Nestled below Chapman's Peak Drive, Tintswalo Atlantic appears like something out of a fairytale. With suites located right on the shoreline, this boutique hotel is an exclusive retreat from the chaos of life.
From the moment you enter Tintswalo Atlantic, you are treated like royalty. Collected by a valet from the top entrance, they drive you down a winding one-way road to the shoreline. It's as if you are about to discover a secret trove that no one else has ever seen before.
Why stay at Tintswalo Atlantic?
I have always wanted to visit Tintswalo Atlantic. The hotel has earned multiple prestigious awards for its offering and is renowned for its seclusion. The hotel is a space that envelops you in a warm embrace of deep relaxation, gently urging you to leave all your worries behind.
With a location unlike any other hotel in Cape Town, Tintswalo Atlantic beckons the ocean inwards with all main areas, including the rooms, offering ceiling-to-floor glass views of the endless waters. With the entire property on stilts, the hotel has become one embodied with the surrounding coastal area, sandwiched between the ocean and the mountain.
Following two devastating fires - in 2015 and 2019, with the former destroying much of the hotel as the fire ravaged through from the reception area to the Sait Marie suite, Tintswalo Atlantic rose like a phoenix from the ashes. The reconstruction of the property included a complete overhaul of the structures, with new technology and materials that do not burn as fast as natural wood. A memory of the fire can be seen as a charred and twisted hammock that was burned away is still tied to a milkwood tree, reminding guests of how far the hotel has come since the incident.
With careful consideration for nature, the property has been built around the surrounding milkwood trees, a protected species in South Africa.
Aside from the jaw-dropping setting and panoramic views of the seaside, the service at Tintswalo Atlantic is nothing short of impeccable. With an unhovering approach, it's as if your every need and want is anticipated in a gentle and ever-so-friendly manner.
The hotel features luxurious and refined interiors throughout its spaces. Each area, from the reception to the main dining room and the individual guest rooms, has been meticulously designed. The overall ambience combines minimalism with elegance, creating a look and feel that is both laid-back and intentional.
What are the rooms like?
The hotel has eight themed suites and a two-bedroom villa, each inspired by an island, serving as a tribute to the travels of its founders.
Each suite features elements of the respective islands, showcasing the hotel's exemplary and thoughtful consideration to curate a one-of-a-kind stay. From Sicily to Zanzibar, no two suites are the same in decor and interior.
The design elements curated for each suite can be seen from the outside as island names adorn the entrance.
As I opened the wide wooden doors to the Sicily Suite, my eyes were drawn to the astounding view of the ocean front that lay directly in front of the bed. Themed to perfection, the Sicily Suite features nods to the Mediterranean lifestyle, with shells decorating the entrance name and a 'welcome' sign placed carefully on the bed.
While the rooms may be themed to each island, a key similarity between them all is the level of luxury and elegance featured throughout. With all the bells and whistles, TV included, although with a front-facing ocean view that had me speechless, there was no need to catch up on my favourite show; the view in itself was the main event.
Each room features a wood-burning fireplace for those colder nights, a kitted-out snack station with bespoke treats from chocolate-covered almonds to chips, a tea station, an espresso machine, and a mini-bar fridge.
The bathroom, which can be titled as a whole room in itself due to its large size, features a Victorian bathtub with floor-to-ceiling glass, further showcasing the breathtaking views. One soak in this tub and you feel reborn - which I can guarantee, as it was the reset I needed after a long week. Amenities included in the bathroom were a range of soaps, lotions, and even a heated towel rail.
What is the service like?
While some hotels can feel a bit stiff in their service, with a more formalised butler approach, Tintswalo Atlantic has found the perfect balance between warmth and formality.
Catering to your every whim and need is top of their agenda, from the bottle of complimentary wine you are offered upon settling into your room to the sundowner cocktail of the day with canapés, either served at the Residents' Lounge area or brought directly to your room.
