Designed by one of South Africa’s foremost architects, the Mother City’s newest hotel Vïb not only offers all the hospitality bells and whistles, it also has a trendy art gallery dedicated to showcase African art to the world
WORDS: STAFF REPORTER – PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
The new Vïb hotel in Green Point, Cape Town, is where the vibe’s at right now. Literally. An abbreviation of the word “vibrant”, Vïb is pronounced “vibe” and is the global hospitality group Best Western International’s latest offering. Targeting both the workation and staycation market, the hotel caters to the businessperson on the move – particularly those in the techpreneur and start-up space – as well as the domestic traveller looking for a dynamic designer stop-over.
“Our goal was to identify and cater to the requirements of today’s busy, connected traveller,” says the hotel’s general manager Niall Bruyns. “We offer expertly considered and up-to-date, technically proficient hotel rooms and convenient access to the city’s famous and most beautiful attractions, such as the Waterfront, Green Point Urban Park and Sea Point Promenade.”
Modernist vibe
Renowned South African architect Robert Silke designed the eight storey hotel whose façade and interiors are described as striking and futuristic. According to him, “Vïb Cape Town evokes the grand tropical modernism of Sol Kerzner’s original seaside hotels.”
Adding to the grand seaside hotel feel is the roof-top pool that playfully cantilevers 25m out from the building and over Green Point’s Main Road. It sports aquarium grade portholes in the bottom and a giant plexiglass “smile” on the front, making the building instantly recognisable.
On the ground floor, an open-plan bar – Eye Bar – lounge, restaurant and outdoor terrace offer a variety of local and international cuisine to both resident and non-resident guests. Eye Bar is open to the public for breakfast, lunch and dinner and also serves signature cocktails to accompany a small plates menu of tapas-style dishes.
Room service
The hotel accommodation consists of 76 expertly designed and environmentally conscious rooms that are tailored to suit guests’ specific needs. “This includes an extra-length queen-sized bed, large-screen TV, generous bathroom with a shower, Nespresso machine, individual workstations with Herman Miller task chairs, and dedicated Wi Fi access points in each room,” says Bruyns.
“For those requiring additional IT security, individual ethernet cables are also standard across all 76 rooms.”
Rooftop play
There are fun activities aplenty on the pool deck. From here, lazing next to the pool, the views across the ocean, Table Mountain and the city, are spectacular. Also available is cuisine that can be selected from a contemporary menu featuring sushi and tapas style sharing dishes alongside favourites like grilled steaks and gourmet burgers.
For those ready to build up a sweat, an on-site gym sporting the latest fitness equipment such as digital treadmills and ellipticals, as well as a weight-lifting bench and dumbbells, is also available.
Art watch
Another special Vïb touch is the inclusion of the Jaffer Modern art gallery also designed by Silke and occupying an entire floor of the hotel. Jaffer Modern aims to promote both established and aspiring Pan-African artists. Guest-curated by Margie Murgatroyd of Africa Nova fame, the gallery’s inaugural exhibition, Gathering, is an extensive collection of 80 portraits by various artists.
Says gallery director Shafina Jaffer, “The theme refers to the deep human need to congregate and the desire to commune. It’s about our diversity, cultures and common humanity.” Murgatroyd has selected works from Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria and across South Africa, including KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. “This first exhibition aims to showcase a diverse outpouring of creativity,” she says. Gathering runs until 28 February. As part of its commitment to supporting all things local, South African guests will automatically receive a local rate on bookings made directly through the hotel.