Thursday, March 28, 2013

Hire a Car & Travel through Kalk Bay

With over thirty years in the industry, Vineyard Car Hire offers car hire Cape Town using only superior quality, brand new vehicles which you can trust to be reliable and affordable as well. Known for providing outstanding service, the Cape Town car hire company will greet you as soon as you step off the plane and also offers a convenient collection and delivery service all around the peninsula.

Kalk Bay has a very different ambience to anywhere else in Cape Town, with a laid-back, eclectic, arty lifestyle that is incredibly appealing, making you feel instantly relaxed and at ease. Time seems to slow down in this vibrant district, where your senses are overwhelmed by the bright colours around you and the noise of the sea, the fishermen and the happy chatter of locals and visitors alike.

This is the perfect place for a road trip, with much to offer including numerous boutique stores and restaurants. Drive over Boyes Drive enjoying magnificent vistas of False Bay beach and look out for whales surfacing in the waves. When you arrive in Kalk Bay make sure you have put aside enough time to explore everything on offer.

Stroll down the street and take in the noise, smells and colours around you. Stop at some of the antique shops and rustle up hidden treasures from ancient sewing machines and old-fashioned cameras to delicate porcelain china and tiny pottery animal figurines. From the enticing antique stores wander to the superb second-hand book shops where the smell of old books welcomes you in and the promise of knowledge and secrets lies on every shelf – from a history of South Africa to sultry romance novels.

Elegant boutiques like Mythology and India Jane offer gorgeous, one-of-a-kind clothes with whimsical dresses and beautifully constructed blouses lined up in irresistible rows. Embrace your free hippie, tree-hugging self at Gypsy where long flowing skirts, dresses, shiny bangles, henna and sparkles are the order of the day. Next door, gaze in wonder at the remarkable, unique jewellery designs or skip over the road to look at more antiques and bric-a-brac items.

If you’re feeling peckish then pop into Olympia Café and indulge in the tastiest pastries in town. The café is always buzzing with a simple, rustic charm and glass windows looking out to the sea. The chocolate brownies and croissants are honestly to die for, as is the special artisan bread. Tribeca offers scrumptious home-made bread and tasty breakfasts while you can sit on the Brass Bell’s deck and listen to the waves crashing up against the windows while tucking into mouth-watering pizzas. For incredible ice-cream head to the Ice Café and try some of their more exotic flavours including the divine cinnamon concoction.

Kalky’s is world-renowned and serves amazing fish and chips, Cape Town style, at the bustling Kalk Bay Harbour. Across the road, Lucky Fish gives Kalky’s a run for its money with generous portions of golden battered hake with chips. You can walk to the lighthouse and admire all the brightly coloured boats bobbing in the harbour and look out for the resident seal which sits on the steps next to where the fisherman sell their fresh fish, waiting for offcuts.

Kalk Bay is a wonderful little place, which is the perfect destination for a road trip and a day of fun in the sun with family and friends. Vineyard Car Hire is a superior Cape Town car hire company, easily accessible in Kenilworth. The car rental service offers great value for money with affordable, top-quality vehicles and excellent service.

Original Source: Vineyard Car Hire Cape Town

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Eco-Hotels in Cape Town

An eco-friendly hotel is an establishment committed to green, sustainable living, by implementing key operational strategies to actively reduce its carbon footprint and environmental impact. This could include choosing energy-saving lighting and appliances, using non-toxic products and detergents, collecting and conserving water, etc.

Cape Town is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, boasting phenomenal natural beauty and a thriving, cosmopolitan metropolis. Spend your days admiring the breath-taking vistas from the top of the famous Table Mountain, hiking Lion’s Head or watching the sunset from Signal Hill, strolling along gorgeous, golden beaches, trekking through numerous forests and nature reserves, or enjoying the vibrant city which offers an array of shops, restaurants, bars and a legendary night life.

This buzzing city is a place to fall in love with, offering its residents and visitors a healthy, active and balanced way of life. There are many eco-friendly Cape Town hotels to choose from, located all around the region, offering a green lifestyle and world-class comfort and facilities. Opting for a green Cape Town hotel means that you have the opportunity to explore the superb beauty of the area, while being secure in the knowledge that you are actively aiding in conserving it.

Ocean View House offers chic, stylishly-appointed accommodation in the trendy, upmarket district of Camps Bay. The rooms provide superb ocean and mountain views and are optimally located close by to the world-renowned Camps Bay and Clifton beaches. Guests can revel in the exquisite, indigenous garden, which incorporates a beautiful stream which flows down from Table Mountain. Ancient Milkwood trees preside over pristine fynbos and a flourishing succulent garden conserves water. The establishment also uses solar geysers to save power and reduce its carbon footprint.

Mariner Guest House is an architectural marvel, built to extend over three levels, nestled on the slopes of the fynbos adorned mountain in the scenic area of Simon’s Town. The building is modern, streamlined and elegant, offering its guests an outstanding, memorable experience with tasteful, sophisticated décor, which hints at the maritime theme.

The Guest House is impressively designed to be eco-friendly, with the rooms incorporating high ceilings and large glass windows in order to capitalise on natural light. Solar geysers are utilised, saving a considerable amount of energy and recycling is strictly enforced. The indigenous garden conserves water, energy saving light bulbs are utilised, guests are encouraged to reuse their towels and all laundry and dishwashing detergents are bio-degradable and non-toxic, as are all the complimentary bathroom amenities. The food served is mostly organic, with fresh, home-grown herbs adding a special touch.

Cape Town is a remarkable city and your visit will be even more enjoyable if you choose eco-friendly Cape Town holiday rentals, offering green living, as well as comfort, convenience and astounding natural beauty.

Original Source: The Green Life