It had been an exceptional few weeks of travel for me and the spoils continued and I was invited to spend a night of luxury at Tintswalo at Boulders in Simonstown. Choosing a Saturday night and inviting my friend Christiane to join me, the break was designed with precious catchup time in mind. We drove the coastal road that hugs False Bay into a moody day with a chilly wind and choppy sea, arriving ready to make the most of the comfort that awaited us.
Warmly welcomed to a tour of the property, which can be rented either by individual suite or as an exclusive use villa, we were shown to our beautiful room. Named The Grosvenor after one of the East Indiamen vessels that ship-building company Wells built and launched between 1757 and 1872.
Ocean facing and on the ground level with two twin beds and a balcony that offered direct access to the Boulders boardwalk, the rich textured fabrics, comfy couches, envy-inducing wallpaper and big bathroom were an instant draw as we settled in to take advantage of the chilly weather. We spent the afternoon taking in the sea view, paging through the magazines that dot the coffee tables, sipping on cappuccinos and enjoying the beautifully prepared canapes, before walking the ten minutes into town for dinner.
It was blissful, both familiar and homely, yet beyond luxurious, intimate and deliciously opulent. The team that welcomed us all warm and attentive, yet happy for us to have our snug chats in the deep chairs perfectly placed to optimise on location. I can just imagine how successful this setting is for a romantic getaway.
With my dearest friend Christiane, as we settled in for a lazy afternoon.
Sleep was sweet and with the sound of ocean waves for company.
The Tintswalo group is synonymous with their collection of high-end accommodations and Tintswalo at Boulders which opened late last year is no exception. Offering luxurious seaside accommodation in charming Simonstown, the property is operated on either a bed and breakfast basis with six luxury suites individually let, or alternatively, you have the option of exclusive use rental of the 9-suite private villa that sleeps 18 adults.
The suites each enjoy unique views of the ocean, with the exception of the Victory suite, which enjoys its own private courtyard. No luxury is spared and the spacious rooms are equipped with every comfort and the distinguishable Tintswalo trademark blues and plush furnishings. There is even a dedicated room for children with their very own lounge and a generous collection of toys to play with.
Each suite is named in tribute to the magnificent ships that sailed the Cape waters in the early years, and the ingenuity which created them, and the spirit of exploration which sailed them – the Dromedaris, Bounty, Mary Rose, Cutty Sark, Mayflower, Victory, Waterwitch and Grosvenor. Many of these boats would have sailed right past this very spot all those years ago, filled with the hopes and dreams of thousands of occupants. Read about them here.
The rooftop pool deck and fire side boma styled courtyard.
The deck and swimming pool, as well as balcony with seaviews.
More about staying at Tintswalo at Boulders.
Over and above the beautiful accommodation and use of the extensive reception rooms and balconies, there is the kind service of in-house butler extraordinaire Stanford Ndebele. Our stay included canapes served in the late afternoon and a delicious breakfast which arrived in staggered courses; from fruit and yoghurt to assorted pastries, local cheeses, a selection of charcuterie and then a cooked breakfast to order – mine perfectly poached eggs with peppered mushrooms and tomato. All accompanied by freshly squeezed juices and the coffee or tea of your choice.
On the Sunday mornings of our stay, Christiane headed out for an early morning run while I slept in, waking to the sound of the ocean. I opted to enjoy coffee on the deck snug under a blanket, paused to enjoy the warmth of the autumn sun. We followed breakfast with a long walk to see the local resident African penguins who frolic and play on Boulders Beach. They really are the cutest most characterful little things. There were plenty of fluffy chicks and eggs being incubated by proud parents to be and above them the sky was blue with wisps of clouds, and the ocean calm. It was idyllic in every regard, and the best way to break away for some ocean restoration and catch up …
NOTE: Tintswalo at Boulders does not have a liquor license yet, but I’m sure you can arrange to bring your own bottle of bubbly or wine to enjoy on your balcony at sunset.
Of the most delicious meals enjoyed during our stay.
The view from our room towards the penguin viewing boardwalk.
More about the Simonstown Area
I was thrilled to be back in Simonstown with uninterrupted views across the fynbos towards the ocean, and direct access to the boardwalk that leads to the famed penguin beach. This is an area I’ve been visiting since before the penguins arrived and I hugely value how it’s been preserved, and the efforts made over the past decades by the community to provide a safe haven for our cute feathered friends.
You’ll likely want to stay in at Tintswalo at Boulders and enjoy the space, but if you wish to head out exploring you’ll find yourself situated in one of Cape Town’s most picturesque coastal regions with convenient access to the very best that the Cape Peninsula has to offer.
There’s a collection of wineries in the area, with hikes in the Table Mountain National Park, kayaking excursions and the option of shopping at the numerous interesting stores for which the town is known. Make the most of your proximity to Simonstown by exploring the village on foot and scouting out the antique stores. Take in the Saturday market on Jubilee Square and explore the waterfront with its leisure boats and views towards the naval base ships. From here you also have easy access to the Cape Point Nature Reserve, which is just a ten minutes drive away.
Recommended places to eat are the Seaforth Restaurant, Cafe Pescado on the main road which offers a great pizza, and The Lighthouse Cafe. The Cape Town city centre and Cape Town International Airport is 35 minutes’ drive away and there is a 24-hour front desk that can assist in organising activities such as horse riding and fishing, as well as an airport shuttle upon request. As an added spoil, in-room massages can be pre-arranged.
Simonstown Harbour at dusk.
These two cuties definitely looked like they were up to no good as they headed over the sand dune.
** I was invited by Janie van der Sput of Five Star PR to experience Tintswalo At Boulders, and I am so grateful. For more information contact her at janie@fivestarpr.co.za.
** Visit the Tintswalo Lodges website or mail reservations at res1@tintswalo.com for bookings, and remember to look out for the winter specials that are valid until 31 August 2019 and from 01 May 2020 – 31 August 2020.
With special thanks to all who looked after us during our stay.
At Boulders with Christiane, the cute penguins in the background.
** The pics of the pool and rooftop deck are supplied by Tintswalo at Boulders.
