A hotel junkie of the highest order, TASTE's Food Editor Abigail Donnelly treated her two sons to an unforgettable night in the One&Only hotel, where a custom-made "kids package" is guaranteed to put big smiles on small faces.
"IF ONLY we could stay here tonight!” Jack yelled from the back of the car. Young Matthew agreed: “We stay in hotel, mommy?” You see, I adore hotels – everything about them, from the abundant breakfast buffets to the impossibly clear swimming pools.
The weekend’s stay at the incomparable One&Only in Cape Town’s famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront had been planned as a surprise specifically for the kids, but my husband Terry, a stay-at-home dad, was not opposed to a bit of pampering either.
Contrary to traditional luxury hotels, where children are expected to be seen but not heard, small guests are much valued at the One&Only. Waitrons treat diminutive diners with the same respect they do their parents, ensuring a meal of plump pork sausages perfectly meets the exacting demands of little taste buds.
Amiable pool-side staff ensure chocolate milkshakes are available on tap to slake the thirsts of visiting water-babies, while resident “entertainers”, Michelle and Phumela, are genuinely happy to bake endless batches of iced biscuits with aspirant little chefs.
Unable to keep the kids away from the pool, I sought solace in the soothing waters of the pool bubble bed and a couple of moreish sweet-sour margaritas.
Later, buttoning up his pyjamas, Matthew was surprised by a knock at the door that revealed a waiter bearing the boys’ special “nightcap” – whoopee pies and creamy Woolies chocolate milk! Terry and I left them slurping and made our way to the magnificent Nobu for dinner (don’t leave without trying the crab tempura).
The next morning, Matthew smugly accompanied his big brother to Reuben’s for a hearty breakfast, followed by a further session in the pool. “Just five more minutes,” echoed from the water come leaving time, and, while Matthew stuffed all his newly acquired goodies into his KidsOnly bag, I overheard Jack, perched on the back of a golf cart, instructing the driver to deliver him to Room 602 … if only!
WIN WITH TASTE AND REUBEN'S RESTAURANT:
TASTE is offering two lucky readers and their partners R600 off their bill at Reuben’s Restaurant, Bar and Deli in Franschhoek or Reuben’s Restaurant at the One&Only Cape Town.
To stand a chance of winning this discount, SMS “TASTE Discount” to 45606 (R1.50 per SMS) The prize cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.
The prize is subject to availability. Competitions close on 12 December 2011. Terms and conditions apply,