Tintswalo Atlantic Luxury Lodge

When we arrived, we were greeted by the manager and were welcomed with warm towels and a cocktail. Soon after, we were directly taken to our room. What sets Tintswalo apart from any other place that I've stayed in is the exclusivity. The lodge has a total of 11 private suites. Each suite is inspired by an island around the world, and is individually decorated. 

We stayed in the Cousine Island suite, which is named after an island  in Seychelles. The aqua colors used in the design of our suite are reminiscent of the beautiful color of the sea in and around its coral reefs. Little touches like the antique furnitures and the potbelly fireplace gave us this warm and cozy feeling of a private home, or a chalet on the mountains. But instead we were right on the ocean, of which we were constantly reminded from the crashing waves on our wooden deck. From our bedroom we had the perfect view of the ocean. Right outside our bedroom, on our deck was a table where we could enjoy drinks and a private meal, which turned out to be perfect for our romantic evenings.

The huge bathroom, with heated tile floors , also offered views of the ocean from the shower and the tub, where I enjoyed my morning coffee and my champagne night caps.  The bathroom walls were adorned with seashells, and the toiletries were from a local eco-friendly brand. 

I was so enamored with the view that I didn't even notice the flat screen TV on the side wall until our second day.  (Who needs TV when mother nature is putting on a show, right?)

The staff for our turn down service was impeccable! They spoiled us with messages spelled out with shells on our chest such as "welcome" and "sleep tight". They would lower our blinds at night so we wouldn't be bothered in the morning by the sun, and refilled our tea and wine every evening. Everything we needed, they thought of! I was really impressed!

The food at Tintswalo was also part of the experience. Contrary to other hotels where I've stayed, breakfast at Tintswalo is served at your own convenience. Because they emphasize on catering to everyone's specific needs, the kitchen stayed open until each guest ate breakfast in the morning. I was pleasantly surprised when we woke up late, almost around  lunch time, and found the staff  and the chef waiting,  ready to take our order, and cook our breakfast from scratch.  They truly exceeded my expectations when it comes  to the service. 

The choices on the menu were somewhat limited, as is changes daily based on the fresh items available in the kitchen. However,  fresh fruits, yogurts and granola, a hot item like smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, and several desert items were always available. The staff at breakfast was so thoughtful and attentive, they went above and beyond to meet our needs, and by that I mean writing  kind notes on our butter to brighten our day. 

We didn't really get to have lunch at the hotel so I am not able to rate the experience for lunch, but dinner was for sure exquisite. Every evening during sundown, the hotel serves complementary tapas and cocktails to the guests, while they sit on the patio to enjoy the sunset before dinner. On thanksgiving day, we were fortunate enough to partake in this lovely experience. The sunset was mesmerizing, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful sunset I've seen. 

The restaurant is open to outside guests for dinner, so it gets a little more crowded at nights than it does in the morning, when only hotel guests are present. However, it does not change the exclusive experience, nor does it make it less enjoyable. 

From the moment that we arrived, we knew that we would enjoy our stay at this little gem. The location was perfect, the staff was friendly and attentive, our room was snug and cozy. We honestly didn't get to visit the  grounds until our third day at the lodge, that's how much we enjoyed the comfort of our suite! 

By the third day we decided to go for a dip in the pool, which was a little secluded from the rooms, towards the end of the hotel. It seems as though they placed it there on purpose to give the guests  more privacy. Although a little small, the pool deck was just the right for the guests. The highlight however, were the hammocks planted right on the ocean. What else could one possibly need for optimal relaxation? 

This gem is prime spot for couples wanting to getaway for a little romance. Wherever you are on this romantic property, you will hear the sea lapping against the rocks. Those looking for peace and seclusion should definitely stay at this magical spot whenever visiting Cape Town.