Story and images by Jeffrey James Keyes
Capetown is without a doubt the unrivaled gay jewel of South Africa. You’ll certainly feel at home in Greenpoint enjoying a martini at Crew Bar, or meeting new friends and shaking it to the Kylie remixes at Bronx Bar. Tucked on the other side of Table Mountain sits the ideal Capetown accommodation: the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa. That's the view from the pool above. Nice!
Perched between the sprawling Twelve Apostle Mountains and the crashing Atlantic waves, this exquisite Red Carnation Hotel offers a luxury 5-star boutique experience on the periphery of the most cosmopolitan city in South Africa. The Twelve Apostles boasts two heated swimming pools, forty-six deluxe guest rooms, twenty-four luxury suites, an efficient fitness room and business center, and a sixteen-seat movie cinema.
If you’re in the mood for a little wilderness and adventure, take a day trip down to the Cape of Good Hope or hike locally at Table Mountain. If you spend the hiking, be sure to balance your stay with a stop at the Sanctuary Spa, for a dip in the African-inspired hot and cold floatation pools. The Spa itself has seven treatment rooms and two outdoor Gazebos. The aroma of Moya, Elemis, & Dermalogica products fill the air and will certainly lure you into a deep Zen-like state. After you establish your traveling equilibrium, you’ll certainly be hungry.
The Twelve Apostles recently appointed one of South Africa’s most esteemed (and handsome) Chef’s, Henrico Grobbelaar, as Executive Chef at their decadent Azure restaurant. Henrico was the Team Captain of the South African Culinary Olympic Team, overseeing 660 VIPS at ten stadiums during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Ever thought you’d try Crocodile Carpaccio? Henrico will see to it that you crave it. After dinner, stroll out on to the terrace off of the Leopard Bar for a champagne toast as the sun goes down over the rocky waters below.
The Cape of Good Hope.
On assignment for GPS, intrepid travel writer and photographer Jeffrey James Keyes made his way through South Africa recently. He visited many hotel properties and presents his "Big Five" picks for lodging most suitable for gay and lesbian visitors. This is the second of five hotels he visited for us. Check back the next three Thursdays to discover the others.
