Discover world design capital Cape Town 2014 with local experiences at Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel (South Africa)
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa, has introduced a pop-up township art gallery and design-themed electric bicycle tour to showcase the city’s World Design Capital 2014 status.
Discover world design capital Cape Town 2014 with local experiences at Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel (South Africa)
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa, has introduced a pop-up township art gallery and design-themed electric bicycle tour to showcase the city’s World Design Capital 2014 status.
Set within a sprawling garden estate in the heart of downtown Cape Town, the acclaimed hotel is an urban sanctuary that immerses guests in romantic heritage and timeless elegance. Colonial-style décor, Table Mountain views and South Africa’s largest outdoor heated pool make a stay here unforgettable.
Embracing the World Design Capital themes of “beautiful spaces, beautiful things” and “bridging the divide”, the area between Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel’s acclaimed Planet Restaurant and Planet Bar has been transformed into a pop-up art space called Nkanyezi Gallery displaying the work of talented township artists. Organised in partnership with Maboneng Township Art Experience, an official World Design Capital project that turns township homes into galleries exhibiting the work of local artists, the gallery will run until the end of the year and all works are available to purchase.
Xavier Lablaude, General Manager of Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, commented: “By establishing the Nkanyezi Gallery and opening our city-based ‘home’ to some of our townships’ most talented artists, we can help to exhibit their art to local and international guests who may otherwise never have the opportunity to see their work”.
Guests can also explore Cape Town’s design highlights on a guided electric bicycle tour from the hotel. Launched with Cycology, a South African brand committed to the philosophy of ‘life on two wheels’, bespoke routes include ‘Beauty by Design’, a rolling shopping trip that explores the centre of the city and its myriad of independently owned boutiques, trendy coffee spots and design treasures.
Examples may include KIN on Kloof, a local shop offering South African jewellery, bags, décor and ceramics; Haas, a quirky boutique selling one-of-a-kind accessories and artworks; and Skinny Laminx, where visitors can peruse textile and design products by illustrator Heather Moore.
Riding A2B Metro electric bicycles for an extra boost in hilly Cape Town, guests can also explore beautiful coastal paths on the ‘Raw Beauty’ tour and uncover the city’s rich heritage and Iziko museums on the ‘Beauty of Age’ route. Tailor-made tours are available on request for groups of five people or more and bicycles and maps are also available for independent hire, allowing guests to explore at their own pace.
Electric bicycle tours are available at 09:00, 14:00 and 15:00 from Tuesday – Sunday. Each tour lasts one hour and is priced from R950 (approx. £53) per person. Independent bicycle hire is priced at R150 (approx. £8) for 30 minutes, R350 (approx. £20) for half a day or R750 (approx. £42) for a full day. To book, call + 27 21 483 1000 or email concierge@mountnelson.co.za.
Superior Rooms at Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel start from £220 per night, including breakfast and taxes. Guests booking now can also take advantage of the late availability ‘Discover Belmond’ offer and enjoy 15% off the Best Available Rate*, with Superior Rooms starting from £386 for two nights including breakfast and taxes.
About Orient-Express Hotels Ltd
.Owned and operated by Orient-Express Hotels Ltd., Belmond belmond.com is a global collection of exceptional hotel and luxury travel adventures in some of the world’s most inspiring and enriching destinations. Established almost 40 years ago with the acquisition of Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice, its unique and distinctive portfolio now embraces 45 hotel, rail and river cruise experiences in many of the world’s most celebrated destinations. From city landmarks to intimate resorts, the collection includes Belmond Grand Hotel Europe, St. Petersburg; Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro; Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya; and Belmond El Encanto, Santa Barbara. Belmond also encompasses safaris, six luxury tourist trains, including the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, and three river cruises. Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. also operates ‘21’, one of New York’s most storied restaurants. Orient-Express is a trademark of SNCF.
