A NIGHT OF DECADENCE ON OUR DOORSTEP

The Winter Warmer at the Belmond Mount Nelson brought the two-part, stay-at-home, His & Hers anniversary celebration to a fitting close. We battened down the hatches in this stylish sanctuary, well insulated and feeling so safe whilst the world went awry.

It’s the little things that make me feel like a queen, like our wheels (car and bags) being whisked away, and a glam suite with a sumptuous bathroom bigger than our bedroom at home. Settling into the ground level of the gorgeous double-storey Sydenham House, we tucked into the fresh fruit and bottle of Moët & Chandon on ice instead of walking in the beautiful gardens or venturing out into Kloof Street for a retail meander.

DINNER FOR TWO

The Winter special offers something for everyone. Saldanha mussels cooked in beer with spice and spekboom, served with toasted sourdough and fries, or the three-cheese fondue for two with baguette, pickles, chorizo, apple, grissini, radish and carrot. My man and I went for the Winter curry and pudding – I chose chicken, he the lamb, both with a homemade potato samoosa, flaky roti, basmati rice, pickles and atchars. Beautifully served. The lemon pudding served with lemon curd and ricotta ice cream sounded quite pedestrian, but it was out of this world – light, fluffy and of course, so lemony!

COGNAC AND CHOCOLATE CELEBRATION

Sated, but still adventurous, we moved into the Planet Bar where the fire was inviting, to savour the chocolate and cognac tasting. It was here that we reminisced about many Belmond experiences that have included the unforgettable trip from London to Venice on the Simplon-Orient-Express (yes, it lives up to all accolades). Extraordinary indulgences, one and all. Regardless of where one is in the world, when you stay with Belmond, it stays with you for life – the thread that invisibly joins the properties is one of true, caring hospitality. When I stay at the Belmond Mount Nelson, it truly is like coming home to celebrate all these fabulous memories. A one-minute hop and we were back in our beautiful suite, admiring the swan-folded towels with red rose petals on our bed. It’s the little touches that make a big impression, so Belmond.

THE SUITE LIFE

Over a delicious breakfast I was delighted to have time to catch up with executive chef Rudi Liebenberg, whose eyes twinkled over his mask as he told us that he was keeping things simple. Simple yet special – the stand-out of our breakfast for a king was the tomato omelette with cherry tomatoes, coriander and chilli.

You still have time to treat yourself, find a special occasion, or to simply celebrate life itself – head to the Belmond Mount Nelson for a night and take advantage of their Moët & Chandon Suite Life special of R3100 – an effervescent escape indeed.