Holiday
at Century City in Cape Town by Kelly Wheeler
Century
City Apartments
We all need a holiday from
time to time, but not many of us can afford to jet off overseas on an annual
whim. And why should we? South Africa is home to incredible scenery and
activities that causes tourists the world over to come to us. Unfortunately,
this also means that many of our best places are often booked up far in
advance. The solution? Make use of the local advantage and utilise the
lesser known but just as impressive places on offer that only we are luckily
enough to know about.
Holidaying at one of the
many accommodation options in the Century City area in Cape Town might
not be first on many tourists' agenda, but it actually offers an abundance
of fun things to do and places to explore. Perfect for a winter break these
accommodation offerings are surrounded by indoor and outdoor activities
and are only a short drive from the city centre and its own plethora of
amazing attractions. This break from the humdrum of daily life back home
can include an exhilarating day at a theme park, extensive shopping trips,
daily kids' activities and even a romantic night out at the casino for
mom and dad. Century City also has a zero-tolerance policy towards crime
and an internal shuttle service that runs between all the major centres,
making it a safe and pleasant place to bring your family.
Local
Attractions
Ratanga Junction is always
a favourite for young and old. Situated adjacent to the Canal Walk Shopping
Centre, this theme park is open during the school holidays and on all public
holidays. More than 30 rides and attractions are featured from the fast-paced
Cobra roller-coaster to the more sedate boat rides. Young and old can get
their adrenalin pumping on the Runaway Train or get soaked on the gravity-defying
Monkey Falls. Daily shows and live entertainment are on offer to keep you
occupied as you recharge in the extensive food court.
Canal Walk Shopping Centre's
slogan is "Shop the World" and that is no exaggeration. With over 400 shops
to peruse, there really is a whole days worth of shopping to be done. From
grocery chains to eccentric curio shops, there is no need to go anywhere
else. Canal Walk does not only offer an incredible array of shop, but also
has entertainment for the whole family. The MTN ScienCentre is geared at
teaching young ones the joys of science in a fun and interactive way. The
games and gadgets will enthral you and your kids and before you know it
you all will have learnt something new! The POP Place of Play Centre in
Canal Walk has also just opened and offers children a play park that they
could only have dreamt of before. From a magnetic climbing wall to go-karts
and dress up corners, there is something to tickle every child's imagination.
The food court also play host to a variety of shows, with the large stage
housing each exciting event. Theatrical productions are on offer every
school holiday and exhibitions of everything from wedding decor to exotic
foods often frequent the centre.
Golf Fanatics Golf Village
is situated conveniently on the N1 highway and is more than just a simple
driving range. The scenery is breathtaking and the putting and chipping
greens challenge any level of golfers. Instructors also offer complete
programmes - from taking beginners through the golfing basics to helping
the golfing pros refine their game.
Intaka
Island offers a great way to get outdoors and have a break from the shopping
centres while spending a little time getting back to nature. This award
winning 16 hectare wetland is rich in indigenous plants and bird life and
is a haven for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike. Aptly named,
Intaka means bird in Xhosa and refers to the many birds that have taken
sanctuary in this conservation area. This unique area encompasses 8 hectares
of natural seasonal pans and another 8 hectares of constructed wetlands
that serve to cleanse and purify the water from Century City's six canals.
This unique conservation project shows how man and nature can work together
and doubles as a great place to walk, explore or picnic.
Grand West Casino is a little
further afield but offers so much to do that you could spend the entire
day there, making it well worth the drive. Kids won't know where to start
thanks to the cinema, ice rink, ten-pin bowling alley, carousal rides and
arcade games - to name only a few of the attractions on offer. Parents
can relax at a slot machine or head to the legendary Roxy Revue Bar for
a live show. There are many unique restaurants among the themed 'district's'
streets each with their own delectable menu or you can choose from an array
of fast food outlets at the food court. A romantic dinner can be finished
off with a round of cocktails at one of the numerous bars in the complex,
many of which offer live music and dancing after hours.
The Durbanville Wine Route
is often likened to the Constantia Route nearby but is far less congested
with tourists. Nine estates lie beneath the Tygerberg Hills just north
of Century City and the unique terroir that differs from farm to farm makes
for a completely different wine experience. The fruit-driven and stylish
wines are either influenced by the cool breeze of the Atlantic Ocean or
by the warmth of the interior valley. These differences affect the estates
themselves with some of them offering a cosy, quiet day out while others
feature modern attitudes to wine making that are an eye-opening experience.
No matter which farm you choose to visit, from delightful lunches to picnics
and tastings, the Durbanville Wine Route guarantees a fantastic day out
for the entire family.
Amazing Century City Accommodation
Offerings
There are many fantastic
Century City accommodation options on offer in the Century City area. Bougain
Villas uniquely combines the safety and tranquillity of a country village
with the ultimate in style and sophistication. These self-catering facilities
give you the ultimate freedom to explore the surrounding attractions in
your own time and can sleep up to six people, making it ideal for a family
holiday. A clubhouse, braai area, swimming pool and jogging trails ensure
that there is plenty to do should you simply want to relax there all day.
If it is modern luxury that you are after, then the Knightsbridge
Century City is the ideal accommodation option for you. This modern glass
and steel structure is a triumph of modern architecture and features many
communal facilities, almost tempting you to never leave. A gym, indoor
heated pool, saunas, Jacuzzis and wellness centre are all on hand to help
you have the vacation of a lifetime.
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