A weekend at The Protea Lodge North Warf

I spent nearly all of my youth in a boarding college. When the day got here to finish we, the ‘boarders’, would wave our day scholar associates off as they hopped into their guardian’s vehicles. However we had been by no means allowed to cross the barrier separating us from the surface world they might so freely traverse. The boarders might solely watch with envy by the gates as their associates jutted away into the space. And on some days, when the mud lastly settled, we’d stand there till the solar dipped beneath the horizon. Till the visions of our houses melted in our eyes.

It wasn’t jail, although. We did have college holidays. And the meals, except for the hardened meatballs, was palatable.

My holidays had been principally spent travelling across the nation with my siblings. Usually staying in lovely chalets and motels that might have any little one beaming with pleasure. However for me, all of it felt like a slight improve on the dorms I slept in in the course of the semester. An improve, nevertheless it was not house. This sense has remained with me into maturity whereas travelling the continent. A lot in order that if I had it my manner always, I might keep away from motels in alternate for staying with the locals.

However that feeling could have not too long ago modified for me whereas staying on the Protea Lodge North Wharf on a go to to Cape City.

Staying on the Protea North Warf

Situated in Foreshore , proper on the backside of Bree Avenue, the North Wharf feigns simplicity on the surface however opens up into trendy luxurious as you step inside. I used to be warmly greeted by two workers members upon my arrival and obtained a easy and detailed check-in. The very first thing that caught my eye in regards to the lodge was its location. It’s completely located to be inside touching distance of all town’s nice points of interest. A minute drive away from the V&A Waterfront, a couple of extra minutes away from Sea Level and Inexperienced Level and shut sufficient to take pleasure in actions in the remainder of the CBD, too.

The second factor that caught my eye was the residence itself. I used to be lucky to get a room on the seventh ground of the residence lodge. I initially had my doubts earlier than opening the door. I assumed I’d be strolling right into a typical lodge room. However after making it by the slender opening the residence blossomed right into a spacious house with an attractive view of town.

I instantly felt like I used to be house. A spacious and opulent house with a view – and it was mine for the weekend. Fitted on the ground above me was a totally geared up fitness center to lastly hit floor operating on that New 12 months’s health decision (it’s by no means too late) and a rooftop swimming pool I might take pleasure in sundowners because the final little bit of daylight retraced the skyline.

The North Warf Restaurant

The North Warf restaurant downstairs provides an intensive choice of meals to satisfy a variety of dietary wants. Providing a full English breakfast buffet every day and an à la carte lunch and dinner.  My favorite had been the choice of triple decker cheese toasties served with fries that I had delivered by room service.

That is one other side I loved in regards to the dwelling house. Dinning within the residence didn’t really feel like eating in your room. There was a lounge space, a dinning space and a sleeping space. The house felt well-defined making it simpler for a traveller like me who typically takes time to settle in an area. But when have time and like to dine on the restaurant you possibly can take pleasure in your meal surrounded by lovely views of town.

Issues to do across the metropolis

Now that we’ve house, it’s time to discover the spoils of town. Luckily, Cape City is the true metropolis that doesn’t sleep (sorry Joburg). Listed below are a few of my favorite locations that I received go to that weekend.

For the foodies & Evening crawlers

Perhaps lodge meals isn’t in your menu that day – the place are some locations you could possibly get a pleasant chunk?

Membership Kloof

If you’re on the lookout for place the place you and your folks/household can share a choice of meals (curated into one) and scrumptious cocktails, then Membership Kloof is likely to be the little orange haven you’ve gotten been on the lookout for.

Situated on an iconic road, provides trendy Italian-inspired delicacies and drinks. You may indulge of their sourdough pizzettes, such because the famend Bianco with mortadella, mozzarella, pistachio, and inexperienced olive butter, together with signature salads and standard small plates like roasted and smashed child potatoes with hazelnut crème fraîche and fried capers.

Deal with: 84 KLOOF STREET

Bodega Ramen

The phrase ‘hidden gem’ will get thrown round a little bit an excessive amount of for my liking, however Bodega Ramen is strictly that. Enable me to rephrase. Bodega Ramen is a hidden gem inside a hidden gem, as a result of you could find it upstairs in the identical location as The Gin Bar. One other hidden gem.

If you’re on the lookout for a predominantly vegetarian menu with some edge (seafood and different meats) then pop into Bodega Ramen. And maybe check out among the legendary gin concoctions downstairs afterwards.

Professional tip: You must strive their their KFC (Korean Fried Cauliflower). Should.

Deal with: 64A Wale Avenue, Cape City

Thali

Thali‘s modern tackle Indian delicacies is by far considered one of my favourites within the nation (Fashionable Tailors is one other if you’re in Johannesburg). If you’re seeking to spoil your self and your love ones with sumptous set menu’s, make a reservation and pop into the restaurant for an unforgettable culinary expertise.  Please observe that the restaurant is at present not Halaal.

One of the best half about having dinners at Thali is that for those who love trendy, hidden, curated, vinyl enjoying venues with a contact of sophistication you possibly can pop in subsequent door at One Park. I’ve heard folks play all the pieces from Wu-Tang to Fela Kuti relying the evening.

Deal with: 3 Park Highway

There is no such thing as a higher feeling than coming again to an residence that wraps its welcoming arms round you after an extended day metropolis hopping. For me, a peaceful playlist and an extended tub does the trick. Staying on the North Warf by no means felt like I used to be travelling. It felt like I had simply stepped out of my house to discover the world past the 4 partitions. And for a former ‘boarder’ like me, that made a world of distinction (and the triple decker cheese toasties, in fact).

To be taught extra and e-book a stat on the Protea North Warf, go right here.

Observe us on social media for extra journey information, inspiration, and guides. You can even tag us to be featured. 

TikTok | Instagram | Fb | Twitter

ALSO READ: Waterberg wanderlust: 5 causes to go to the Waterberg