Tintswalo Atlantic. – A 5-star luxury lodge found on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean between Hout Bay and Cape Town, mirroring the majesty of the setting in every uniquely designed suite …
The vision in my mind of a Phoenix is one of a substantially proud bird, feathers of assorted luminescent colours fluffed as it rises, spreads its wings, giving them a shake before graciously lifting it’s head towards the sky.
I’ve now read that the name comes from the Greek word for “purple” and is associated with fire and the sun and the symbolic of rebirth, hope, purity, faith, summer, eternity, immortality and light. Representing our capacity for vision, for collecting sensory information about our environment, and the events unfolding within.
Befitting this incredible place as it enters it’s new era. Although that said, I’d never been to Tintswalo Atlantic before it was destroyed by a fire in March 2015, so as much as the reference was real from all I’d read, seen and heard in the media, my visit was was simply an introduction to something new and extraordinary, a piece of heaven and discovery of Inspired Ocean Living.
All the reason to linger on the deck, although the rooms have the same view.
Tintswalo Atlantic is a 5-star luxury lodge tucked up on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean between Hout Bay and Cape Town and mirrors the majesty of the Atlantic Ocean in every uniquely designed suite and finish. Located at the start of Chapman’s Peak Drive, which forms part of the Table Mountain National Park – one of South Africa’s eight World Heritage Sites, it is a delight from the moment of arrival.
Parking our car up at the entrance, we were transferred down the rather steep and windy road to reception, where a warm welcome, scented wet cloth and homemade iced tea formed part of our arrival.
Reopened on 31 October for a wedding, one booked long in advance and set as a commitment that drove the team to meet a deadline date, it is hard to imagine that Tintswalo Atlantic has suffered any change at all.
Today as before, visitors to Tintswalo Atlantic can expect exclusive accommodation in a breath-taking setting with fine dining, warm, family-style hospitality and a host of unexpected pleasures.
It is literally located right on the pebbled beach shore and the waves break just metres from the deck. Once covered by a thick Milkwood grove and offering a forested feel, today it has more of a beach lodge ambience with open views of the every delighting Atlantic ocean with it’s seals and dolphins paying regular visits.
That said, during the rebuild a total of 750 trees, donated by a tree company in Paarl, were planted in and around the property and are already taking shape and thriving, bringing life back to the landscape.
The owners have a 20-year concession to operate in the Table Mountain National Park and their touch is gentle and considered. The living room area and all the rooms, face the water and the newly built and open plan kitchen naturally lets you in on the Chef’s creative world.
The whole area is open to the elements. During our stay the weather was hot and calm, with not a breath of air. Moving freely between the lounge and the deck, we soaked up the last of the evening rays as we sat for dinner. The next morning returning to the same spot for a leisurely linger, and as if on cue, the dolphins were always right there, playing in the Bay.
Oh to the setting sun and softening light.
The Chef’s open and interactive kitchen.
The soft whites and blues against the wood with touches of glam.
About my Room – Cousine.
Each of the ten suites has a unique design and theme that pays tribute to the beauty of nature and the rich heritage of our surroundings. It is easy to see why this is the ocean sweetheart of the Tintswalo Lodges and the shades of sapphire, cobalt, azure, indigo and teal blue extend into the room bringing a lightness and calming sensation.
The presidential suite comprises two island suites, Elba and Corsica, joined by a spacious common living area. The suite, luxuriously finished and uniquely decorated in classic Atlantic style, provides a private refuge and exclusive accommodation for up to four guests at a time.
I stayed in Cousine and it truly is the closest I’ve slept to the sea.
The views are across the bay with a wooden deck and chairs, large comfy bed, all modern amenities and the most incredible shower. But it’s the bath with a glass frontage that leaves you feeling like you are on the sea, that stole my heart. The colours adding a gentleness to further feed the soul.
The bed and finishings with a “Welcome” written out in shells.
View from the room and wooden deck. The glass doors opened wide and you could hear the sound of the waves crashing on the beach pebbles.
Let’s be honest. It would be rude not to …. This bath.
A considered choice of environmentally friendly products. Healing Earth Africa.
The finer touches, mini bar, complimentary sherry and shell fish.
And then this …
The Pool Deck.
Given that the land the lodge is built on forms part of a 20 year lease between Tintswalo Atlantic and SanParks, meaning that all buildings and additions to the property needs to be of a temporary nature, there is much wood about. Taking the walkway to the pool, Thabo explains that the owners had a struggle to get permission to build a swimming pool, but are very proud of the one they have.
Not large, but simply perfect and located right on the water’s edge, heated and surrounded by loungers from which to take in the uninterrupted views of Hout Bay. It’s the perfect place for a sundowners, we took our in the pool.
Here’s a Cheers to the beauty of Cape Town.
These neatly stacked towels, water and poolside serve from early to late.
On the pebbles just metres from the breaking waves, hammock, carpet and loungers.
Restaurants and Food Philosophy.
The food at Tintswalo Atlantic reveals a simple yet relaxed fine dining style. The food is personal, crafted from hand selected ingredients and incredibly tasty as well as beautifully presented, with special dietary requests such as my want for vegetarian food, very well accommodated.
Dinner was served from a set menu that offered a wide selection of dishes per course. Handcrafted in the open kitchen, the Chef and her team could be seen gently adding their final touches to the plate before it was brought to me. Bubbly by the glass and the sound of gently lapping waves, perfected it.
Breakfast is served to your table on the deck and not as from a buffet as is found in most accommodations. We were offered the choice of muesli and fruit, a cheese platter, pastries and then a generous selection off the cooked menu. We had everything.
