we come across this south african jewel, in all places, at tripadvisor. the patrons make it sound delicious - a hidden gem in the glam city of cape town, well situated. they promise vistas to lion's head and the iconographic table mountain.
could it be?
could it be?
yes, it is so. when i call to enquire about availability, months in advance, klaus is kind, responsive, friendly, and knowledgeable. nothing is too much, even for this inquiring mind. rooms are booked, the entire process so easy and effortless - and eventually learn this is indicative of klaus and his partner chris, as well as the entire 'mother city'.
hospitality is one thing. but good design too? modern, crisp, warm - not ice cold. we finally arrive, nineteen hours hurtling through space across the ocean. there it is, a beacon of light color, right across from the green open space which characterizes this tony neighborhood (is it oranjezicht? is it higgovale?). no matter, it's lovely. klaus is there, immediately to greet us. not to bother with the carry-ons ... please sit down and have a glass of wine and some snacks ... perhaps some fruit juices for the children? lounge, relax, we'll get the bags settled, please enjoy the views. stunning!
we are living in the lap of intelligent design. everything is how it should be - the right materials, the right orientations to capture the landscape and the late fading light. the pool is long and narrow, nestled between low slung buildings, manicured vegetation, handsome lounge furniture. upon finishing our refreshments, we venture to our rooms - crisp, inviting, large, with enormous rain head shower, slick double sink ... everything is perfect! your own mobile phone to use while you're a guest. complimentary 'sundowners' - wines and juices, savory snacks - each day. this not only refreshes and sets the mood for late dinners at cape town's beautiful restaurants ... it gives all the guests the opportunity to mingle, chat, and get to know each other. a 'salon' of sorts, all under the attentive guise of klaus, chris, and their gentle, warm, intelligent, and thoughtful staff.
the days pass - too quickly! we grow used to our delicious breakfasts (would you care for an omelette?). our tiered café lattés in tall, thin glasses beacon to us. delicious breads, cheeses, spreads, meats; oh, it's all too much. we enjoy it all, with zeal, out by the pool each morning, or in the cool, slick lime green and oh-so-white breakfast room. the evenings too are special, beyond that unique and friendly 'sundowner' time ... for when everyone convenes after their respective dinner, we congregate for more exchanges and discussion in the lounge - kenneth, ever smiling and gracious, tops off our glasses and has a kind, gentle soul. eric - there to great us each evening as we pull up in the beloved silence - also divine.
there is nothing that is too much trouble for our dear friends klaus and chris, who take this as their passion. to provide the most comfortable, well designed home-away-from-home. to engage their guests - and do whatever they can to make certain that all are comfortable, happy, relaxed. nothing is too much trouble, and they are always eager to help, drawing upon their vast knowledge of cape town. clearly, they love what they do - it shows in every detail, every word, every gesture.
what more can be said about 2inn1? nothing, but thank you for a generous and excellent vacation - and for the chance that our family has had to experience each other in this delightful environment. we'll be back!
No comments:
Post a Comment