The interior of Vanilla

October and November 2009 brought several sensational newcomers to the world of luxury living in Cape Town. The Cape Quarter has become my new favourite haunt for décor shopping, simply browsing and grazing from one restaurant to the other.

On Tuesday, October 27, 2009 we attended the launch of Cru Café Wine Bar & Restaurant, sipping champagne and enjoying delicious snacks of humus, nuts and biltong while looking over the menu. The South African dessert plate – including a mini koeksister, mini milktart and mini malva pudding served with Amarula ice cream – caught my eye. The wine bar allows guests to taste three different wines of a specific varietal along with a paired snack. What is better than an excellent glass of Chardonnay? Well, three of course! www.thecrucafe.com

A restaurant inspired by the scent of vanilla and orchids could only be a study in sophistication. Vanilla, also located in the Cape Quarter, has a glamorous Manhattan feel to it. A vanilla-coloured baby grand piano sits on a glass platform suspended between the first and second floors. Aesthetics aside, the piano is also the source of jazz and classical music that often floods the restaurant. We enjoyed a lazy brunch of excellent eggs benedict one Sunday, and decided to return for dinner some time to see the luminescence of the orchid-printed table tops and chandeliers by night.

The Sea Five lounge

From opulence to the crisp, Camps Bay chic of newly launched boutique hotel Sea Five in Central Drive, Camps Bay. The guest list was enviable, the hospitality immaculate as owner Nicolõ Stortiglione Pudel showed me around, and the décor a study in white and neutrals. Every room offers a view of either the ocean or the Twelve Apostles mountain range. Ideal as a villa for the larger family for whom style, privacy and comfort are not negotiable. www.seafive.co.za

Barron Charters now offer a luxury cruise to Robben Island on the Antares Princess motor yacht for a party of 12 people, complete with a stewardess and catering. Visit their website to view the rates and schedule. www.barroncharters.com

I attended the launch of Maya Prass’s new collection and the birthday party of her boutique in Constantia Village on November 26. Maya’s signature hand-drawn prints were still present along with vivid summer colours. On the décor front there were pillows and ottomans in pastel prints, lampshades and bespoke wallpaper. Jewellery was by Ida Elsje and Blackbird.