MOUNT NELSON HOTEL

Under An African Sky

Rooted in a grand colonial tradition, the Mount Nelson today has an impressive, gracious presence and looks forward to a dynamic future. 

Mount Nelson Hotel is an integral part of Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises a unique group of utterly luxurious and stunning properties, each one placed in a spectacular setting worldwide. With a dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain and framed by exotic trees, the Mount Nelson is set in nine acres of velvet textured lawns and exquisite sweeping herbaceous borders where profuse banks of flowers delicately perfumed, scent the air.

Nick Seewer, Managing Director of Orient-Express Africa, chats about his vision for the Mount Nelson six years into their second century, a new cycle in the life of this great hotel, which remains a valued treasure of Cape Town, South Africa's Mother city. 

"The most constant thing in life is change," says Nick Seewer, "and at the Mount Nelson we have purposely taken the decision to make stays as relaxed as possible. Dress codes have been revisited and menus are more flexible, the accent is on lighter healthier choices. Keeping abreast with modern trends, we are installing high-speed Internet access throughout. Security these days is always uppermost with the introduction of new locking systems in place. 

As we know guests love home comforts, tea and coffee making is gradually being introduced. Our bodycare centre will be extended to a full blown spa and this is a superb project that we are looking forward to completing. An essential recipe for our future is the constant pursuit of contemporary comfort and utter convenience." 

Some things are timeless

Afternoon Tea is a memorable ritual with a seasonal theme. Each afternoon the sumptuous tea is arranged on the slender Windsor mahogany table. The setting, bordering the flower filled conservatory, is the acme of comfort in the sweeping lounge dressed in its new guise. Interior Designer Graham Viney has introduced a serene mood in his choice of colours; cream and mink carpets on polished wood, falls of silk taffeta in pale ash green. Glowing lamps on tables layered in cream heavily embroidered fringed shawls and chairs in petit point add to this alluring interior.

On the table piquant quiches mushroom, aubergine and courgette. Sandwiches in demand are smoked salmon on aniseed bread and horseradish butter, olive bread with cream cheese and watercress, brown bread with mustard butter topped with rocket and the eternal favourite egg mayonnaise on fluffy white bread with mustard cress. 

Tea would not be complete without piles of chocolate éclairs, fresh scones, and preserves. Brimming bowls of fresh fruit salad with vanilla scented Chantilly cream and on summer days, ripe strawberries. Piping hot silver pots of fine tea are served at your damask covered tea tables. Rooibos, South Africa's unique health tea, Earl Grey, Prince of Wales and excellent aromatic freshly made coffee and hot chocolate to order.

Among the many spacious bedrooms and exquisite suites is the Churchill, an echo of the Mount Nelson's colonial past. Writing from the seclusion of his luxury suite, Winston Churchill, the brilliant young war correspondent at the time, described the Mount Nelson, "As this most excellent and well appointed establishment, which may be thoroughly appreciated after a sea voyage." At the time the Mount Nelson possessed amazing technical innovations, hot and cold running water, electric lighting and superb ventilation. The Boer War put the Mount Nelson on the map. Indeed it virtually served as the Head Quarters of the Imperial War office, conducted literally from the most luxurious suites. 

The scene was set for the recent stays of the thrilling stars of today; Charlize Theron, Brad Pitt, Ethan Hawke and Colin Farrell. 

The suite is striking in the art deco style. Curtains in luxurious misty grey mingle with champagne colours and taupe. Wardrobes are panelled in shagreen and mirrors set in glittering carved silver. The spacious interleading rooms with superior marble bathrooms overlook the serene gardens and Table Mountain.   

Mirroring the elegant style rich, delicious Belgian chocolates, fine wines and glamorous jewels 

(Above right) Pink kunzite in 18 ct white gold with two briolette threaded on exquisite aquamarine faceted beads. (Left) 5.5 ct Brilliant Tanzanite ring set in white gold. (Centre) 10 ct Tanzanite pendant with 1.9 ct pavé diamonds on an 18 ct yellow and white gold wheat chain (Right) 8 ct Tanzanite earrings with 3.2 ct diamonds inspired by the Egyptian scarab. (With coffee above right) 18 ct white gold ring with 1 ct diamonds, matching 2 ct diamond bracelet set in 18 ct white gold.

