Jasmine-scented breezes, majestic mountain views and expansive skies: with the arrival of summer at Mount Nelson, celebrate languid days in Mount Nelson’s lush gardens. Discover their selection of outdoor dining options, the re-opening of the blissful Librisa spa and the enticing accommodation offers.
Renowned Chef Rudi Liebenberg has curated a range of tempting al fresco experiences, from picnics and afternoon teas to Harvest Tables and sparkling moments on the Planet Bar terrace.
Picnics in the gardens
Whether you’re looking for a fabulous family outing or a romantic afternoon with your loved one, Mount Nelson’s gourmet garden picnics are sublime. The Mount Nelson delighted to once again be offering them from Wednesdays through to Sundays. What’s more, picnicking guests can enjoy an added bonus: for a supplement of R200 per person you gain access to the heated swimming pool, tennis courts (with magnificent views of Table Mountain) and supervised Kids’ Club. Choose to lounge by the balmy pool, soaking up the vistas, or have your basket laid out in a sheltered, shady spot in the garden. Delve into the wicker hamper to discover light finger food delicacies, Winelands cheeses, artisanal charcuterie served with homemade atjars, pickles and tapenades, and much more. Chef Rudi suggests you add some sparkle with a local Cap Classique, or why not splash out with a vintage champagne?
Picnics will be served Wednesdays to Sundays at R395 per person and R250 per child.
A R200 supplement per person allows access to the hotel’s heated Oasis swimming pool (children to be supervised by adults), tennis courts (60 minutes guaranteed) and the supervised Kid’s Club.
Artful afternoon tea
Afternoon Tea has always made for iconic moments at Mount Nelson. Imagine the scene: debonair, fedora’d Henry Dike plays the grand piano, as silver tiered stands glittering with sweet and savoury gems are brought to your table. The spread showcases local and global classics, including traditional melktert with Cape Malay cinnamon and cardamom, and baked chocolate cheesecake.
Baskets of warm, freshly baked scones and traditional pumpkin fritters beckon you to indulge, while savoury options include the hotel’s famous mushroom empanadas, cauliflower pakoras, and delicate finger sandwiches with enticing fillings such as smoked Franschhoek trout. Going green? Treat your taste buds to Chef Rudi’s imaginative plant-based menus.
As for the brew itself, they offer an unparalleled selection of premium leaf and flowering teas from all over the world, as well as healthy local infusions. Make sure to try their signature Mount Nelson Tea, an exquisite blend with pink rose petals, or opt for the earthy, yet delicate orange and spice rooibos from the Cederberg.
Linger in the conservatory or outside on the terrace until the shadows start to lengthen. It’ll soon be time for a sundowner…
Afternoon Teas are served from Wednesdays to Sundays, with the first sitting at 12h00 and the second sitting at 15h00, priced at R395 per adult and R215 per child.
Al fresco dining on the terrace
Mount Nelson’s picturesque terrace is perfect for relishing the daily surprises on Chef Rudi’s chalkboard. Cape wild foods, plant-based and slow food dishes feature prominently in his three-course lunch and dinner menus. We dare you to resist his seafood platter of grilled line fish, mussels in beer, prawns, salmon cakes and calamari fritto misto!
The sky’s the limit at the Planet Bar
The Planet Bar menu has been newly curated so that you can drink, dine and toast any moment of the day. A light bite menu features General Tso’s cauliflower, ceviche in mini tacos, potato samosas and lamb kibbeh in yoghurt. All of which keeps you rooted to this little piece of heaven on earth until the stars – and the cocktails – come out.
Harvest Table in the Garden
Picture a lavish, long African Teak table adorned with sumptuous platters filled with local, seasonal harvest fare, fresh from the farm and brought straight to your table. Toast the abundance of the fruits of the Cape, corks popping and wine flowing in the charming hotel gardens.
Is this not the most perfect setting to celebrate life? Share love, laughter and exquisite flavours with your nearest and dearest as you kickback, relax and enjoy the open-air pleasures of their leafy garden estate.
The Harvest Table is available for lunch and for dinner every day of the week as of 15th December 2021.
The minimum booking is for six guests, up to twelve guests.
Prices from R850 per adult and R450 per child includes two bottles of South African Methode Cap Classique as well as access to the heated Oasis swimming pool, tennis courts (60 minutes guaranteed) and the supervised Kid’s Club.
Blissful Librisa Spa
Countless Capetonians have been waiting in anticipation for the re-opening of the tranquil hideaway, Librisa Spa.
Happily, the wait is over. Librisa’s doors have swung open once more to reveal a menu brimming with pampering, de-stressing and anti-aging treatments. Even better, the perennially popular offer allowing access to the swimming pool and Kids’ Club with every 60-minute massage or Bliss Package booked still applies.
Librisa Spa is open from 09h00 – 19h00 every day of the week.
Bookings: librisa.mnh@belmond.com
Sweet dreams
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 stylish, spacious rooms. Soak up sweeping views of Table Mountain or the hotel’s lush gardens. After a tranquil night’s rest, you’ll be raring to do it all again – especially when you discover their extremely attractive rates for SADC region guests.