Campsbay Retreat Experience
When one says Camps Bay, you cannot help but bring up images such as Table Mountain, Lion’s head, the Twelve apostles, and beautiful white sandy beaches, bathed in incredible golden hour light as the sunsets. Camps bay is a popular seaside destination, it’s the place to be seen when the sun signs out, allowing us to take stock, celebrate the day that has been with hope for an even better tomorrow, but sometimes you want to do it from the intimacy of your own hotel suite deck. As Clifton retires to let go of the ocean’s companionship, like an implacably placed exclamation, the start of Camps Bay is punctuated by lush green surroundings with expansive ocean views as well as a mountain backdrop; here lies Camps Bay Retreat. In-touch but untouched, in-view but removed, in-step but preserved by time is Camps Bay Retreat.
The massive gate on Chilworth road is a portal that allows time to slow down, and for you to find respite, you have earned a place of seclusion for the purpose of rest and recovery. The hotel reception takes you to a different era. It is like you are teleported back into time with retro touches that exude old charm. The palatial massive rear door gives way to the lush green lawn flanked by the bar, with chairs where you can sit and soak in the ocean views that glisten as the sun hits the ocean creating a spectacular light show. It is such a reprieve to sit on the lawn enjoying ocean views with a glass of bubbly while witnessing dreamy sunsets.
Before I get carried away by these views, let us head over to our suite. To do that, you must first pass the adventurous suspension bridge. Noting my hesitation, the concierge assures me that it is safe to walk over. The room is modern, spacious, and well-appointed with a luxurious bathtub, shower, and underfloor heating. An oversized bed frames the centre of the room with a couch in front of the bed. When opened, the double doors allow the incredible view of the ocean to impress you beyond expectation. Outside on the deck, there are two loungers, and there is also a table and two chairs for you to sit and enjoy the ocean and pool views. From the suite deck, you are spoiled with ocean views, Lion’s head view as well as a mountain backdrop.
On-site is Himitsu restaurant, which serves Japanese cuisine. The ambiance at the restaurant is very moody and cosy, with a lit fireplace on cold days. The fire setting gives a romantic atmosphere. We tried a selection of dishes from the restaurant, and everything tasted delicious. I particularly loved the fillet, and the dark chocolate fondant was to die for. There is this moment when you first take your first scoop of the chocolate fondant, and the chocolate oozes out. If that is not happiness, then I do not know what is. The restaurant also has an outside area with a bar which is the best place to sit and enjoy a cocktail or a glass of bubbly while watching the endless Camps Bay sunsets that changes colour all the time. It is also the best place to enjoy your morning coffee as the day begins to warm up.
Mint spa, a sanctuary on its own with a heated pool. A couples massage was the order for the day. Even though it is spring, it is still a bit chilly, and our spa beds had electric blankets on. The oil they used on us was warm as well, and we did not get that surprise cold effect when they started with our massage. They played perfect soothing spa music. We had a fabulous treatment.
On the last day, we had an in-room breakfast. Sometimes you need that, sleep in a bit, enjoy in-room service and take it easy. But, after the scrumptious breakfast, reality struck. It is time to go. The service in this place is out of this world. As concierge services collected our luggage, I stood on the deck to steal one last glance of the large boulders on the beach and the view. They say, “Relaxation is a stepping stone to tranquillity,” I say step into the tranquil Camps Bay Retreat and enjoy relaxation.
For more information or booking go to Camps Bay Retreat