At Planet... Santé * Skol * Cheers! 

Arrive towards dusk and sip scintillating cocktails at Planet, the most vibrant and fashionable place to see and be seen under the twinkling fibre optic sky. View intriguing mobiles of the glowing sun and planets. Gather at the illuminated marble bar, relax on velvet textured banquets arranged for convivial conversations. 

Planet is ultra sophisticated in the art deco mood of the 30's. The glitterati of the day can be viewed through Cecil Beaton's evocative portraits. He was an icon of style and all things chic, undoubtedly one of the most distinguished photographers of the 20th century. His inimitable style is the focal point for this satin and pearlised gem. 

Ravishing mixes; Brandy Alexander, shaken not stirred. Shoot to the Moon with vodka, rum, grenadine and cranberry juice. Raspberry Mint Daiquiris and Planet's signature cocktail Star Gazer are on the menu. Choose from a selection of superb wines and nibbles. Planet spills out onto the gracious terrace where you can continue to enjoy the balmy evenings. Try prawns tempura dipped in soya and ginger or calamari tempura with sunset chilli sauce. For something substantial Stephen Templeton prepares a fabulous beef fillet burger. Later, much later cigars for the cognoscenti; Cohiba Siglo No.2, Davidoff Grand Cru, Hoyo de Monterey and Epicure No.1 

The table at the Nellie focuses on seasonality and freshness of ingredients. A style of preparation, which allows true flavours to emerge. Dishes should never be too overpowering or confusing, rather highlighting the inherent qualities of the various elements to bring out essential flavours.

In winter the Cape Colony becomes the polished setting for wonderful evenings of great South African humour. Enjoy dazzling menus to complement evenings of laughter and top entertainment.   

At the Cape Colony, one of the most distinguished and elegant restaurants at the Cape, you can choose from a superb menu including intense seafood bisque with a crab flan and celery jus. Roasted line fish on mussel chowder with lemon risotto and Swiss chard (see recipe), confit of salmon on snow pea salad with rhubarb compote and sweet potato mash. Winter months are the time to sample his famous deboned oxtail or the delicious springbok pinotage. Dishes that are accompanied by some of the finest wines in the Cape.

The grand finalé mascarpone and berry tart with a frozen black pepper parfait and a gooseberry balsamic reduction. Among others creamy cappuccino brûlée. For those with a less sweet tooth have the cheese platter with gorgonzola, drunken pecorino and an award winning blend of cheddar and pecorino - Farmhouse Huguenot. Serve with a fine port and linger over freshly made coffee and scrumptious nibbles.

Late to bed

White perfectly laundered percale sheets with luxurious blankets and dahlia cotton throws in ivory are a pristine feature of all the Mount Nelson bedrooms. Recently many of the suites have a new guise; linens, silks and fabulous wallpapers from Cole's in London, enhance the rooms adding a light and summary feel.  

Engaging and luxurious garden suites are set in a row of perfectly restored historic cottages in shades of the pretty sugar pink and pale grey of the hotel. Four-poster beds are intricately hand carved in an Anglo Indian design, silver framed Venetian mirrors add luster. In the comfortable lounge, ample soft couches, in silky textured cottons, are banded in blue grey to match the striped curtains. A relaxed setting for a lavish breakfast in your sunny suite, which overlooks the private pool.

Each of the cottages have private patios. Relax on loungers and enjoy the charming garden and the rich bird life. These private gardens are profusely planted with sweet smelling lavender, delphiniums, gorgeous pink roses and delicate tendrils of Morning Glory climb the lattice. These suites are especially perfect for couples who are visiting the Mount Nelson for an extended stay.

Breakfast at the Mount Nelson is a moveable feast

Continental fruit platter; a tempting gorgeous array of ruby grapefruit, orange segments, granadillas, slices of papino, rounds of pineapple, little red berries, cherry guavas, red globe grapes and Cape gooseberries. Baskets of chocolate and bran muffins, apple pastries, hot scones and croissants with honey and marmalade. Choose brie and gorgonzola or camembert, enjoy in traditional Cape style with preserved whole figs.

