Put the angst of 2021 behind you, beat the heatand have a blast at The President Hotel, who are kickstarting the summer festive season with a bang. Rest assured that every safety protocol imaginable has been put in place from contactless check ins/outs to advanced cleaning technology. In essence, there is a SAFE place and space at the Hotel for everyone to enjoy – an excellent excuse to bring the whole family to simply relax and enjoy the summer spirit.

Vitamin D and Sea

Studies show that Vitamin D might play an important role in regulating mood and warding off depression. This seems like a perfect excuse to sip icy cocktails while soaking in the sun and sleepily gazing at the azure ocean, fringed by waving palm trees. Iconic views like this are a given at the President Hotel, which is tucked into the world-famous Bantry Bay suburb. Don a sunhat and ‘cossie’ and take languid laps in the infinity pool. Who needs California when you have this on your doorstep?

For all and ‘Sun’dry

Staycations and local holidays are the new trend in travel. South Africans have always had a community-driven spirit to support local as much as possible and have a communal spirit of  ‘we are all in this together’ from pandemics to parties! Just because you’re not an overnight guest, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the sizzling activities on offer at The President this summer season.

However, from 15 December the hotel will not open to day visitors.

Take a deep dive below to see what suits all members of the family:

Family Forward

One of the joys of family-friendly hotels is staff that understand your needs. From camp cots in family suites to high chairs at the breakfast table and bottle warmers – The President is clued up when it comes to young families. There are outdoor and indoor kids events/clubs scheduled for summer as well as child minders upon request. Gingerbread-making is one of the many activities for little ones, how adorable? Allow the kids to release that pent up energy at the play areas while the parents can rest assured that their precious angels are well looked after.

Smells like Teen Spirit

If you have a teenager that’s just had it with online learning, exams and curfews, make their day, weekend or whole holiday! They’ll delight in the activities laid out from the infinity pool to the live entertainment and DJs on the decks. Oh, and free WI-FI is always a bonus for this data-gobbling group. Parents can let their guard down and allow the teens to sip iced coffees at The Base, while keeping an eye on them from say, the Deck Bar and Terrace.

Wine and dine

Loved-up couples and happy families can unwind and delight at the plethora of restaurant offerings at the Hotel. The Islands Restaurant specialises in responsibly farmed dishes with a gourmet twist. The Base is where crispy pizzas make their debut, Senate Bar is all about getting that coffee fix or Sauvignon Blanc. The Botany Café, like its name suggests, is a relaxed, organic deli. Lastly, savour the sun sinking over the shimmering ocean at the Deck Bar and Terrace while sipping on a refreshing drink, pool side.

Christmas Day dripping with all the trimmings

For Christmas, the feast is on at The President. The highly skilled chefs will lay out a spread to rival Nigella Lawson. So if you have one of those families where everyone has a dietary requirement, don’t even bother to cook! Come and join in the fun at The President. Be welcomed with the smell of freshly baked brioche to get the tastebuds tingling.

There are a lot of ‘Cs’ on the menu, from charcuterie (think traditional gammon and pickled fish); a carvery (think Dijon mustard rubbed beef roast, cherry and olive marinated pork belly, fig and onion glazed turkey) to so many more yummy options for the carnivores out there.

For the vegetarians and vegans, how does grilled pear and Cape Malay spiced yoghurt salad sound? Paneer and kale curry? If your mouth isn’t watering, we’re worried! The cherry on the top is in fact not a cherry, but rather a strawberry crème brûlée, chocolate and raspberry Bouche de Noël or a large slice of Satin Blanc berry tartlet with pistachio if you absolutely must.

Everyday we’re shuttling

If you need respite from a family member, hop on the free shuttle service to the V&A Waterfront or Camps Bay Beach. For an even faster getaway, hop on one of the Hotel’s e-bikes or scooters and enjoy zooting about town.

Footloose and Fancy Free

If you’ve had a toot or two, or don’t feel like driving, climb aboard the City Sightseeing Bus (Red Bus)

(20 m from hotel) and marvel at magnificent Cape Town.

Foraging Foodies Delight

Foodies can enjoy the organic markets that have cropped up around Cape Town, like the Oranjezicht City Market. Packed full of stalls proudly selling locally made cheeses, organic, grass fed meats, fresh oysters, local MCC and craft beers to name a few wares, this place hums on the weekend.

Cheers to the Year

Bring good cheer to the new year by celebrating New Year’s Eve at The President. Regardless of who you are, South Africans love to embrace occasions to the fullest with family and friends. Park the car safely, drop the kiddies off at the Kid’s Club (0 – 3 are free) and get those dancing shoes on. Enjoy a Bazaar Feast with live food stations that includes delicious Arabic salads, Middle Eastern meze and the ever popular pizza and sushi staples.

Upon arrival at 7pm, nibble on welcome canapes and sip on a glass of bubbles. Let your hair down and dance up a storm on the dancefloor while soaking in the sea views and twinkling lights. And if the rain threatens as it often does, there is a fully stocked bar available inside. At midnight, enjoy your second glass of bubbles and toast what hopes to be a better year for all.