The Tintswalo Atlantic: A Romantic Retreat in Cape Town South Africa

I just don’t know how to tell you how phenomenally romantic the Tintswalo Atlantic is. We usually do family travel reviews, but I understand that as parents – we NEED that time away from the youngsters. We need to reconnect, to drink champagne, sleep late and take long, long soaky baths. I would say this is perfect for a honeymoon, an anniversary, a proposal and even a wedding. This is the wild card you pull above all the other wild cards. If you’re looking to surprize a gal (or guy) and splurge a bit, then do THIS. Pick this place.

Upon arrival at Tintswalo, you’re quickly greeted by friendly staff and ushered to the lounge while a glass of sparkling wine appears right out of nowhere. This gives you some time to relax from your journey, explore and soak in the views. It was raining when we got there which I quite liked. I love moody weather. The hotel is also very warm with under floor heating, heaters, fireplaces. We were always cozy and comfortable.

The rooms / chalets are built on the rocks. Really, you could not build anything closer to the ocean. We could hear the thundering shore break, ocean waves and crackling fire throughout our entire stay. Tintswalo Atlantic is nestled on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean between Hout Bay and Cape Town on Chapman’s Peak Drive, which forms part of the Table Mountain National Park – one of South Africa’s eight World Heritage Sites!

There are a few communal areas like the hotel lounge – kitted out with board games, a bar, books and fireplace. From there leads a deck to a jacuzzi, some tables and loungers. It must be fantastic in Summer too! Then around the corner there’s the main (heated) pool area. We didn’t take cozzies, which I deeply regret. We’re definitely going back when it’s warmer, I mean could you think of a more spectacular place in Cape Town to sip on a cocktail? Hurry up Summer! How beautiful though?

Our chalet was very private – nestled between a few others. While our room was absolutely gorgeous with the finest quality and attention to detail, we mostly stayed on the chairs behind our deck sipping wine and inhaling the ocean, rain, scents and sounds of nature. We loved it so much that we ordered lunch to our room. They say a picture is worth a thousand words..

After more wine, a delicious and healthy lunch, a long bath and a glorious nap… we resurfaced for dinner. It was so nice to dress up and get all fancy. The menu was incredible. We had Canapes, Zucchini Truffle Soup, Confit Duck Linguine in Thyme Jus. Melon & Mint Granita refresher and then the Gorgonzola crusted Beef Fillet with Savoury Leeks, Braised Aubergine & Cranberry Jus. Creme Caramel with Bar-One Ice Cream and Kahlua Biscuits was for dessert. It was the most incredible and decadent dinner that we’ve probably ever had. Exceptional. A thousand compliments to the chef!

After dinner we cozied up at the fire in the lounge with blankets, board games and a cocktail from the bar. We went back to our room with a bottle of wine, underfloor heating, another warm fire and the most exquisite turn-down service. They’d placed candles all around the room and in the bathroom – on the floor and along the tub. That’s the thing about Tintswalo, they go that little extra that you’d never expect. Small details like fresh ice, a warm fire, lit candles, swan towels, tea and biscuits placed on a tray ready to be brewed, still water on your bedside. You don’t have to worry about a single thing which leaves so much more energy to spend on your partner, reconnecting and savouring each others company.

I’m ecstatic to tell you that we slept until 10am! I am not kidding. Any parent reading this right now has their jaw to the floor. As parents, most of us wake before sunrise and anything after 6:30am is pure luxury. We ordered breakfast to our room and enjoyed a THREE course breakfast feast in our gowns and slippers, overlooking the ocean. We were super reluctant to leave, but excited to see our little boys again and tell them all about our stay!

Tintswalo has recently been crowned one of the Top 10 Things To Do in Cape Town by Huffington Post. Read that article here! Right now they’re running a fab special – R6500 per couple per night, including Spa Treatments! Get in touch with them for more details and be sure to check out their promotions page for info on their other hotels and resorts in other provinces. They really have something for everyone! Thanks so much for hosting us, we’ll be back as soon as possible! HINT HINT Graeme.