The sun is shining, the mercury’s definitely rising and it’s time to start thinking about where you’re going to escape the heat this summer. Luckily, you don’t have to be a Cliftonite with your own infinity pool to cool off. Here are some of our favourite places to take the plunge.
Sea Point Swimming Pool (pictured above)
What’s a casual length of backstroke without a view of the Atlantic Ocean, really? Having undergone a revamp in recent months, this seaside swimming spot definitely gets our vote for best public pool in the world. The complex has an Olympic-sized swimming pool, two kiddies’ splash pools, and a springboard diving pool, plus change rooms with lockers and showers.
That view though…
Where Lower Beach Road, Sea Point
When 7 am – 7 pm in summer, 9 am – 5 pm in winter
Cost Entry is R21 for adults and R10.50 for children
Silvermine Nature Reserve
If there’s one thing Capetonians love on a weekend, it’s getting out into nature. And if you can combine hiking in the summer sun with a dip in cool, mountain water, then so much the better.
Silvermine Nature Reserve offers both. It’s the start of various walks and more strenuous hikes, but let’s be real here and say that the 45-minute or so ascent to Elephant’s Eye Cave is enough of a challenge for most of us on a Saturday morning. Descend, strip off and plunge into the welcoming waters of the reserve’s reservoir (say that three times fast).
The water temperature is invigorating to say the least, but you’ll feel like a real nature baby by the end of the day.
Where Gate 1 and the car park are situated at the top of Ou Kaapse Weg
When The reserve is open 7 am – 6 pm September to April, and 8 am – 5 pm May to August
Cost R40 for adults, R20 for children (please note, this is a Table Mountain National Park conservation fee)
Good to know A wheelchair- and pram-friendly boardwalk encircles most of the reservoir, for an even more sedate constitutional.
Batstone Pool
If it’s a little swank you want, then it’s a little swank you’ll get at Batstone Pool – something like SoHo House meets De Waterkant.
Envisioned as a workspace-cum-meeting place, Batstone has crystal clear water, fast WiFi and good coffee, plus a fully-stocked bar and light meals for when you take off your serious hat.
Where 4th Floor, Cape Quarter, 27 Somerset Road, Green Point
When 11 am – sunset Friday to Sunday
Cost R150 minimum spend, or enquire about seasonal membership via [email protected]
Brass Bell Tidal Pool
Kalk Bay’s Brass Bell pumps in summer, with seven separate dining areas and a chilled bar vibe that practically pulls up a stool and pours you a draught. The fact that one of the coast’s most popular tidal pools is in jumping distance of your table doesn’t hurt either. Or maybe it’s the man-made beach complete with kiddies’ plunge pool.
Whatever it is, if you’re a rebel who doesn’t wait the requisite 30 minutes to swim after a meal, this is the place for you.
Where Main Road, Kalk Bay
When The tidal pool is open to the public round the clock, and the Brass Bell opens for breakfast at 9 am and closes at 10 pm
Cost Free
Good to know Booking is recommended during season
Cape Milner Hotel Pool
This spot has been one of Cape Town’s open secrets for many years. A tranquil hotel pool in leafy Tamboerskloof, it’s the perfect spot to nab a sun lounger and keep the cocktails coming.
Where Milner Road, Tamboerskloof
When Most afternoons, enquire ahead
Cost R100 minimum spend per person
More of a beach bum?
Head to our list of Cape Town’s top beaches.
Photography Rezeen Daniels, SouthAfrica.net, Batstone, Jade Taylor Cooke, Brass Bell, Cape Milner, Kendall-Leigh Nash/HSMimages.co.za
