South Africa’s Cities, Suites and Soccer Stadiums

If you’re heading to South Africa this summer for The World Cup, there are plenty of places to get your game on
By Karen Loftus

Whatever direction you head in, in South Africa, the locals assure you that they are ready for your summer soccer arrival. This is a country as well known for their genuine hospitality and tourism as they are for their recent history and turbulence.

This is a huge opportunity, not only for South Africans, but also for the entire African continent. Rest assured, they are leaving nothing to chance. So, if planning a trip over, expect nothing but the best.

South Africa has gone to great lengths and is busy completing the final finishes for the expected 480,000 guests. New world class hotels are opening, old classics are getting a quick lift, while stunning and state of the art stadiums are ready to kick in to competitive action.

The question is, are you ready? If not, here are a few quick tips and suggested directions to head in. Wherever you land, you’re sure to have an experience of a lifetime, one that can only be had Out of Africa, in South Africa.

Cape Town

City Slicker  – Cape Town, the crown jewel of South Africa is the second most populated city and Africa’s most popular international tourist destination. A minute in, you can see why.

Start your visit in this sophisticated city with a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain for breathtaking views. Capture the color of Cape Malay Bo-Kap’s neighborhood and the culture of Cape Town’s craft market. Grab lunch at Victoria and Albert’s (V&A) waterfront, where there are restaurants, boutiques and a sea of local performers. Hop the ferry to Robbben’s Island where Mandela did time and carve out a full day of leisure for Cape Point. Stop along the way at Camp’s Bay, South Africa’s seductive Riviera. It’s beautiful by day and buzzing by night with sexy lounges, awarded restaurants and hopping clubs. Boulders Beach is home to the famed African penguins and Two Oceans Restaurant at Cape Point, where the Atlantic and Indian ocean meet, is the perfect way to end any day.

Suite Life – Cape Grace is a classic in Cape Town with world-class luxury accommodations on the iconic V&A waterfront with their own private quay and yacht available for hotel guests only. Their sumptuous luxury feels more like an intimate private estate versus a bustling hotel. www.capegrace.com

The One & Only is the first luxury hotel to open in Cape Town in ten years. The penthouses offer panoramic views of Table Mountain, Robbens Island and Green Point Stadium. Michelin starred restaurants, Nobu and Ramsay’s maze are sure to sate any craving. Becks, (Mr. & Mrs.), Mariah and Matt Damon recently welcomed the grand palace to town. www.one&only.com

The Twelve Apostles in Camps Bay is a rich and intimate setting with safari inspired lounges, elegant garden pools and heavenly views of expansive mountain and sea. It’s no surprise that Sanctuary Spa’s underground cave like oasis is one of the top spas in the world, boasting Cape Town’s only Rasul Chamber. You are likely to hear French floating through the property as their team is rumored to be staying there during The World Cup.
www.12apostleshotel.com

Stadiums – Cape Town’s newly constructed Green Point stadium is the most dramatic of the ten World Cup stadiums with Table Mountain as a backdrop and the waterfront beckoning below. The 68,000-seat stunner will host eight matches including five first rounds and one semi final. Game on!

Durban

City Slicker – An afro-chic city set on the warm shores of the Indian Ocean, Durban is a part of KwaZulu-Natal Province (KZN), the Kingdom of the Zulu. To truly understand the Zulu culture, day trip it to Swaziland for the local lore, culture and history.

Durban  is South Africa’s third largest city and Africa’s busiest port. This subtropical climate is a melting pot culture with African, European and Asian influences. You’ll find classic Victorian homes, the largest Mosque in the Southern Hemisphere and Vishwaroop, the oldest Hindu temple in all of South Africa.

Whether you’re trying your luck at some of the best golf courses in the country or at Sun Coast casino, this city is win win for those willing to play.

Suite Life – Beverly Hills Hotel’s restaurant Sugar Cube is a member of the Chaines de Rotisseurs as well as the Moet et Chandon restaurant circle guide. If that’s not decadent enough, have your private butler serve you in your beachfront suite with dramatic views of the Indian Ocean. www.sandtonsun.com 
 
Oyster Box Hotel’s recent revamp is epic. This stunning hotel captures the eye and the imagination at every turn. The hotel was a passion project as two sons pay homage to their parent’s budding romance, which was started on site, years ago. You too will fall in love after a visit to the classic Oyster Bar with ocean views and a lighthouse in site. www.oysterboxhotel.com

Stadiums – The Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban is an architectural wonder with equally impressive interior aesthetics, a VVIP section is ready for a presidential entrance and a lounge for the world’s most discerning soccer fans. This 69,000 seat stadium will host seven matches including one semi final.

Johannesburg

City Slicker  – Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest and wealthiest city. For chic retreats, the fashion forward play in Hyde Park. The hip and the trendy hit Melrose Beach. To really grasp South Africa, take advantage of the city’s rich history with a visit to The Apartheid Museum. It’s a stunning window in to Mandela, the country and the culture. Make your way to Soweto, which stands for SOuth WEst TOwnships, to the Nelson Mandela and the Hector Peterson museums. Time spent in a township will leave an impression that will last a lifetime.

Suite Life – The Sandton Sun in Johannesburg was voted the country and the continent’s best business hotel. For the pleasure palette, the Sandton Sun Spa features You’ll find Eastern practices with African influences.

England’s super sexy cricket team took up residence last winter. Who knows what players will call this playground their home during The World Cup. www.southernsun.com

The Grace Hotel is a sophisticated city hotel, a chic boutique where jetsetters, execs and celebs commingle. Mandela penned his book on site. After a few reflective windows on the tranquil roof garden and pool terrace, the creative muses may seduce you. www.thegrace.accomodationsouthafrica.co.za

Jack’s Camps of Botswana are setting up an evocative spot, a temporary residence in the Cradle of Humankind just outside of Johannesburg. The roomy tents are a throwback to 1940’s elegant and aristocratic luxury with Persian rugs and mahogany and brass campaigns. If you prefer to play outside the crowd, you can take in the game at Jack’s. You can’t beat the backdrop. www.unchartedafrica.com

Stadiums – The revamped Soccer City in Johannesburg is the hub of The World Cup. They will be hosting eight matches including the opening and closing. The stadium seats 97,400. So, what are you waiting for?

Off the Beaten Path…

Talk to the Animals
You can’t leave South Africa without getting in on the real game. The African safari is the heart and soul of this country. Head to KwaZulu-Natal, a few hours drive from Durban and slip in to Thanda’s private game reserve. The chef will tantalize the taste buds with crocodile carpaccio and impala. After a 4:30 a.m. wake up call and an early drive tracking the big five, enjoy a massage on our private deck. It’s as good as it gets. www.thanda.com

If you’re looking to play the field, you can drop in to Phinda’s Private game Reserve. It’s a mere 20minutes away, yet worlds away from civilization.

The tracking starts once in the gate. Elephants and giraffes cross your path while zebras seem to fly by. Head ranger Giles, a dead ringer for Hugh Jackman with a South African slant, will find what may have been missed on your safari path. 

After a dip in your private plunge pool on the deck of your African villa overlooking the bush, it won’t matter if you win or lose. It will just feel good to be in on this world class game. Enjoy! www.phinda.com

Written by Karen Loftus [email protected]

Follow Karen on Twitter @LAKarenLoftus