On cloud 19

By Brian Berkman: contributing editor, travel

13 Jan 2011

There is nothing like the whiff of panic to focus the mind. Happily the Westin Grand on Cape Town's Foreshore is now free from the stink of accusations and any restrictions on Americans visiting have been lifted. (It seems a while back the American Embassy issued a travel advisory to US citizens after a series of thefts from luggage just unloaded from coaches and outside the hotel, or about to be loaded prior to departure - again, outside the hotel). The advisory has now been lifted.

What a view - and the food is great as well.

I thought it horribly unfortunate especially, as I understand it, the alleged thefts took place outside of the hotel so I welcomed a return to "business as usual" at the Westin Grand.

We stayed there recently, our third return visit, and by far the best. Even though the mammoth lobby area is very impressive in its height and floor space (and I love that TV channels are broadcast onto the glass area behind reception) it isn't overwhelming. There are cosy areas that make it very easy to use. The e-butler with internet stations is positioned at one corner, and seating and restaurant service at the other.

As grand as the ground floor is, however, the 19th floor that houses the fabulous Arabella Spa, Towers Club and restaurant is where you'll probably spend most of your time.

Room with a view

It's best is to book a Club room that gives you access to the Towers Club even when you aren't using the restaurant. There is no better place to have a business meeting - and the views, views, views are bewildering, even for locals.

Just float away into restful sleep on a waterbed.

To see Cape Town coming to life in the morning from the Tower Club's floor-to-ceiling windows is very special. Breakfast, especially items ordered from the menu, is top notch. There's a lot of extra value if you're staying in a Club room (including own concierge and dedicated check-in desks), which I think makes it worth paying more for, or collecting SPG points to upgrade your stay.

The Westin punts its heavenly credentials in the form of superb beds, double-headed showers and food and spa specials like the Heavenly Dinner & Spa Offer which includes a 45-minute spa treatment per person (select a facial, manicure, pedicure or back, neck or shoulder massage) before a three course meal for two. Executive chef, Grant Cullingworth has really raised the food bar. Dishes such as Summer Squash Soup, Carpaccio of Smoked Duck, Norwegian Salmon, Lamb terrine with Grilled Lamb Loin, and Hazelnut and Praline Fondant for dessert are included in the offer available between 5.30pm - 7pm, 7 days a week and at R1050 per couple. I also had the best Caesar Salad at the Towers which, with the addition of optional grilled prawns, makes for a wonderful lunch.

'Sorry, I cannot take your call, I am swimm... er... in a meeting'

Pick a pack... any pack.

The Secret Lunch Hour has been created with the demands of a busy schedule in mind, and guarantees that within 90 minutes you'll be back at your desk, wishing you were still at the spa. Aside from the lofty heights of this spa and gym, the waterbeds for recovery after your treatment are fabulous.

And, not that you need any more encouragement for time away from the office, but the rim-flow pool comes nearest to communicating the feeling of flying, as you float in the water with Cape Town way, way below. As nudity is optional in the "hot area" of the sauna, steam and Sitz baths, men and women enjoy the facilities together. In all these cases, valet parking is included.

The Westin Grand Hotel, Arabella Quays, Cape Town Convention Square, Foreshore. +27 (0) 21 412 9999 bit.ly/gvaOnu.