The perfectly placed Tintswalo at Boulders on Cape Town’s False Bay coastline.

Home » Destinations » Africa » The perfectly placed Tintswalo at Boulders on Cape Town’s False Bay coastline.

Snug as a lucky Tintswalo bug as I settled in for an escapist night away on the False Bay coastline, overlooking the rather vocal neighbours at the Boulders Penguin Colony and the deep turquoise and teal waters below, where countless yachts could be seen navigating the waters on a perfect day.

The Simonsig bubbly also definitely adding to the mood.

Invited to return to Tintswalo at Boulders in Cape Town’s picturesque Simonstowns (I’d been lucky enough to stay there in mid-2019), I arrived to find the interconnected villas looking more glorious than ever. Natural light flowed from the balconies into the generous living areas, carefully placed flowers and collectables added a sense of home and tactile textures, plushly cushioned couches and the team’s generous welcome added to the warmth. Joined by my daughter Lemor on this visit, we relaxed over cappuccinos and catchup chats on the balcony before being shown to our room for the night.

Lucky enough to be allocated the Water Witch Premier Suite on the top level of the villa, with uninterrupted views towards the False Bay coastline, Ark Rock and Roman Rock Lighthouse beyond. The luxurious suite has a King Size Bed, a separate lounge area with a fireplace, large bath and shower, with designs and finishings in calming creams and blues, a double volume ceiling, sparkly chandeliers, and a massive balcony with loungers and a giant hanging chair I instantly settled into.

The heated rooftop pool was just steps from our balcony too, and I was quick to dip into it. Sundowners were served at 5 pm – which we took at our suite – with delicious veggie canapés a welcome treat in the lead up to dinner. Dinner was by candlelight on the one balcony, as each of the in-house groups was seated in a different area to max on privacy. Chef offers dinner each evening, and I highly recommend that you eat in, at least on one of the nights of your stay.

After a snug night with the noise and light blocking blinds ensuring that sleep was undisturbed, I started my morning breathing in the ocean air before dipping into the pool. After a delicious very indulgent breakfast, we walked out the gate and straight onto the boardwalk to visit our feathery friends. It was wonderful to be on this side of our city, and be reminded that a change of scenery is (almost) as good as a holiday. Truly a perfect spot for a staycation.

Tintswalo at Boulders

The Tintswalo group is synonymous with its exceptional high-end accommodation, and Tintswalo at Boulders is one of the jewels in the impressive collection.  Offering luxurious seaside living 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 enjoy unique views of the ocean, with the exception of the Victory suite, which has 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. Such a treat.

The villa enjoys the beauty of local fynbos and unobstructed views over Boulders Beach with its internationally famous colony of endangered African penguins. Known for its pristine swimming beaches, and with the colony of penguins as the star attraction, the North-facing Tintswalo at Boulders is located en route to Cape Point.

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.

Throughout the team that welcomed us was warm and attentive, yet happy for us to have our snug chats in the deep chairs perfectly placed to optimise on location.

Read about my previous visit a couple of years ago: Tintswalo at Boulders. Luxury seaside accommodation in Simonstown. 

The rooftop pool deck and fire side boma styled courtyard.

The deck and swimming pool, as well as balcony with seaviews.

Breakfast is served.

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 an in-house butler, a team of hosts and chef extraordinaire. Our stay included canapes served in the late afternoon, a three-course vegetarian dinner 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, 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.

This is a truly romantic destination, although it works just as well for friends and for exclusive use too.

We spent some time with the rather noisy yet truly adorable immediate neighbours who were in various stages of Spring with romance blooming, baby booming and loads of grooming between dips in the ocean in search of food.  It was encouraging to meet many tourists on the path and boardwalk.

The view from our room towards the penguin viewing boardwalk.

Eat, Sleep Explore the Surrounds

I was thrilled to be back in Simonstown. 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-minute drive away.

Other 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.

The Essential Details

Visit the Tintswalo Lodges website or mail reservations at res1@tintswalo.com for bookings, and look out for the winter specials and residents rates, as well as themed packages, which will further enhance the experience. Tintswalo at Boulders operates on a bed and breakfast basis with six luxury suites, with the option of a children’s suite, and the rate includes a mouth-watering breakfast each morning, as well as afternoon snacks.

With special thanks to all who looked after us and especially to Andrew Shapland of The Roving Ambassador by Tourism Corporation Africa for making the arrangements.

**  A few pics supplied.

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