Cape Town South Africa

The Grand Daddy Hotel in Long Street has just introduced another unique venue to give the establishment even more of a twist: The Pink Flamingo Rooftop Cinema.

Set among seven vintage Airstream trailers (which have been turned into hotel rooms by seven local artists), cinema-goers will be able to experience the stars of contemporary classic films under the stars of Cape Town’s night sky.

Twice weekly, on Thursday and Sunday nights at 19:30, the Flamingo will screen films. Good news is that this 35 seat open-air cinema won’t shut down during the winter months. It is heated and cooled, making it a year-round experience.

Ticket prices are R50 or R200. Included in the R50 ticket is the admission, a cone containing sweets, a welcome drink and a choice between an Eskimo Pie, pop corn or candy floss. The R200 ticket will secure attendees all the aforementioned plus a comfortable, front row couch and a private cooler box with a selection of drinks.

Drinks will be served at the Airstream Penthouse Trailer Park’s Sky Bar before and after the show.

For more information on current and upcoming movie screenings and about how to book tickets, visit the Pink Flamingo’s website or phone +27 (0)21 424 7247. 

Okay, we know that it’s common knowledge that the residents of the Mother City is by far the sexiest of all South Africa’s metropolitan citizens. However, surely you must’ve noticed that our quota of Beautiful, Skinny People With Chiseled Bone Structure has almost doubled over recent days?

That’s right folks. We’re being graced by those most ethereal of species known as "the model". This sudden surge of gorgeous creatures loose on the town is all thanks to the ongoing Arise Cape Town Fashion Week - which kicked off at the Cape Town International Convention Centre yesterday and will last until this coming Sunday (the 23rd of August).

In case you don’t have plans for the weekend yet, you can always go down and brush shoulders with the human clothing hangers, as well as with the rich, the famous, the infamous, the wannabe’s and - last but not least - the designers who wish to wow us with their outrageous and or sublime creations. We’ve heard that almost every designer and his dog will be there… But no is going to be more literal about that than designer Craig Port, who will be employing some furry, four-legged models to strut their stuff on his runway tonight.

Port has teamed up with Cesar gourmet cuisine to design some doggie duds under his label Craig Port and Miss Port couture. According to an iAfrica article: "Models will be sashaying down the catwalk accompanied by four highly pedigreed and meticulously groomed and coiffed Westies, which are the same breed famously featured on the Cesar packaging. The dogs will be stepping out in designer gear like scarves, collars, coats and accessories to complement the human couture and the theme of the show."

Dogs taking over the catwalk! It seems so poetic, doesn’t it?

Later, at the exclusive VIP after party to take place at the Table Bay hotel in the V&A Waterfront, the models and the dogs will be on the red carpet to meet and greet guests and pose for photographs.

But despair not. If canine couture isn’t your thing, the line-up includes plenty of stuff that will appeal to human-folk too. To see the complete line-up for the rest of the weekend, visit the official website.

If you’re still looking for something to do tonight, rush on over to The Vineyard Hotel and Spa on Colinton Road in Newlands where Wine Concepts is hosting its seventh exclusive Seductive Sauvignon Festival.

Festival goers will be able to taste and compare over 60 of the 2009 vintage Sauvignon Blancs. Cabernet Sauvignon lovers will also be able to sample new vintage releases. If you’re seduced by what you sample, you’ll be able to purchase the showcased wines at discount prices.

It is tonight only, so hurry up! Tickets, available at the door, are R80 per person. Each ticket also includes a glass and light snacks. 

On Sunday morning, the smell of burnt toast; bruised, wilting flowers; and weak coffee or tea will be what greets waking mothers all around the world. All accompanied by a lovingly handcrafted card adorned with crayon drawings.

That’s right, it’s Mother’s Day this Sunday!

For those mom’s fortunate enough to be in the Mother City this Mother’s Day, there are plenty of ways for Mom to be spoiled and in which the day can be celebrated. From treating her to a stylish high tea at the luxurious Mount Nelson Hotel, to wine tasting or lunching at the hundreds of wine estates in nearby Stellenbosch, to extravagant helicopter rides over the Cape Peninsula - there are activities to suit every budget.

Cape Town Magazine has compiled a comprehensive list of creative ways in which Mom can be spoiled this Sunday. Heed their advice and make Mom feel like the queen that she is! After all, she is the one who changed your nappy!

So do not let her lift a finger on Sunday - unless you are giving her a manicure! 

This is sure a different approach to hospitality, but something totally unique, which makes it stand out from the rest. Lets call it their USP (unique selling point). At the Extreme Hotel in the Cape Town city bowl, you can climb up an artificial rock wall, swim around the hotel and appreciate their ‘extreme’ decor. I especially like the bar area below and their quirky lavatories will always be entertaining. Pricing is fair for what you get and the food is gourmet and very delicious.

Some stats:

• 130 rooms of which
• 98 are doubles
• Rates between R670 and R1200 (approximates)
•  

Call them on  + 27 21 430 5300 (central Protea Hotels reservation).

Ok, I know, it’s confusing, the Kimberley Hotel in Cape Town, but nonetheless, it’s here and it’s still happening. Not your average night out, but I couldn’t believe the cheap drinks (R10 for a double brandy and coke or a single whiskey). It’s fun for watching rugby, but can get cramped if you haven’t got a table. It’s ‘rof en onbeskof’, but we love it! Find it on the corner of Buitenkant and Roeland Streets near Parliament. Aparently the rooms have been refurbished and it now boasts conference facilities etc. Call them on +27 21 461 2160 for more info.

The Ritz is a 3 star (***) hotel based in Sea Point, Cape Town, with 222 rooms and conference facilities. It’s about 5 minutes walk to the Seapoint Promenade (beachfront) and in close proximity of the V & A Waterfront (short drive) for shopping. The most famous part of the Ritz hotel in Sea Point is probably the revolving restaurant on the 21st floor, that moves in 360 degrees every 90 minutes, giving you a birds eye view of the whole Sea Point, Robben Island and the Waterfront.

Most golf packages in Cape Town include a trip to Erinvale Golf Estate in Somerset West. About 45 minutes drive from Cape Town, in the heart of the Cape winelands, this beautiful Parklands Golf Course (with golf property) was designed by Gary Player, one of South Africa’s most famous golfing exports.

Erinvale was host to the 1996 World Cup of Golf in which 32 nations competed. The par 72 championship course also boasts a signature hole on the 17th with elevated tee and long downhill finish. The course is open for members only on Thursdays and Weekends and otherwise open all other days.

In December and January it’s only open to guests of the Erinvale Hotel & Spa, so make sure to treat yourself to a true golf break in Cape Town. Click on the hotel link for more information.

When quoted about the course, Gary player said: ” As you play through the back nine holes, you climb dramatically up the mountain to enjoy the spectacular view. The sea in the distance and the many wineries for which the Cape is famous are further attractions … I think this will be one of the best golf courses in South Africa .”

The Mount Nelson Hotel is one of the well known five star hotels in Cape Town. Located centrally in Cape Town within 9 acres of beautifully scaped garden, the Mount Nelson boasts with an award winning restaurant as well as a very popular bar called Planet Bar (or Planet Champagne Bar). Be sure to drop by for after work drinks on Fridays, when the who’s who of Cape Town’s most beautiful people decends to play.

Rates are 5 star related. For more information, please visit the link above.