Some places are just meant to be savoured, taken in with delicate bites, relished in their fullness and tasteful splendour. Nicole and Michael Brand knew this when they decided to start the artful den known as Colona Castle in 1997.

Located on the warmer False Bay coast, it is perched on the Muizenberg Mountain, offering panoramic views from the Constantia side of Table Mountain over Sandvlei Lake to the mountain ranges of the Boland. 

Turreted Edifice

Originally built in 1929 as a turreted edifice, this manor house of rare distinction has been renovated in the Tuscan style with the help of well-known decorator Ralph Krall. Despite its grandeur, Colona Castle combines refinement with relaxed comfort.

It is no doubt, luxuriously furnished with antiques fitted in throughout the hotel. The mansion has an eclectic collection of furnishings and objects d’art. A life-like replica of the Buddha, an 18^th century Italian replica fireplace with painted stone finish and intricately carved Chinese screens are just a few of the highlights.

Table Mountain

This mesmerising structure boasts eight suites. These include two full luxury rooms – the English Suite and the Penthouse Suite, which have king size bed, private balconies, en suite bathroom with bath and shower, opulent lounge with stunning Table Mountain and sea views rounding off the splendour.

There are also three executive suites – the Chinese Suite, Mogul Suite and New Suite where Ralph Krall has personally overseen the interior design and decoration. The Superior Bedroom Suites are made up of the Safari Suite, Green Room and the Moroccan Room. Each suite has air-conditioning, ceiling fans, heated towel rails, under floor heating, electronic safe and fully stocked mini bars.

Sandvlei

The rates include a full buffet breakfast with an option for freshly cooked meals served in the colourful and intriguing dining room overlooking the lake. There is also a five-star restaurant where the Executive Chef can prepare gourmet lunches and dinners on request. In 2005, Colona Castle was awarded eighth place out of one hundred in the Observe UK Award 100 Best places to eat this summer.

Nicole prides the success of Colona Castle on the unrelenting attention to detail and her thorough knowledge of what her guests desire. During the day, transfers can be arranged for tours of the Mother City or you can simply choose to relax by the pool sipping on delightful refreshments. A rather large selection of books and magazines can be found throughout the mansion and for those really cold, wet days when the outdoors are not an option relax by the fireside or stretch out on your bed or chaise watching television or DVDs.

City Lights

Then again, the delicious views call you to sit and take in nature at its best – one delectable bite at a time, until the sun sets across the pink sky, bringing in the city lights reflecting over the waters of the lake.