Based on the Sea Point promenade, the 60-year-old Winchester Mansions treats guests with the finest views of the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain. The hotel is a short drive away from the V&A Waterfront, which allowed us the chance to experience some of the fun activities and artsy opportunities the Waterfront had to offer during our stay at the Victorian-styled accommodation.
Saturday afternoon saw us arriving at Winchester Mansions, and off to the V&A Waterfront to enjoy the artworks of Incredible Illusions hosted until the end of July and the awesome Art Jamming experience upstairs.
Incredible Illusions
Internationally acclaimed 3D artist, Kurt Wenner is the brainchild behind the fun and spectacular work seen at the Incredible Illusions art exhibition at the Watershed at the Waterfront. The “3D interactive pavement art” is intended to be interactive and educations, and contrary to conventional museums – photos are encouraged to be taken and shared on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Kurt Wenner attended both Rhode Island School of Design and Art Center College of Design, before working for NASA where he worked as an advanced scientific illustrator, creating conceptual paintings of future space projects and extraterrestrial landscapes.
Asphalt Renaissance, Wenner’s latest book, documents the history of pavement art and how he aims to transform the art from a tradition that is dying out to an interactive, multi-dimensional art form.
Art Jamming
You’ll be able to try your hand in the art world too with the “Art Jamming” zone, where guests are invited to learn the basics of 3D painting and to express themselves artistically.
Harvey’s
After we’d tried out all of the illusions that the exhibition had on offer, it was time to rest and enjoy a hot cup of late afternoon coffee and freshen up before dinner. Harvey’s restaurant sat us down for a three-course meal fit for royalty as we dined on with starters, mains and desserts. The decor and ambience was undeniably impressive, while great wine made its way around the table as we enjoyed our dinner.
A Night at Winchester Mansions
Post-dinner, we were exhausted. After a day of incredible art and great food, it was off to bed. Accommodation at Winchester consists of 25 elegant, loft-style rooms and 51 suites, with amenities such as a heated pool and sun-deck, Wi-Fi and business centre are accessible to all guests. The hotel also boats spa facilities at the Gingko Health and Wellness Spa, and invites hotel to guests to enjoy massages, facials and a host of other rejuvenating treatments at the spa.
Jazzy Brunch at Harvey’s
Harvey’s Sunday Brunch is a rather popular affair amongst both Cape Town locals and our visitors. We started the morning off with a glass of complimentary champagne and a newspaper, before heading through to the hotel’s courtyard where jazz fills the air and brunch begins. Enjoy mid-morning into lunch with an array of buffet style servings from freshly made pastries, cheeses and traditional English breakfasts to lunch dishes like sushi, warm cooked meals, salads and delectable sweet treats for dessert.
Photography Courtesy