By Prashirwin Naidu

After my flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town, all I wanted was a hot shower and a good night’s sleep. But first, there was a car launch to attend – the reveal of the new Volvo EX90. While its R2.6 million price tag raised a few eyebrows, there’s no denying it looked the part: sleek, sophisticated, and every bit the luxury electric SUV. Here’s what I thought of it: VolvoEX90Review.

Tucked away in the heart of Cape Town, The Cullinan is a name that’s become synonymous with luxury. As part of the Southern Sun hotel group, it’s long been a favourite for business travellers, holidaymakers, and the occasional celebrity. Named after the Cullinan Diamond – the world’s largest, discovered in South Africa in 1905 ,the hotel mirrors that sense of grandeur with its elegant architecture, refined interiors, and flawless service.

Arriving at The Cullinan in the Volvo XC60 T8, my colleagues and I were famished.
So, in true journalist fashion, we ditched fine dining for a quick bite at McDonald’s
where I settled for a veggie burger. However, my brother, who dined at The
Cullinan’s restaurant, raved about the vegan creamy tofu pasta. Safe to say, I had a
serious case of FOMO.

Accommodation
At last, I made it to my hotel room – a stylish yet understated space with a crisp,
welcoming feel. The Cullinan is known for blending old-world charm with modern
comfort, and my room was no exception. It’s earned its reputation for plush
accommodation, offering a luxurious escape right in the heart of the city. The décor was clean, simple, and timeless – nothing over the top, just elegant and
minimal.

Even without the air conditioning on, the room felt airy and fresh. After a quick shower (special mention to the water pressure – like a mini massage), I settled
in and was out like a light. Then came the real highlight: sleep. The bed was pure bliss – like sinking into a cloud.

Breakfast
The morning arrived with a crisp Cape Town breeze, and before heading to the
airport, I treated myself to The Cullinan’s breakfast buffet. As a vegan, I skipped the
poultry, fish, and fine cuts of meat, but that didn’t mean there was any shortage of
choice. I kept things simple: mushrooms, hummus, greens, baked beans, and a mix
of vegetable curries.

The fruit was refreshingly sweet, and the coffee, topped with soy milk, was the perfect, comforting start to the day. That said, this wasn’t my first visit to The Cullinan. Years ago, before I embraced a vegan lifestyle, I went all in on the buffet – especially the meats. I still remember those perfectly seasoned chicken wings: crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. Those were the days. But now, I find joy in the simpler things, and The Cullinan continues to deliver – whatever your dietary preference.

Overall, The Cullinan remains a lovely escape, an elegant yet welcoming base for
anyone looking to explore Cape Town in all its vibrant glory. Whether it’s for a night
or a week, it’s a place that greets you with open arms.