Meat and cheese platters, with salmon trout and cream cheese.
An open omelette and vegetarian eggs Benedict.
Pastries by the hand ceramic bowl.
NOTE: Best thing is, even if you aren’t lucky enough to be staying here. Tintswalo Atlantic takes outside guests for all meals. All you need to do is make a reservation.
Events and Weddings.
It is hard to imagine a more romantic and unique beach-front setting in the Cape for a wedding. Tintswalo Atlantic also offer corporate getaways, intimate escapes and private celebrations, allowing you to take all 10 suites exclusively for your group. The Tintswalo Atlantic team can assist with every moment of your event, whether its speciality catering or simply ensuring that your function runs smoothly, they thrive to make dreams come true.
General information about facilities.
The communal areas have been built predominantly from wood and glass to blend harmoniously with the beautiful, natural surroundings. All of the lodge’s rooms and facilities share the breath-taking views of the sea and mountains.
Facilities include a lounge and bar, boutique wine cellar, dining room and deck as well as an interactive kitchen and wooden sun deck with a heated salt water pool surrounded by Chapman’s Peak and its indigenous Fynbos Reserve. A massage therapist can be arranged for private treatments in the comfort of your suites.
Location and Things to Do.
Tintswalo Atlantic is located in Cape Town two kilometres from Hout Bay on the Chapman’s Peak road and approximately a 45 minute drive from Cape Town International Airport, and 25 minutes from the city of Cape Town. Here are all the details on how to get there.
Clients who are driving themselves to Tintswalo Atlantic will leave their car in a secure parking area at the top of the cliff and be transferred to the hotel in the Tintswalo Atlantic courtesy vehicle.
As for things to do besides soak up the setting and lounge on your deck or at the pool, there are attractions that can be found in Hout Bay and in the greater Cape Town. For those wishing to remain closer to the hotel, the surrounding mountain reserve has a multitude of paths and walkways for visitors to enjoy, and guests may also wander along the pebbled beach located outside the lodge.
There is also a Spa menu that might draw your attention away to some spoiling.
A few of their suggested excursions are listed below:
- Visit the busy working harbour of Hout Bay. During the week one can watch fishing trawlers and crayfish boats unload their catches.
- Take a boat trip to Seal Island, a tiny island behind the Sentinel, which is densely populated by some 6000 seals. Even to snorkel with the seals.
- Explore Table Mountain National Park on foot, there are numerous walks and hiking trails.
- Spend the day exploring the nearby Constantia Winelands, birthplace to the wine farming industry in Cape Town.
- Visit the V&A Waterfront or one of the other renowned shopping districts.
- Take a Cape Peninsular day excursion.
- A big attraction in Hout Bay is the World of Birds. This is the largest bird park in Africa and one of the few large bird parks in the world with over 3000 birds and small animals of 400 different species presented.
- Sea kayaking and seasonal Whale watching.
The walkway to the Suites with it’s landscaping.
During the Rebuild.
I am told that no staff lost their jobs during the seven or so months it took to rebuild the lodge and many got involved with community projects to fill their day, in between planting those 750 trees. One of the projects was refurbishing the local Hout Bay NSRI station to say thank you to them for helping out during the fire.
Staff also assisted Little Angels, a community safe haven for underprivileged children, by painting and redecorating their space and spending time interacting with their. Some of their chefs became involved with the Hout Bay Music Academy, which works with disadvantaged children, teaching them how to prepare donated food.
I guess that is about right, given the loyalty, pride and grace that every member of the team had. They now wear the embroidered emblem of a Phoenix on the back of their shirts. Suitably apt to honour this beautiful place which has now truly risen to a new era.
One of the many touches, a pebble with your name on it is given to you on departure and you are invited to throw it over your shoulder and back into the ocean, returning if to nature with your wish.
Take my name with you to the depths of the ocean. Where the fishes swim free and the flow of the tides ensures a constantly healing change. I made a wish with this pebble as I threw it over my shoulder into the gently breaking waves. One day, that wish is bound to come true. They always do, especially if you truly believe.
Leaving you with a quote that was handed to me as I left – ‘The intangible feeling of love, gratitude and peace that you bestow upon someone who has given you a meaningful and worthy gift.’
I think that is exactly what Tintswalo Atlantic did for me. I look forward to staying in touch and to the next time I get to listen to the waves from this beautiful lodge, delight in the setting, savour the flavours, swim beside the ocean and enjoy the company of this team who are charming and incredibly generous of service.
Only one thing, you can’t really sleep with the doors wide open or the sound of the crashing waves would keep you awake … Or gently rock you to their lullaby, if you’re an ocean loving girl like myself.
This truly is a place that needs to be seen, felt and savoured to be fully appreciated and I recommend you do so. Relaxed opulence.
Connect with Tintswalo Atlantic on their Website | Twitter | Pinterest | Facebook | Google+ and keep an eye out for their Blog for news.
Read more about the Tintswalo Lodges’ TREC Community which I was lucky enough to work with a few years ago, joining the last days of the significant 1000 km walk. My posts can be found at Trec1000. Every step matters and by clicking on the Trec1000 tag.
Also about my stay at the Tintswalo Safari Lodge.
Disclaimer: My stay at Tintswalo Atlantic was arranged by Nicky Arthur PR on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. Thank you for creating this wonderful opportunity and to the Tintswalo team who took such special care of us, with special mention of Thabo and George. I was accompanied by my son Eden Weiss who created this video of our stay.
Mirror reflection happiness as I approached the lounge after an early morning swim.
