The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa has always been the epitome of luxury and class. The Atlantic Seaboard‘s crown jewel finds itself nestled between indigenous fynbos and the tranquil blue waters of Camps Bay and offers the rugged Twelve Apostles mountain range as a gorgeous backdrop. It‘s no wonder celebrities from all corners of the globe are eager to call this Cape Town institution home for a few weeks.
But as someone who prefers sneakers to heels and a baggy t-shirt to the appeal of a tight-fitting dress, the glitzy allure of this hotel has always been something that has never appealed to me, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Lynn Cupido.
Perhaps I pictured the hallways of the Twelve Apostles to be filled with the thick smoke of expensive cigars and the sounds of clinking glasses topped with the finest whiskey this side of Africa.
But I will now consider myself a convert.
The Twelve Apostles is undoubtedly beautiful, both inside and out, with scores of locals and foreign nationals filing through the doors to enjoy spectacular sunsets and mouth-watering dishes cooked by the incredible chef Christo Pretorius. But it’s their new restaurant that really won me over.
Apostles Braai is a celebration of South Africa’s favourite pastime with the new eatery set amongst the lush greenery that this area is famous for. But it’s the relaxed and comfortable ambience that oozes from the white-washed walls of this new restaurant, perfectly complementing the Atlantic Ocean in the distance, that really has me singing a different tune.
The food is exactly what I would expect to be served at a five-star hotel, but again, it was the simplicity of each dish that had me grinning from ear to ear. Enjoy spectacular views while devouring the best braai broodjies you will ever come across – bread, cheese, and tomato, topped with the most delicious caramelized onions, adding a hint of sweetness to an already perfect dish.
Here’s a taste of what you can experience when dining at Apostles Braai: chicken sosaties with garlic and chilli mayo, the most tender steak pieces dipped in Chimichurri sauce and beautifully charred baby carrots – and that’s just a snippet. There are also delicious veggie options for those who prefer a meatless braai, with yummy veggie burger sliders as one of the options (a must-try for all palates).
I found myself thanking my lucky stars that I am a baggy t-shirt person, because the good food may have left me unbuttoning the top of my jeans to make room for dessert. For all the sweet tooths out there, you’ll be happy to know that there’s a mouth-watering selection of high-tea desserts – small blueberry cakes, macarons, and a decadent brownie were just a few of the options that were offered to round off this delicious meal offering.
Exploring the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
I took my newfound love for this hotel and spa and decided to do a little exploring. If hiking up Lion’s Head for two hours to enjoy a stunning sunset is not what you’re into, then may I suggest their fine dining restaurant, Azure? The Apostles also offers an additional restaurant, perfect for a day chowing on fresh sushi in the form of Café Grill.
If you’re looking to spend a little time in nature, they also offer a picnic option. Bring your sun hat and sunscreen and enjoy the amazing views while munching on a picnic basket packed by the hotel. A bottle of MCC and sandwiches with a view? Yes, please!
For a truly magical and extravagant experience, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa allows you to skip the traffic and drink in Cape Town’s majestic vistas with a helicopter ride with NAC Helicopters, which starts at the V&A Waterfront.
All this to say, Apostles Braai is a great addition to an already spectacular establishment that we know you’ll enjoy adding to your restaurant bucket list.
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Pictures: Supplied
