Words: Belinda Mountain | Images: Supplied
What makes a stay at The Taj Hotel unique is that you get all the comfort and indulgence you’d expect from a five-star hotel, but you still feel that you’re experiencing Cape Town as a city. Its central location means you can lie on your expansive bed, stare up at exquisite views of Table Mountain and listen to the sounds of taxis hooting, birds calling and the day drawing to a close.
I’d been asked to review the Jiva Spa downstairs, and what a treat it was. The two-hour Cape Fynbos treatment I had is popular with international visitors who are keen to learn more about this unique biome known for its medicinal properties. The massage treatment combines fynbos with marula oil, while a rhassoul clay, Atlantic sea salt and rooibos tea powder scrub and wrap are also part of the experience.
A cup of marula and rooibos tea at the end was also a highlight, as were the wooden beads given to all spa guests.
It’s this attention to detail that sets The Taj apart, and this was also evident in the theatrical and utterly delicious tasting menu we got to experience at the fine dining restaurant, Bombay Brasserie. Made up of five decadent courses (and multiple dishes), highlights included the roasted corn soup with turmeric popcorn, the Tandoori Norwegian salmon starter, the “smoking” sorbet palate cleanser and a Karoo lamb curry with sautéed spinach and garlic. My partner and I declared it the best curry we had eaten in years and vowed to return again soon. We ended off with a trio of desserts.
Besides the Bombay Brasserie, The Taj has other dining and drinks options, including The Twankey Bar, which is known for its striking décor and well-known “bearded barman”, mixologist AJ Snetler, who can be found behind the marble bar mixing up award-winning concoctions.
Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia’s largest group of hotels, made up of 95 hotels across India and 16 hotels all over the world.
For more information on The Taj Hotel, phone 021 819 2000 or visit their website.
