Perched on the edge of the glimmering Atlantic Ocean on Milnerton Beach, the 4-star Lagoon Beach Hotel is an exceptional accommodation that seems to have flitted its way out of my imagination. A dream intertwined with reality, the hotel offers a fairy-tale location that instantly whisked me away to an internal paradise where every stress drained away into oblivion. As the only hotel in Cape Town with direct beach access, Lagoon Beach Hotel is a place of exquisite ocean and mountain views that will lure you into holiday nirvana.

Cascading walls of water greet you in the foyer, where staff members are ready to usher you into the reception area; a large room furnished with assorted lounges of plush blue armchairs, beach style décor, and glittering jellyfish chandeliers adorning the high ceilings. The hotel incorporates plenty of natural light, plush carpets, and greenery to create an atmosphere that is relaxed and welcoming.

If there is one place that is well-deserved of the title “best breakfast spot in Cape Town”, it is the hotel’s main restaurant, The Brasserie. With glass sliding doors that stretch from floor to ceiling, you can enjoy a buffet breakfast with a side dish of ocean views. And the buffet breakfast isn’t to be scoffed at. Long tables are laden with every tantalising taste you can imagine: fruits, yoghurts, and cereals; bacon, beans, and sausages; eggs made to order; muffins and croissants – all to be washed down with fruit juice, tea, or coffee.

Just a step out of the sliding door leads you onto the beachfront deck. I stood captivated by the views for a full minute before I could think clearly. The fresh sea air wafted past my nose as I took in the spellbinding view before me: a long stretch of beach dotted here and there with happy strollers, cyclists zooming past on the cycle track below, magical vistas of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head alluring my eyes to the left, and the vast ocean reflecting the cotton wool clouds above and stretching as far as the eye can see. One thing is certain; you won’t be able to resist sinking your toes into the soft sand for an after-breakfast stroll…

Accommodation

Lagoon Beach Hotel offers 5-star facilities for 4-star prices. With 200 rooms, you can be forgiven for picturing a busy establishment. However the hotel is spread out in such a way that it offers a surprisingly roomy atmosphere, without compromising on intimacy.

The hotel boasts beautifully furnished, spacious bedrooms. There are standard rooms (non-sea facing), deluxe rooms (sea facing), and 2-bed self-catering apartments that are great for families or longer stays. Each suite is immaculately furnished in cool blues and beiges, warm textured fabrics that you can’t help but run your fingers through, and soft, cushiony carpets to bury your toes in. Some rooms feature striped headboards and accent chairs that add a beachy flair to the otherwise neutral room. The private balconies offer garden, courtyard, city, sea, or mountain views where you can sip on a bottle of bubbly as the sun sets.

Getting around

Lagoon Beach Hotel is in the perfect position to get out and explore the Mother City. The hotel offers a free scheduled shuttle service to Canal Walk, CTICC, and the V&A Waterfront. The MyCiti bus rapid transport system operates from Lagoon Beach Station and is in walking distance of the hotel.

A jogging and cycling track winds its way past the hotel all the way towards Eden on the Bay. Bring your own bikes or the hotel can arrange for you to hire one.

Facilities

• Swimming: There are 2 heated swimming pools; one on the beachfront deck, and one on the rooftop deck. The Milnerton Lagoon is also nearby, offering a safe swim if you can’t brave the chilly ocean water.
• Dining: The hotel has a variety of exceptional restaurants. La Mizu beach bar has a relaxed feel and is the ideal spot for light meals and cocktails; Wang Thai has tasty Thai food on offer between 12pm – 10pm; and our favourite, The Brasserie, is open for buffet breakfasts (available to the public at around R140 per person), and a la carte lunches and dinners.
• Tours: Tours can be booked in the foyer.
• Golf: Milnerton Golf Course is just 2km away.
• Functions: 9 conference rooms all differing in size and formality to suit each need.
• Wedding coordinator: Lauren will plan everything down to the finest detail; whether you dream of a beach wedding in the sand, want to make use of the beachfront deck (Bedouin tents available), or hold your reception in The Brasserie overlooking the ocean.
• Spa: Camelot Spa is the perfect pamper spot, with several treatment rooms, a sauna, and different specials running each month.
• Gym: The fitness centre is available to all guests; so don’t hold back on that buffet breakfast!
• Rooftop deck: The ideal spot to hang out in the day or nurse a cocktail by night. Laze about on the sun loungers, cool off in the pool, and admire the captivating mountain views.
• Parking: Over 400 secure underground parking bays.
• Other: Free Wi-Fi, 24 hour front desk and security, currency exchange, a vending machine, ATM, and televisions throughout the hotel to direct conference guests to their venue.

I can’t wait to go back and unwind on the rooftop deck with a cocktail in hand as the sun gets swallowed by the cool ocean waters. What would you like to do first when you stay at Lagoon Beach Hotel? Let us know in the comments below!