. The beautiful swathes of pale sand are full of sun worshippers, yet there is hardly anyone in the water. Put a toe in the ocean and you will know why – it’s freezing! Most people concentrate on getting a good tan, walking their dog or playing beach volleyball. Others strut around looking beautiful or stroll over the road to the street cafes and restaurants spilling onto the palm-lined boulevard.

There is no such attempt at flirting with fashion on Cape Town’s South Peninsula, where the drum beats to a slower rhythm and surf dudes take chilled out to its ultimate level. This includes their language and eves dropping a conversation in Noordhoek, Kommetjie, Scarborough or Kalk Bay may make little sense without a good translator: ‘Howzit broer’ (how are you my brother/friend) could be answered with ‘Kief man’ (fine thankyou). “Lekker” is a good standby word meaning good, nice, fine, lovely or anything positive, and can be used to answer just about any question.

It’s not only the South Peninsula where you may having trouble understanding the language, the centre of Cape Town is awash with a multitude of languages and accents. Notice the clicking sounds of Xhosa (the largest African tribe in the area), the distinctively clipped South African version of English, and Afrikaans as spoken by Afrikaners of Dutch origin as well as the local Cape Coloured population. You will also hear French from Congolese immigrants and Portuguese from Mozambicans and Angolans. And of course all the European languages from tourists and those who came, bought a house and stayed.

One of the best places to encounter this unique slice of Cape Town life is in Greenmarket Square. This has always been the heart of the city and trading wagons have crossed its cobblestones for hundreds of years. Stallholders shout their wares with heavy African accents, or spirit you to their stands with wide smiles and colourful curios. This is as good a place as any to buy wooden masks, stone sculptures and any manner of gifts, but don’t forget to barter – it’s expected.

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Cape Town Self Catering Accommodation