BY Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe

For decades the Table Bay hotel, at the V&A Waterfront, has set the bar high for opulence in the Cape travel sector, playing host to guests from all corners of the world. While newer and flashier newcomers have entered the space over the years, Table Bay still resonates with tourists searching for refined elegance, authentic and personalised experiences.   

The Table Bay hotel has managed to cling to the promise of tried and tested luxury. The name is synonymous with good old grandeur and all things lavish. Located in the glitzy shopping heaven, the V&A Waterfront, it is a place of refuge after a shopping spree and offers a 5-star, home away from home comfort. A quiet space a few feet away from the bustling shopping mall that is one of South Africa’s leading tourist attractions. 

First encounter 

My very first encounter with the Table Bay hotel was exactly 26 years ago as a starry-eyed, junior journalist. It was an exhilarating experience and a string of firsts for me – from my very first flight, my first time in Cape Town as an adult, and my maiden experience of 5-star luxury.  Over the years, I have been fortunate to stay at the hotel numerous times, and the high standard has remained consistent. It feels like you are returning to a secret place that is filled with love and care. 

During my recent stay, I was a guest of BMW SA, for their product launch of the 5 Series. Being whisked away from the airport in a BMW 3 Series set the tone for the overall experience. For once, it was thrilling to sit back and enjoy being driven – a luxury we don’t get to encounter often. Upon entering the hotel, all senses are instantly invigorated. From the signature scent that permeates the well-appointed lobby, the exotic accents one hears from guests, and the warm welcome from staff, you immediately feel at home. 

The accommodation

The moment I walked into my superior luxury family room, it screamed comfortable luxury from the two couches, the uber-soft kingsize bed, and a desk. With so little time and so much room to xplore, I found myself having to make so many choices – whether to run a bath or take a shower, sit back and lounge on one of the couches, or take in the sweeping sea views from the balcony. The room felt a bit dated though, with wall-to-wall carpet and bulky furnishing – I guess all part of being the Cape’s Grande Dame. I could not resist the melt-in-your-mouth hotel welcome amenities, which included a bottle of red wine. Instead of opening the bottle, I settled for a good cup of coffee.     

Fine dining 

For the evening, we were booked for a food extravaganza at the award-winning Siba restaurant. The brainchild of Chef Siba, the restaurant is designed to feel like you are joining the celebrity chef and her family at home. We were in for a royal treat. The carefully curated menu at Siba is an ode to her childhood, her family and her cultural influences.

There were oohs and aahs as we sampled South African traditional dishes that have been elevated to Harvard Business School standards, where her culinary journey has made it to one of the MBA’s case studies. From Tata’s Garden vegetables, the dombolo dance, stuffed boerewors balls to the creamy mushroom samp, it was a gastronomic affair – an experience that sits right up in the bucket list. 

Breakfast club

In line with its prestige, Table Bay offers a sumptuous breakfast spread. With the perfect weather that showed off the Table Mountain in all its glory, I opted for an outside table to enjoy my cappuccino with seagulls providing sweet, background music. As I checked out, I silently wondered if I would still find the allure at Table Bay when I returned as a gogo, 26 years from now.