Hotel Of The Month - July 2015 - MannaBay

Lewis Smith

​Nestled in the foothills of Table Mountain, rising high above everyone in Oranjezicht, sits the luxurious and inspiring MannaBay.

It’s evident as soon as you turn into the driveway of this boutique masterpiece that attention to detail was in abundance during the design. The décor both inside and out exhibits the grandeur of this establishment. The owner designed the interior of MannaBay, it’s one of his passionate hobbies, and it is truly stunning. The walls themselves are features of the décor, with different patterns and colours accenting different characters in each room, but combining to create unpretentious luxury. The more time that you spend examining the style, the more you begin to envy it and wish you could box it all up and take it home with you.

Another accolade to the owner is the design of the rooms, each individually created with its own personality. We had the pleasure of experiencing the "Explorer Room"; there are no room numbers in the hotel, which really makes you feel that you are part of the MannaBay family. Our room was as if you were peering back into the days of the early explorers, placed on the desk was a bespoke magnifying glass and a classic typewriter in the corner, it leaves one with the yearning to travel more, the books and maps in the room adding fuel to the imagination. 

Yet MannaBay can cater to any taste, each of the 8 rooms has a different ambience, if King Louis XIV could decorate the Versailles Palace in Paris today, he would take inspiration from the room of the same name, The Versailles Suite. The exuberance of colours coupled with the regal furnishings, extraordinary bathtub and outdoor 4-poster bed, with breath taking views over the City Bowl will make a honeymoon couple feel like royalty.

MannaBay feels like your home away from home, there is a close-knit, friendly atmosphere emitted by all the staff, and everyone is on first name terms. To start your day a mouth watering array of treats are arranged on the breakfast table, which you enjoy looking through the huge open windows watching the sun shimmer off of the ocean to Blouberg and beyond. After your coffee and slow start, the chef Lori-Ann prepares a delicious choice of warm breakfasts in front of you in the glamorous family kitchen.

Later in the day, the chefs prepare a magnificent High Tea, which is also open to the public, served by the ever-attentive butlers. An eclectic choice of savoury and sweet treats, including a sublime lemon meringue, paired with an outstanding glass of Cap-Classique, definitely hits the spot. 

All food, snacks and local beverages are complimentary during your stay and although lunch and dinner are not provided, MannaBay will happily organise a takeaway to be plated up so you can enjoy it in the dining room. They also offer a complimentary dinner shuttle service to their most recommended restaurants and bars, for us they organised a table at the warm and cosy Societi Bistro. Perfect for a winter evening, next to the fire, eating a hearty meal in a marvellous atmosphere.

​Whatever your interests, you will be beyond satisfied at MannaBay. You can lounge by the pool in the sunshine, keep fit in their gym and steam room, sip refreshing drinks on the rooftop bar, taking in the incredible 360 views from their perfect vantage point, keep warm in the cool evenings around their outdoor fire pit, hike to the summit of Table Mountain which is essentially their back garden, or take the weight off of your feet with their extensive library. The range of services on offer go above and beyond, local phones programmed with essential numbers are provided for guests that require them, a GPS navigation unit for your car so that you can go exploring easily, complimentary Wi-Fi and a 24 hour butler service are a selection of hospitality extras provided, meaning guests have no administrative concerns whatsoever.

​The standards at MannaBay are among the highest we have ever seen, managed by General Manager, Mitch Terry. The housekeeping team keep the hotel in its immaculate state without being seen. A unique touch that we really enjoyed was the lovely short bedtime story placed on our bed after the turn down service. These little touches combine to leave a large mark on our list of the top Cape Town hotels; from beginning to end it exceeds expectations and can proudly stand tall above others at the top of the hill.

Keep in touch with MannaBay on social media.
Twitter: @MannaBay
Instagram: @MannaBayHotel
Like them on Facebook: MannaBay
 
For enquiries and bookings, please email us on [email protected].
 
And remember! You will never pay more when booking through us than you would if you booked it yourself.
 
When booking with us, you will receive a complimentary gift with a minimum three night stay. The special gift for MannaBay is 2 return Adult Table Mountain Cableway tickets. Just quote "MannaBay Blog" when getting in touch.

MannaBay kindly hosted us for a complimentary stay.