I spent the majority of my formative years in a boarding school. When the day came to end we, the ‘boarders’, would wave our day scholar friends off as they hopped into their parent’s cars. But we were never allowed to cross the barrier separating us from the outside world they could so freely traverse. The boarders could only watch with envy through the gates as their friends jutted away into the distance. And on some days, when the dust finally settled, we would stand there until the sun dipped below the horizon. Until the visions of our homes melted in our eyes.
It wasn’t prison, though. We did have school holidays. And the food, aside from the hardened meatballs, was palatable.
My holidays were mostly spent travelling around the country with my siblings. Often staying in beautiful chalets and hotels that would have any child beaming with excitement. But for me, it all felt like a slight upgrade on the dorms I slept in during the semester. An upgrade, but it was not home. This feeling has remained with me into adulthood while travelling the continent. So much so that if I had it my way at all times, I would avoid hotels in exchange for staying with the locals.
But that feeling may have recently changed for me while staying at the Protea Hotel North Wharf on a visit to Cape Town.
Staying at the Protea North Warf
Located in Foreshore , right at the bottom of Bree Street, the North Wharf feigns simplicity on the outside but opens up into modern luxury as you step inside. I was warmly greeted by two staff members upon my arrival and received a smooth and detailed check-in. The first thing that caught my eye about the hotel was its location. It is perfectly situated to be within touching distance of all the city’s great attractions. A minute drive away from the V&A Waterfront, a few more minutes away from Sea Point and Green Point and close enough to enjoy activities in the rest of the CBD, too.
The second thing that caught my eye was the apartment itself. I was fortunate to get a room on the 7th floor of the apartment hotel. I initially had my doubts before opening the door. I thought I’d be walking into a typical hotel room. But after making it through the narrow opening the apartment blossomed into a spacious home with a beautiful view of the city.
I immediately felt like I was home. A spacious and luxurious home with a view – and it was mine for the weekend. Fitted on the floor above me was a fully equipped gym to finally hit ground running on that New Year’s fitness resolution (it’s never too late) and a rooftop swimming pool I could enjoy sundowners as the last bit of sunlight retraced the skyline.
The North Warf Restaurant
The North Warf restaurant downstairs offers an extensive selection of food to meet a range of dietary needs. Offering a full English breakfast buffet daily and an à la carte lunch and dinner. My favourite were the selection of triple decker cheese toasties served with fries that I had delivered by room service.
This is another aspect I enjoyed about the living space. Dining in the apartment did not feel like dining in your room. There was a lounge area, a dinning area and a sleeping area. The space felt well-defined making it easier for a traveller like me who generally takes time to settle in a space. But if have time and prefer to dine at the restaurant you can enjoy your meal surrounded by beautiful views of the city.
Things to do around the city
Now that we have home, it’s time to explore the spoils of the city. Fortunately, Cape Town is the real city that does not sleep (sorry Joburg). Here are some of my favourite places that I got visit that weekend.
For the foodies & Night crawlers
Maybe hotel food isn’t on your menu that day – where are some places you could get a nice bite around the city?
Club Kloof
If you are looking for place where you and your friends/family can share a selection of meals (curated into one) and delicious cocktails, then Club Kloof might be the little orange haven you have been looking for.
View this post on Instagram
Located on an iconic street, offers stylish Italian-inspired cuisine and drinks. You can indulge in their sourdough pizzettes, such as the renowned Bianco with mortadella, mozzarella, pistachio, and green olive butter, along with signature salads and popular small plates like roasted and smashed baby potatoes with hazelnut crème fraîche and fried capers.
Address: 84 KLOOF STREET
Bodega Ramen
The phrase ‘hidden gem’ gets thrown around a little too much for my liking, but Bodega Ramen is exactly that. Allow me to rephrase. Bodega Ramen is a hidden gem within a hidden gem, because you can find it upstairs in the same location as The Gin Bar. Another hidden gem.
View this post on Instagram
If you are looking for a predominantly vegetarian menu with some edge (seafood and other meats) then pop into Bodega Ramen. And perhaps try out some of the legendary gin concoctions downstairs afterwards.
Pro tip: You have to try their their KFC (Korean Fried Cauliflower). Have to.
Address: 64A Wale Street, Cape Town
Thali
Thali‘s contemporary take on Indian cuisine is by far one of my favourites in the country (Modern Tailors is another if you are in Johannesburg). If you are looking to spoil yourself and your loved ones with sumptous set menu’s, make a reservation and pop into the restaurant for an unforgettable culinary experience. Please note that the restaurant is currently not Halaal.
The best part about having dinners at Thali is that if you love stylish, hidden, curated, vinyl playing venues with a touch of class you can pop in next door at One Park. I have heard people play everything from Wu-Tang to Fela Kuti depending the night.
Address: 3 Park Road
There is no better feeling than coming back to an apartment that wraps its welcoming arms around you after a long day city hopping. For me, a calm playlist and a long bath does the trick. Staying at the North Warf never felt like I was travelling. It felt like I had just stepped out of my home to explore the world beyond the four walls. And for a former ‘boarder’ like me, that made a world of difference (and the triple decker cheese toasties, of course).
To learn more and book a stat at the Protea North Warf, go here.
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ALSO READ: Waterberg wanderlust: 5 reasons to visit the Waterberg