The Oasis breakfast greats the day splendidly

Opulent lashings of smoked salmon with horseradish sauce, rosy slices of copper ham, prime rare roast beef, peppered pastrami and ox tongue. Eggs Hollandaise served on a savoury English scone are the acme of luxury for holiday treats or Sunday indulgences and for aficionados of steak tartar, enjoy it with all the trimmings onions, capers, gherkins, paprika and chives. Kippers and haddock are poached in milk and try the caviar with sour cream on freshly made blinis.

From the juice bar choose from at least 10 fresh juices among them apple, grapefruit, mango or a fruit punch. Chilled champagne and orange adds sparkle or kickstart your day with vodka and tomato.

On the buffet; fruit compote, apricot and peaches infused in honey and cinnamon. Pineapples are spiked with star anise and cinnamon syrup. Fresh fruit platters of kiwi, watermelon, granadilla and paw paw delight guests. Large bowls of homemade muesli are always a draw sprinkled with macadamia, cashew or walnuts or top with black poppy seeds, sultanas and raisin mix.

The fetching pastry table; warmed French and rye breads, crisp bagels and mixed breakfast rolls, Chelsea buns and fruited strudels. Try a raisin or griddle scone with maple syrup and cream, marvellous with a cup of strong black coffee. 

Secret Gardens 

Among the city's heritage gardens is the lush green oasis at the Mount Nelson. Wander through the gardens and admire horticulturist, Paul Rice's eclectic mix of immaculately tendered, indigenous and pampered plants.

From the hot houses come the gorgeous potted plants, cultivated to provide the indoor terrace with glorious banks of seasonal flowers. Garden walks, conducted by Paul, are a regular feature during the summer months. He unveils the secrets of his gardens as you meander through the manicured velvety green lawns, which have a softness that only age can give. As he says, "Come and share the trials and triumphs of gardening!"

 

The Mount Nelson Rose, propagated in March 1999 as part of the celebration of the hotel's centenary, is an exquisite gentle pink with a delicate fragrance, and tones with the Nellie's sugar pink façade. Tall shady trees provide an exquisite garden setting for the many stunning weddings that the Mount Nelson is renowned for. 

Immaculate silver service at the Oasis barbecue

Wonderful for lunch, the Oasis Terrace is punctuated by rows of huge terracotta pots filled with fresh white marguerites and massed pansies, flowers that reflect the changing seasons. Bordering the pool are banks of English lavender, Hollyhocks and roses. Work begins on these seasonal displays months ahead. 

Rows of loungers dressed in rose pink line the pool. Leading from the Oasis Terrace, the barbecue is set on tables covered with snowy white cloths. Clutches of silver domes cover the bountiful ingredients ready for the glowing coals. Prawns and line fish to grill lightly and tender marinated lamb or beef kebabs are among the choices.

Enjoy lavish servings of fresh oysters on ice. A chilled summer soup in an ample tureen. Platters of fresh green salads with dressings to complement. Ripe red tomatoes with mozzarella and basil. Cous cous and lemon scented grilled vegetables are among a vast selection.

For many, desserts are irresistible! On the buffet you have a plethora of splendid desserts indeed. Bowls of summer berries, fruit salad for those that prefer the healthy option or succumb to a trembling crème caramel. Relish freshly made patisserie; lemon curd and chocolate tarts sumptuously filled, and not to be missed, the Nellie's homemade ice-creams; strawberry and vanilla in crisp cones. A final touch, smooth silky Belgian chocolates; lemon, rose and violet scented with the pots of steaming coffee or perhaps an espresso or cappuccino...   

MOUNT NELSON HOTEL
Tel: +27 (21) 483-1000 Fax: +27 (21) 483-1782
E-mail: reservations@mountnelson.co.za
Website: www.mountnelsonhotel.orient-express.com

A Showcook Production
Photography by Franz Lauinger

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