Cape Town: Soul City

Cradled by spectacular mountain and beach scenery, cosmopolitan Cape Town, South Africa's premier tourist destination, is a haven for the soul in more ways than one. Here are ten ways to help you connect with the city.

1. Walk up Table Mountain

Cape Town's most defining landmark, Table Mountain, with its well-known cloudy tablecloth, presides over the Mother City like an imperious, but watchful guardian. If you're relatively fit, a walk up Platteklip Gorge on a clear morning is both invigorating and spiritually rewarding.

Imbibe the spectacular aerial view of the city from the flat table top with the dassies, have breakfast in the restaurant and take the cable car down. For the more adventurous, guided trails of the mountain, called Hoerikwaggo (of the sea) by the ancient San, can be arranged.

The six-day Top to Tip Trail of Table Mountain National Park, from the bottom of the table to the bottom of the spine at Cape Point, includes luxury accommodation.

Contact Barry Washkansky (washer77@gmail.com) to climb Devil's Peak, explore Tranquillity Cracks or discover the Valley of the Red Gods, tailored according to your fitness levels.

2. Watch the sunrise at Cape Point

If the trail is too strenuous, hire a car and head for Cape Town's southernmost point before the sun comes up.

Take a packed breakfast and set up a breakfast picnic on any one of the many beaches (the reserve offers maps at the entrance, which include historical buildings), but beware of the baboons.

Though they're well-monitored, tourists who feed them are partly responsible for their sometimes marauding behaviour. If you're well-heeled and want to really bliss out, hire a self-catering cottage in the reserve and take advantage of the complimentary massages.

3. Sip sundowners on Chapman's Peak

Winding nine kilometres from Noordhoek to Hout Bay, Chapman's Peak Drive, which was carved into the mountain nearly 100 years ago, offers spectacular 180-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Picnic spots and viewpoints are dotted along the way and provide the perfect setting for an evening sundowner. Don't forget your camera; the dramatic manganese-layered cliffs and seascapes make this one of the world's most famous marine drives, especially when the whales are out playing in the bay.

4. Go horseriding on Noordhoek Beach

On the other side of the scenic Chapman's peak is Noordhoek Beach, a seemingly endless expanse of white sand. The beach's sheer illusion of boundlessness is sure to open even the most jaded soul.

Book yourself a horse ride along the beach, from Kommetjie past the Kakapo shipwreck the most adventurous way to experience the area's spirituality. Contact the Imhoff Equestrian Centre on 082-774-1191 or email info@sunsetbeach.co.za for a champagne breakfast along the way.

5. Spa at V&A

In need of inner rejuvenation to banish shopping woes? The Cape Grace spa at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront has a sauna, steam room, mineral spa bath, rain shower, body shower as well as an indoor pool to wash away stress and strain.

Or have a refreshing facial, wax treatment or one of a range of other beauty treats to get your body in tiptop condition. Owned by Dubai developers, the massive mall with restaurants and shopping outlets of every description, has a spectacular view of the reclaimed yacht basin and boasts South Africa's biggest aquarium.

6. Picnic at Boschendal wine estate

One of South Africa's most famous wine estates, Boschendal, originated by the French Huguenots in 1685, is a healing balm for the travel-weary spirit.

While the restaurant, housed in a Cape Dutch-style manor house dating back to 1812, offers buffet luncheons and Le Café light lunches and teas, a specially packed picnic on the grass, complemented by a selection of the finest Cape wines, is the best way of combining social and spiritual aspects of your soul.

If you want to get out into the country, there are plenty of other wine estates to choose from near Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

For a unique experience, head for Solms-Delta, a modern wine estate with a museum commemorating the slaves who worked there over the centuries, and order a tailored picnic from the Fyndraai restaurant.

7. Chill out at Bakoven

Nestled below a cluster of quaint seaside cottages between Llandudno and Hout Bay, Bakoven Beach offers secluded bathing and a wild view of the sea from a set of large boulders.

A great spot for relaxing or a mellow sunset party when it's not too hot, the idyllic cove is much more intimate than Camps Bay, its upmarket neighbouring big sister.

The backdrop of majestic mountains makes for pure surreal escapism; beach bathing doesn't get more spiritual than this.
8. Jazz it up in Green Point

Feed your soul with soothing jazz and delectable eats in happening Green Point. The Best Ugly Rhythm Bar and Restaurant in Main Road is perfect for light starters and laidback entertainment, while the Pigalle Restaurant offers upmarket seafood and Mediterranean fare.

Or get Cuban at the Bueno Vista Social Club, which has a really laidback vibe and chilled latino vibes to transport your mind. Guest houses and holiday accommodation make this area, close to the new soccer stadium being built for the 2010 World Cup, a popular haunt for trendy tourists.

9. Catch a surf lesson in Muizenberg

Muizenberg, with its long white beaches and gentle, consistent waves, is popular with professionals and beginner surfers alike.

If you've never tried it and want to experience the natural high of hitting the lip, contact Gary's Surf School (+27-21-7889839) for affordable lessons.

For those already in the loop, surfboards are also available for rental. Or try the Surf Shack School (+27-21-788-286) where professional, experienced instructors will ensure you get hot coffee at the coffee bar after you've caught a wave.

10. Enjoy a sunset concert in Kirstenbosch Gardens

Besides being Cape Town's premier showcase of indigenous flora, spectacular Kirstenbosch Gardens in Newlands offer visitors panoramic views from the lower slopes.

Open 365 days a year, the gardens are ideal for a long leisurely strolls or a laidback picnic, stocked with delectable fare from the Fynbos Deli, during the day. Or sample world-class cuisine in style at the Silvertree Restaurant.

Popular with locals and tourists alike, the gardens range from interesting herbs to local fynbos and rare cycads. For a really novel experience, take a walk in the ‘blind garden' where plants can be identified by smell and touch.

If you're there on a Sunday evening during November to April, unwind on the grass and tune in to one of the many international and national musical concerts that take place at the foot of the mountain between 5.30pm and 6.30pm.

Getting there: Emirates flies direct to Cape Town. Visit www.emirates.com. Return flights start from Dhs3,700.