Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

In Africa

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Inspiring photos from one of Brussels Airlines’ exotic destinations operated in codeshare with Lufthansa

A thin, white, whispy cloud formation, known as the “table cloth” drapes over the top of Table Mountain

Flamingos take flight along the coast of Cape Town

Colourful beach huts in the Western Cape province of Muizenberg

Hotel with a view

One&Only Cape Town

Where is it?
The heart of Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred waterfront district. (www.oneandonlyresorts.com)

What’s the view?
The iconic Cape Town vista. Choose from views across the marina, an urban panorama or the spectacular monolith that is Table Mountain.

What to expect…
One of the most luxurious properties to open in Cape Town in 2009. The resort provides a comprehensive range of services meaning you don’t have to lift a finger. But, if you do decide you want to go exploring, the hotel staff can organise anything from wine tours to safaris to walking tours. When it comes to décor think spacious rooms festooned with fashionable fabrics and bright splashes of colour.

What’s the best room?
If you want true exclusivity, the only room to choose is one of the three two-storey, four-bedroom penthouses, accessed by private lift. With private pool, substantial roof terrace, your own butler and access to private catering from world-renowned restaurant Nobu (which is located within the resort) you will be truly spoilt.

What to do when you get there
Kick back and relax starting with a trip to the resort’s expansive spa. Tailor individual treatments to your specific requirements, taking advantage of the extensive South African inspired products. Try their signature treatment – the Essence of Earth and Ocean experience.

What does it cost?
Rooms start from 7000 Rand (€633) per night including breakfast and taxes. Spa treatments start at 440 Rand (€40).

The must-do list

Leave the guide book behind

See
Southern Right Whales breaching in Hermanus Bay. A drive of about one and a half hours will take you to this coastal town where the whales come to feed, calf their young and mate.

Hear
Music concerts at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. Take your pick from South Africa’s premiere rock group Prime Circle to the contemporary vocals of Jamali.

Sense
The enormity and primordial serenity of the African bush. Jump in a jeep and head out into the wilds to be surrounded by life at its most animalistic and wild. Kapama Private Game Reserve is a good place to start.

Insider tip…

You wouldn’t know to try it unless you lived there

Head below the waves for a spot of freediving with local freediving record holder Hanli Prinsloo. You wouldn’t associate the waters off the Cape with snorkeling and diving but Hanli says it is one of the best kept secrets in the world. She says, “Cape Town is surrounded by two diverse oceans, offering the adventurous snorkler majestic kelp forests, playful seals, dramatic wrecks and, if you’re lucky, dolphin encounters.” Together with marine biologist Steven Benjamin, Hanli offers courses in the art of freediving to show off the rich variety of underwater life. www.iamwater.co.za

Get fit for…

The almighty 2010 FIFA World Cup

Like much of the continent, South Africa has a long held love for the game of football. While not forgetting the apartheid enforced isolation, the country’s team has since qualified for two FIFA world cups and won the African Cup of Nations. Being the first African country to host the World Cup (which will take place in cities across South Africa this June and July) there’s huge excitement in the air as the world looks south to this great nation. www.fifa.com/worldcup

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