Two memorable moments stood out during my stay. First was my interaction with the highly informative concierge Jonathan, who showcased not only a love for his role but also the hotel as he guided me through the property and provided key insights into all that was on offer.
A second moment was how quickly the team anticipated that I wanted to receive my sundowner cocktail and canapé in my room; in a flash, it appeared at my door with a server and a silver platter of bites.
What is the food like?
Taking up residence at the hotel is the well-known Chefs Warehouse, a restaurant that forms part of a group founded by renowned chef and restaurateur Liam Tomlin.
As a passionate food journalist familiar with Luke's other establishments, I knew that I was in for a culinary feast. Led by Chef Cameron Smith, the restaurant's ethos is rooted in utilising fresh local produce that reflects the vibrant flavours of the Cape.
As a vegetarian, I opted for the plant-based set menu, and as they say (no one says this, it is a phrase I strongly believe in), all good things start off with fresh bread.
The oat and brioche bun served with miso butter and deep-fried curry leaves set the tone for what was to come.
The first course, titled 'under the ground', featured paprika confit carrot, pumpkin seed atchar, coconut labneh, and a seed cracker which, although the dish featured several elements, was a light yet bodied starter. Non-coconut fans like myself rejoiced as I could hardly taste the coconut.
The next course, a tomato tartin, did not disappoint with a crunchy butter and flaky pastry that crunched as I sliced my knife through it. As a capers fan, I was delighted to have the sour capers next to acidic tomatoes.
For mains, 'From the farm' comprised of a cabbage and kimchi dumpling served with soba noodles and as a massive kimchi fan, this dish was outstanding, a light reprieve from the earlier courses as I started to feel my pants tighten a bit too much.
While I might have been full, there is always room for dessert, and dessert was the star of the show for me. Opting for the lemon poppy seed sponge served with olive oil, lemon curd, and fennel ice-cream, my taste buds were transported on a journey of flavour. The only level of disappointment I felt throughout savouring this dessert is that I finished it in the blink of an eye. A testament to how delectable it was.
For breakfast, you can expect a full spread from freshly made pastries to seasonal fruit and the like. Although be warned, ordering the bagel for your main breakfast dish may result in multiple trips to Tintswalo Atlantic, as it is hands down the best freshly made bagel I have ever had.
What activities are available?
The boutique hotel offers a heated pool for those early morning or late afternoon dips as you gaze out onto the ocean waters with a drink in hand.
With an on-site spa, guests are treated to the ultimate pampering session, which can be done from the comfort of their suite. From facials to full body massages, guests can indulge in ultimate relaxation during their stay.
What is nearby?
If you opt to venture out of the hotel, Hout Bay, known for its seaside charm and iconic fish and chips spot, Fish on the Rocks, is a mere 10-minute drive away.
Other key attractions nearby is World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary and Monkey Park, the largest bird park in Africa that is home to over 3,000 birds and small animals of 400 different species.
If a bit of adventure is what you are seeking, Elephant's Eye Cave is a 38-minute drive away and offers a chance to reconnect with nature as you hike through the mountainous surroundings.
The city centre is about 35 minutes from the hotel and offers access to a number of restaurants, activities, and the like.
Why you should book a stay at Tintswalo?
Tintswalo Atlantic is the epitome of the lap of luxury for travellers seeking to disconnect from the day-to-day in a setting that is one of a kind.
As a bucket-list luxury stay for myself and I am sure many others, Tintswalo Atlantic delivered above and beyond what I expected, and trust me, after the numerous awards this establishment has won, my expectations were very high.
The stay has set the bar for me in service, luxury, and setting. It is an exceptional experience worth cherishing, and I can wholeheartedly admit I was terribly sad to check out.
Need to know:
Address: Chapmans Peak Dr, Hout Bay, 7806
Price: Rates start at R12,290 and are dependent on the number of occupants per room for the suites.
Book: Click here
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