I�ve been roaming the West Coast for the perfect hideaway. Without being a very fussy traveller, there were a few basic standards my ideal haven absolutely had to adhere to. The prerequisites included a short trip (for me, that means no more than a two hour drive); various outdoor activities (if this includes a pool, I'm quite happy); and of course, a great meal.

After much intensive searching I�ve landed the ideal place. Just over an hour drive from the city, Shelley Point offers an idyllic break for the fatigued city dweller. Walking distance from the unspoilt, white sandy beachfront, a nine-hole golf course plus tennis courts and an a la carte dinner menu to spoil you rotten, ah yes, Shelley Point Hotel, Spa and Country Club was more than ideal, it was perfect.

Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Shelley Point�s 44 luxury suites are stylishly decorated with a soothing ambience which will have you feel right at home. The fully fitted kitchenette boasts a bar fridge, microwave and kettle for that late night cup of coffee. If however you like an after-dinner snack, the hotel�s room service operates until 10pm.

The suite life

Walking into my suite, the bedroom had me in a total gaze. A combination of dark wood and white linen was so picture perfect, I was afraid to sleep and ruin the dazzling portrait. The d�cor wall colour fits perfectly with the king size bed with upholstered ocean cobalt headboard and scatter cushions.

However, my ultimate highlight of the entire suite will have to be the bathroom. I know, sounds a bit silly but I have a clandestine fetish for elegant bathrooms and the one at Shelley Point scores a 10/10 without a doubt.

In line with the overall dark wood and white theme of the suite, the bathroom cupboard consist of two individual his and hers basins with sparkly chrome taps, big dark wood mirror frames and snowy, fluffy towels. A big white bathtub to the one corner ensures for a relaxing soak after a long day in the sun while you also have the option to pop quickly into the oversized shower. Mosaic tiling on the wall and shower floor completes the tranquil, cleansing experience.

Sensual

The hyperactive or super fit can get their daily boost from a range of activities varying from a good round of golf on the nine-hole golf course, a game of tennis or the fully-equipped gym, complete with treadmill, bicycles and weightlifting equipment. However, if you are like me, and like a quiet afternoon in the sun, a lazy day next to the sparkly pool will be absolutely blissful.

The best part of my stay at Shelley Point will have to be the incredible Spa experience both from the hotel itself as well as from the Wellness Centre. The hotel�s Spa experience boasts a state of the art Sensation Shower, with seven showerheads which promotes blood circulation while at the same time distresses your muscles. And if that wasn�t distressing enough, the Sauna, Steam room or perhaps the indoor jacuzzi and pool will definitely do the trick, take my word for it.

The in-house Wellness Centre, operated by internationally renowned therapist, Maryna Psotta and her team of highly qualified therapists added to my ultimate soothing experience. My choice between a range of holistic treatments and specialised massage therapies eventually resulted in a Full Body 60 minute massage (R360) which my masseuse, Juanita Brand, executed with the utmost perfection. Juanita�s hands were a heaven-sent after a fun-filled day at the pool. She pampered my body with a touch of grapeseed oil which proved the ideal exhaust vent for my tight and twisted muscles.

Gastronomy

Being a self-proclaimed diehard food lover, I was especially looking forward to the hotel�s culinary talents and oh my, it didn�t disappoint one bit. The internal Sao Gabrielle Restaurant situated on the second level of the entrance hall offered an array for delicately prepared dishes. From my absolute favourite � the 400g Garlic Rump Steak with homemade garlic butter (R104) served with a dollop of mashed potatoes and butternut; to the morning�s buffet breakfast which offered a range of cereals to yogurts to bacon and eggs and mushrooms and sausages � all done to mouth-watering perfection.

Shelley Point Hotel, Spa & Country Club Tel: 022 742 1508. Website: www.shelleypointhotel.co.za

Article By: Meriza La Key Taken from iafrica.com lifestyle pages.

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