Years later when Club Mykonos was first built I was invited to stay by a friend who was selling time share at the resort. I remember loving my stay there and being taken by the candy-coloured timber shutters and balustrades on the white washed buildings.
Returning now, 20 years later, I'm amazed to see that a casino and mini city has burgeoned around that initial development but happy to find that the bougainvillea-filled alleys are still there and a lot of what was charming initially remains. While I'm not a fan of faux in Mykonos' favour is that the picturesque bay with its rocks and strong, warm winds could easily be found in the Mediterranean.
On this visit we stayed in a sea front two-bedroomed Kalifa (from R1400 per room per night) and invited friends to join us. Langebaan's famous wind was in full force and so strong we couldn't sit on our balcony which is a great pity as it had the loveliest views over the sea. Our room, a queen sized bed with en suite shower and toilet had doors that opened onto the balcony. It was really brilliant to hear the sound of the sea I just wished we could have opened the windows and enjoyed it more fully. A walk-in closet was a surprise. The second bathroom has a toilet and bath and there is a courtyard with a built-in braai which was sunny and protected from the wind. Our upstairs neighbours sounded like they were on a hen's weekend away and there was a lot of shrieking but once we were inside we couldn't hear them.
Breakfast, included in our stay, was enjoyed overlooking the marina. Filter coffee is included but not espresso-based beverages. The buffet breakfast had some enticing items such as spicy chicken livers but also dishes like Vienna-sausage stew which I gave a miss. Service was cheerful and a reminder of how warm West Coast hospitality can be but we braaied most of the time we stayed there rather than eating at the many restaurants.
You can get everything you need including charcoal, fire starters, fishing gear and bait as well as meat from the "convenience shop" very near the Kalifa and we didn't once use our car during our two night stay.
It was great to have the casino and lifestyle centre nearby. Remember to bring your own swimming cap if you want to use the solar-heated indoor pool or you will be forced to buy one. There is also a mixed spa pool (free but by appointment only) and sauna and steam facilities in each of the change rooms. I usually find gambling very stressful and, because the house always wins eventually, pretty pointless entertainment. Because the casino is intimate and you can play Black Jack with R25, I gave it a whirl and enjoyed myself. I was lucky enough to win a few hands and then, once I'd put away my initial R250 investment (you can see I'm a high roller!) just played with my winnings until they were gone.
Club Mykonos seems very popular with a wide range of ages. There were many families there for the weekend but also older couples and groups of school-leavers together.
Club Mykonos tries to get guests to recycle waste and use water and electricity sparingly but they also say in their press information that environmental care has become a non-negotiable component of the business, being an integral part of its planning and future success.
The following initiatives have been implemented:
• Dune rehabilitation: This programme has not been implemented as yet, but it is still in our environmental plan for the near future. By the summer time when nesting begins, a fence will be erected around the Hobie Beach dunes in order to protect nests of the African Black Oystercatcher.
• Fynbos rehabilitation: A Fynbos rehabilitation programme has been implemented around the Aegean Heights Green Belt Section, during which any Fynbos removed in building work is rehabilitated elsewhere on the resort.
For more information go to www.clubmykonos.co.za.
