Despite being a major tourist destination, Cape Town still has several places known only to its locals. And due to these closely guarded ‘secret spots,’ even at the height of the holiday season you still have a sense of ‘owning’ the city. As we know, the summer months are long and can be extremely warm. What a few smart souls have learnt is that, when you start the day with a dip in the cold, fresh Atlantic ocean, not only does it keep you cool for hours, but you have the added benefit of the ocean’s negative ions known for their mood-boosting qualities. In addition, a dose of ‘vitamin sea’ has been proven to have a calming, centering effect which helps alleviate stress and promotes mental and physical well-being. So, what are you waiting for? Grab that cossie and head to…
Saunder’s Rock
Someone who has been living in Green Point since 1985 recently told me he’d never heard of Saunder’s Rock in Sea Point. Sounds strange, but it is one of those places you don’t notice unless you know it’s there. From the road it is partially hidden, and just a little further along the promenade than one would normally go. This beach and tidal pool are fantastic on days when the tide is high, and waves crash dramatically onto the huge granite rocks that rise up out of the ocean. From here, you see nature in all her power and glory. Since freshwater flows in regularly, the temperature remains chilly all year round —perfect to cool off at the height of summer. This is also a great location for early evening dips. The flat rocks surrounding the pool make excellent spots for meditating, catching rays or watching the sun go down. On foggy days (arguably, the moodiest and best time to be there) you are likely to have this little pool all to yourself which is extraordinary, given its proximity to the city. If you’re peckish, Strolla restaurant a short walk away has lovely, sunny couches where you can warm up post-swim and enjoy their freshly baked croissants, coffee and variety of tasty breakfasts.
Camps Bay Tidal Pool
There are residents of Camps Bay who have been driving past this pool for decades, and yet never stopped to take a closer look. Why? Who knows? Possibly because we Capetonians are so spoilt for choice. But this generous tidal pool which is warmed by the rays of the sun is wide enough for laps, shallow enough for kids and the perfect choice for an early morning swim. The immune-boosting benefits of cold water swims have recently gained currency, and on any given day you’ll find a handful of folk lazing in the shallows. It’s a great option when the waves on next-door Camps Bay beach are big, and getting in and out can be a bit of a struggle. The water is clean and clear, dotted with schools of tiny fish and the odd, surprised octopus who got stuck in a wave and found himself on the wrong side of the wall. As an added benefit, pavement coffee shop Maison J is just across the road. The only thing better than the swim, itself, is ending it with a cup of perfectly brewed coffee and a warm, buttery mini-quiche.
Beta Beach
This little beach in Bakoven is so small that when the tide is high it disappears completely. But even though there is not loads of space, it’s seldom very busy. While most people flock to Camps Bay and Clifton, Beta is largely protected from the wind due to its sheltered, secluded position. What’s more, its waves are small and manageable, making it a lovely beach for bathing. If you’re wanting some peace and quiet and are not convinced that a granadilla lolly will, indeed, make you jolly, this is a great beach to kick back under an umbrella with a picnic and a book and enjoy some much-needed R & R. There will be no posers and no tourists, guaranteed. And if you didn’t get it together to pack that picnic, Bootlegger’s restaurant is a stone’s throw away. They have some interesting flat whites (try turmeric or beetroot and cocoa) and their breakfast waffles are definitely worth a try.
Lance Real Estate is based in Fresnaye, Cape Town and covers the Atlantic Seaboard from the Waterfront to Camps Bay. With over 23 years’ experience in the most sought-after residential areas in Africa, Lance Real Estate has sold over R 1 billion worth of properties in the last 3 years.
It is this hands-on knowledge that sets Lance Real Estate apart from our competition. We have built an extensive database of buyers and sellers over the last 2 decades who have grown to trust our market knowledge and depend on us to negotiate the best possible deal in any property negotiation.
We are now extending our reach and taking on houses and apartments for sale from the Waterfront through to Camps Bay.
If you are looking for a remarkable agency to buy, rent or sell your property on the Atlantic Seaboard, our friendly customer care team is a phone call away.
We also have a range of holiday rentals to offer. If you appreciate beautiful African sunsets over the sea and sublime mountain views, then visit our holiday rentals section on our website.
Contact
Email: info@lancerealestate.co
Tel: +27 82 416 6103
Website: http://www.lancerealestate.co