A New Brand of Luxury
Here’s
an idea: Pack yourself an elegant weekend bag (include camera), hop on a flight
to Cape Town, pick up a snazzy little convertible, and head up the West coast
for a weekend of spectacular scenery, fabulous food and inspiring
accommodation. But beware – though there is much to do and see to distract
oneself, the soulful nature of the West Coast will catch up with you in the
end, to reconnect you with your true self.
Working
too hard for too long, I finally plan such a trip. Being in a demanding,
stressy frame of mind, I know exactly what I want – a crisp white space
(soulful rather than sterile), with doors opening right onto the beach, in a natural
place of great beauty. Oh and of course I must have a heavenly bath with sea
views. Not a lot to ask really. I search with intensity, unwilling to
compromise on any one of these stringent criteria. And so when I open the
website of the Strandloper Boutique Hotel (www.strandloperocean.com ), I give a
tight little gasp and set about determinedly to get what I wanted.
I
had been expecting the highest quality finesse and impeccable standards of
service, and the Strandloper Boutique Hotel did not fail to deliver on this
score. But what I had not expected was a soft honesty that came from the organic
touches in the décor, the traditional blue-grey and white buildings of the
area, the white endless beaches and the turquoise seas.
Aptly
named after the original beach walker inhabitants, the luxury hotel is set at the
far end of the town of Paternoster and at the edge of a vast natural beach and
fynbos nature reserve. Standalone suites, more like individual villas, face
outwards towards the sea or open grasslands. Rimless glass doors fold back
invisbly or wooden sliding doors recess into the adjacent walls to connect the
interior and exterior. Thick whitewashed walls with deep-set shuttered windows
and grey-blue painted frames give a Cycladean Greek Islands feel while
honouring the traditional fisher cottage architecture of the region. White
muslin curtains catch the gentle sea breeze.
The
suites have cleverly integrated luxuries, including air-conditioning, Nespresso
coffee machines, and heated towel rails. Heavenly wide baths and outdoor
showers make the most of the ocean and nature views. In my spacious suite there
are two indoor seating areas and a full scale dining table. There are two
outdoor seating areas, one perfectly placed sundowner table and chairs, as well
as two cushioned recliners.
The
service is professional and friendly, and the meals are everything that one would
ask of a seaside luxury resort in the food capital of the West Coast. The
accomplished chef makes the most of local produce - seafood of course, but also
local olives, cheeses and sun-dried fruit.
Accommodation
Experience:
There
is a new brand of luxury accommodation emerging. It has less to do with
ostentatious bling and more to do with soulful contact with nature. Think full
height glass windows and doors, outdoor seating areas to make the most of
morning and evening sun, understated and organic décor, smooth floors and
beachfront settings. This is barefoot luxury at its best.
From
my ocean-front suite at the Strandloper Boutique Hotel, I sit in bed with the
sounds, smells and sea breeze within touching distance. It is almost dawn and the
setting moon spills over the sea. A layer of mist gradually lifts off the ocean
and the curl of the waves begin to catch the rising sun. I feel a bit foolish
about my intense and suspicious demands and allow an interior softening to the
loveliness of this place.
While a place like this creatively makes the most of
its stunning setting, I realize one cannot create or control such moments, only
gratefully receive them as they are given. The great Persian poet Hafiz writes:
There are so many gifts
Still unopened from your
birthday
There are so many
handcrafted presents
That have been sent to you
by God.
