"If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things." ― Albert Einstein
Greetings from Cape Town! I arrived early in South Africa to explore on my own before the start of International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Africa as a "hosted buyer" here to meet with hotels, tour operators and immersive experiences in Africa for discerning travelers (like you). I knew exactly what I wanted to do first: see the African penguins at Boulders Beach (the only place in the world you can get up close to them in their natural habitat) - and go to the end of the earth, the Cape of Good Hope.
Portuguese explore Bartolomeu Dias was the first European to reach Cape Point in March 1488, and he named it Cape of Storms, a bad-ass name for its notoriously rough waters. Pope John II of Portugal lightened the mood by renaming it Cape of Good Hope, thinking of what a sea route to India and the East could mean. Almost 200 years later, the Dutch East India Company set up a resupply camp of fresh food for sailors in a nearby bay that grew into Cape Town, which then earned a nickname: Tavern of the Seas. Standing at the edge of Africa against the whipping wind, I could so easily imagine enormous, masted sailing ships, laden with faraway good for trade, struggling past the dangers of the cape's winds and rocks. It was thrilling to be so close to that maritime history - in such spectacularly beautiful surroundings. The drive to Cape Point is full of breathtaking vistas too!
When I arrived early, I stayed at the magnificent Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town. I was placed in a spacious Deluxe room with a lovely veranda overlooking the main pool and entry to the spa, where you'll find the most serene relaxation room ever - filled with the sound of breezes blowing through the thick wall of bamboo trees on the other side of the room's floor-to-ceiling windows. I was also treated to Mount Nelson's High Tea, which is served twice a week and is renowned among the locals too who come to celebrate special occasions. Check out the Nine Muses Travel Instagram and Facebook photos!
I'm now staying at The Cellars-Hohenort, the only Small Luxury Hotels of the World property in Cape Town, where the conference planners are housing some of us and it feels like I'm a guest in someone's country estate and not in a city at all. I have entrances from my suite to the back gardens, and the restaurant here is divine. If you'd like to experience it too, definitely book through me because I can secure additional amenities for my clients including daily breakfast for two, late check-out guaranteed, room upgrade on arrival upon availability, and more!
Our conference's meetings take place at MOYO restaurant, inside the gorgeous Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, one of the world's best gardens and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On a break before lunch one day, I walked through the gardens, set on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, and I discovered you can exit the garden and continue along marked trails up the mountain, which I did for a while, watching clouds drift across mountain ridges. No other conference venue has compared to gazing up at these mesmerizing mountains through a botanic garden all day.
Last night, we had a fantastic event at The Norval Foundation, which focuses on twentieth and twenty-first century visual art from Africa and its diasporas, and yes, amidst all these wonderful experiences, I am actually working! I'm learning of new tours and activities in Africa for you to enjoy - like polishing your own rough diamonds, touring Africa aboard an all-inclusive luxury train, riding a helicopter for panoramic landscapes or to get from point A to point B effortlessly across longer distances (no traffic), joining a specially-trained guide for custom-designed hikes in Cape Town's mountains and surrounding areas, relaxing at an historic vineyard resort of Cape Dutch architecture, and taking a catamaran ride from the V&A Waterfront, the oldest working harbor in the Southern Hemisphere.
I'm making tons of great new connections - and friends too. I love being with my travel tribe! I hope I'm inspiring you to come to Cape Town because it is so, so beautiful. I could stare at these mountains all day, as they change appearance with the light and clouds. Plus the food and wines are delicious, and there's a fascinating history with cultural riches to uncover. It's not hard to get here either, thanks to a direct flight from Newark to Cape Town on United.
Next up - Namibia! I head there tomorrow on a short flight from Cape Town to Windhoek for my G Adventures / National Geographic Journeys tour called Wonders of Namibia. I'm ready for the new African wonders that await!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WHY USE A TRAVEL ADVISOR?
Nine Muses Travel offers a premium experience with flights, guides, drivers, rental vehicles, and the best accommodations to maximize your time, with expert advice on how to get the most out of any destination. We INCLUDE amenities for you at the world's finest hotels, the BEST OF THE BEST!
Complimentary room upgrades at check-in, subject to availability
Complimentary daily breakfast
Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
And more!
Nine Muses Travel works with exceptional suppliers who add unparalleled value:
Expert guides: artists, historians, naturalists, unique locals with insider tips & insights
Flexibility with your touring - See and do as much, or as little, as you prefer!
Custom-designed routings
Exclusive experiences
24/7 real-time support
Comprehensive travel protection plans
Start planning inspired travel and read more about me and what I can do for you!
Nine Muses Travel designs journeys to inspire artists, arts lovers and the culturally curious.
Danielle Dybiec
Founder & President