Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town

I never fail to get excited when our national conference comes around and this year was no exception. In fact the excitement was even higher, given that it was a celebration of 10 years of Travel Counsellors in South Africa and we were going to Cape Town and the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, no less!

Circling above Cape Town before touch down, the sheer visual beauty of Table Mountain, the blue ocean playfully lapping long sandy shores, white foam softly kissing wherever it touched, the colourful intrigue of Khayalitsha, the picture perfect image of the City Bowl. It’s almost overwhelming. No wonder Cape Town is considered one of the most exceptional cities of the world!

Once on the ground, we headed to the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel on Orange Street. Oh my, what a beautiful, grand old lady. Her pale pink exterior immediately invokes a nostalgic feel of a by-gone era when life was slow, carefree and elegant. The feeling of elegance, peace and calm continues through the lobby into the mute shades of the lounge and dining room. Stepping off the huge veranda onto the well-tended lawns bordered by lovely flower beds, you almost forget that you’re in the middle of a bustling city!

Closing the door to a well-furnished, spacious and comfortable room with its ample closet space and all of the amenities you’d expect from a top hotel, you just knew, the tone was set for a truly remarkable weekend. Belmond Mount Nelson’s staff from the porter to the receptionist, the dining room waiters to housekeeping, conference staff to management were without a doubt some of the most helpful, friendly and professional people I’ve encountered in my extensive travels.

Thinking of visiting Cape Town? Make sure to include a stay at the Belmond Mount Nelson. Ooh and whatever you do, don’t forget to book a high tea – it’s a must!