A PICNIC in the garden, an afternoon lounging at the pool, a lavish harvest table lunch, sundowners on the terrace, or a relaxing treatment at the spa – it’s all about summer indulgence at the Mount Nelson, a Belmond hotel. Choose one, or a combination of these luxurious treats, and aim even higher with an overnight stay.
Afternoon tea at the Nellie is an institution. It’s with a touch of nostalgia we must recall those sumptuous buffets of days gone by, and nicking a profiterole off the table and shoving it in the mouth while walking past on the way to the Planet Bar. Yep, that’s one of Covid’s lingering legacies: no more buffets. And quite rightly so, for we cannot trust anyone not to finger the sandwiches or splutter over the scones (especially when it seems to be so much of a challenge to simply wear a mask and wash hands and to keep their damn distance in the supermarket queue; “stop following me, I’m trying to get away from you,” I snapped at a woman just the other day).
We began with glasses of L’Ormarins Brut Rosé (not included in the price), before selecting teas from the dozens on the menu. We were seduced by descriptions like “a beautiful archway of lily and jasmine flowers” and names like “Jasmine Dragon Phoenix Pearls” which are all well and good (and frankly way more dramatic in my imagination) but when it comes down to it, my favourite go-to is the Mount Nelson Hotel Blend of six International teas from Africa and Asia, flavoured with buds and petals of the pink roses from the garden. It’s a classic for a reason. Coffee and hot chocolate are also available.
The middle part of the repast is a basket filled with warm scones accompanied by strawberry jam, grated cheese (although I prefer that with apricot jam), and Chantilly cream or clotted cream. Naturally we had to have both, and you best ask for extra butter upfront. There’s also banana bread and pumpkin fritters under the starched linen napkin.
It was a lovely, relaxing and elegant afternoon, filled with deliciousness, enjoyed in the dappled shade on the terrace. I didn’t even mind the small children at the table next to (but not too close to) ours, and perhaps there was even a touch of envy of their delighted chocolate-smeared faces which our adult manners do not permit.
Afternoon teas are served from Wednesdays to Sundays, with the first sitting at 12pm and the second sitting at 3pm, R395 per adult and R215 per child.
Harvest Table experiences in the garden, for six to 12 guests, are available for lunch and for dinner every day. Prices are from R850 per adult and R450 per child, and include two bottles of South African Methode Cap Classique as well as access to the heated Oasis swimming pool, tennis courts (6o minutes guaranteed) and the supervised Kid’s Club. Picture a lavish, long African teak table adorned with sumptuous platters filled with local, seasonal harvest fare. Share love, laughter and exquisite flavours with your nearest and dearest as you relax and enjoy the open-air pleasures of the leafy garden estate.
Librisa Spa is open 9am to 7pm every day. Bookings: librisa.mnh@belmond.com
Last but not least, after hours of beautiful sunshine, indulgent treatments and mind-blowing foodie experiences, nothing tops off the day more perfectly than a night in one of the Mount Nelson’s stylish, spacious rooms. After a night’s rest, you’ll be raring to do it all again – especially when you discover the extremely attractive rates for SADC region guests; email reservations.mnh@belmond.com for more details.
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PHOTO CREDIT: BIANCA COLEMAN ©