Pamper yourself on the Cape Point Route....

We were sitting relaxing under the oak trees at Noordhoek Farm Village one morning with the aroma of newly brewed coffee emanating from Café Roux and the expectant air of the countryside preparing for the day. Children’s laughter drifted musically through the clear skies. There was talk of love, households, kids, the Argus Cycle tour, world economy and infallible remedies to solve African poverty. The conversation evolved to work, stress & survival. Within seconds it was abundantly apparent that there was a collective crisis! Each of us was craving time to be spoilt, time to refresh & time for personal gratification.

The absolute necessity to rejuvenate the physical and mental aspects of our souls with a pamper session was not negotiable. The definition of what a pamper session entailed however was an intense discussion with varied definitions and solutions. Despite disparate views on pampering techniques we concurred that there was an indulgent option for everyone on the Cape Point Route – the southern peninsula stretching from Hout Bay on the Atlantic Seaboard down to Cape Point and up the False Bay Coastline to Muizenberg. The Cape Point Route is an area of natural beauty where mountains meet the sea in each village along the route. The dramatic scenery is almost therapy in itself as most Cycle Tour riders will discover as they traverse the route on the 8 March in the world’s biggest timed cycle race.

Sally, being a Duracell energy bunny, categorically stated that hiking, cycling, paddling and exploring the Cape Point Route was her pamper treat. A run through Cape Point Nature Reserve with a hearty breakfast at Two Oceans Restaurant at the end of a good exercise session was dangerously addictive. Getting "that fix" from a pleasurable activity produces positive effects in the body and she is definitely a happier, healthier, more focused person as a result. The endorphins released after a cycle along the dramatic twists and 114 curves of the 9 kilometre route of Chapman’s Peak Drive cannot be reproduced by any artificial substance. Top it off with a long lazy well-deserved breakfast or lunch at Noordhoek Farm Village ….

Shayne shook her head in disbelief as she gazed wistfully across the grassy space to the shoes, handbags, flowing frocks and funky pants posing against the white-washed walls of the Old Milking shed. She pronounced that she felt exhausted just thinking about all the energy involved in merely getting a kayak to the waters edge let alone having to balance and paddle against the wind and the waves. Seeing a penguin from Boulders Beach was a simpler alternative than experiencing the tuxedo-looking birds from a water-based craft. "I am sure it is amazing to see the penguins from the sea…but talking of tuxedos – did we know there was a penguin shop at Boulders Beach Lodge with all kinds of penguin paraphernalia?" Shayne promptly changed the subject back to her healing remedy – retail therapy.

A shopping marathon of browsing, searching, restyling, testing, trying and buying was pure bliss for Shayne. Spending an entire day meandering the cobbled lanes of Kalk Bay for jewellery, beadwork, books or "whatever" was her chill- out distress technique. Throw in some mates, a seaside lunch, a chilled glass of Cape Point Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, followed by more shopping is her paradise.

Kelly could not contain herself any longer, "Majestic, Majestic, Majestic. If you are in Kalk Bay you have to go to the Majestic Spa – pampering is about having a spa treatment". Kelly is a regular – booking 2 ½ hours of heaven at least once a month. The building is beautiful and the fresh sea air adds to the atmosphere of calm, peaceful relaxation. The staff are kind, friendly and exceptionally well trained with the latest equipment resulting in the blissful self- indulgence of having something done to you, without any active participation. Facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, massages, hot stone massages – Kelly has tried them all and is adamant that pampering means finding that river of oblivion, not wanting to be with anyone, not wanting to be anybody (not even herself) and not knowing where she was.

Barbara agreed that finding a transcendent zone is pure pamper. She treats herself at the Divine Day Spa in Glencairn – a small retreat set on the mountainside overlooking False Bay. In addition to Kelly’s proclaimed routine therapies, the Divine Day Spa has wonderful packages for Divine Divas, Divine Couples, Bridal Parties or just Divine Indulgence. The latter is a full day affair with your soul incorporating a total healing experience of the five senses. There is a swimming pool with loungers to relax, a thatched boma called the Crystal room, a fireplace lounge, an infrared sauna and the chocolate room. Yes they have a signature chocolate body wrap – particularly intimate for the Divine Couples.

That is Barbara’s other pamper – time with her husband. She actively seeks out romantic retreats, because part of what makes life so wonderful and meaningful is to have time with a loved one. An essential step is to ensure that the daily stresses are removed from one’s immediate surroundings - so it’s getting a babysitter for the kids and heading off to a dreamy location where you don’t have to wash dishes or fetch kids. Sunset Beach Guest House is literally right on the beach in Kommetjie. Although it is hard to leave the comforts of the manicured fynbos garden, the sparkling swimming pool or the comfy lounge, it is worth stepping from your room onto the beach for a stroll. Gratification comes easily with pristine white sand, the scurrying Black Oystercatchers and if you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the Cape Clawless otter. Staying at Sunset Beach Guesthouse is indulgence, especially when you can choose an evening meal or have a picnic basket organized so you don’t have to cook! Alternatively you can saunter down the beach into the village of Kommetjie and dine at one of the quaint restaurants, like the Green Room, which has superb Mexican style cuisine.

Heads nodded in agreement as the contradictory pampering solutions began to merge a little like that feeling of hanging out with a familiar old friend. Getting away from it all was a universal feel good factor to de-stress. The style of the retreat varied…

Sally voted for Sundollar in Noordhoek. A homely B&B with a huge large garden (for playing Frisbee), a swimming pool and wooden deck for chilling out and watching the sunset over the Noordhoek wetlands.

Kelly voted for De Noordhoek Hotel at the Noordhoek Farm Village, "Concierge, concierge, concierge". Our spa girl just happened to know another health and beauty spot in the village, loved the semi-private swimming pool and the choice of 3 fabulous restaurants within a few steps of her room. The Foodbarn for some fine dining at the hands of chef Franck Dangereaux, glamorous pubgrub at Bobby Skinstad’s new establishment called the Toad in the Village ("nothing wrong with a hot celebrity when you’re eating", she proclaimed) and of course the chill out zone under the oaks Café Roux.

Shayne agreed De Noordhoek Hotel could easily be managed especially with all the shopping available but would prefer Boulders Beach Lodge with it’s beach styled décor, on site restaurant, proximity to the beach and the penguins and of course the Curious Penguin Shop.

Some of us gain energy from sitting peacefully on a mountainside, celebrating the silence and some of us revive our physical being through experiences – be they in retail, activity or passive

luxuriating spa treatments. Releasing everyday tension and getting the boost you need on the Cape Point Route caused us all to share a moment that made soul and belly rejoice. Cheers!

For more information on where to stay, eat, shop and play on the Cape Point Route please call 021 782 9356 or visit: www.capepointroute.co.za