Winter Romance

A few weeks back I was invited to Tintswalo Atlantic in Hout Bay for their Winter Wedding event, and to spend the night in their ultra luxurious resort. I don't think we were there even 10 minutes and I turned to Dave and threatened him with either a vow renewal ceremony, or I was going to start working on husband number 2, just so I can get married at Tintswalo.
That is how quickly I fell in love with the place.

We had sundowners on the deck overlooking probably one of the best views in South Africa, surrounded by gorgeous blooms set out everywhere, and fairy lights dripping from the trees and coating the evening in the most ethereal and romantic haze.

Our gorgeous hostess, Melissa, then gathered us together for a very unique Tinstwalo Atlantic tradition. We were each given a pebble and were asked to write our name on it. We then were told to make a wish, and then line up at the edge of the deck and think hard on our wish as we tossed our pebbles over our left shoulder and into the ocean below. It was such a quirky and personal touch and something that sticks in your memory forever.

We were then taken on a tour of the rooms, pool deck and honeymoon suite and also had a look at a few of the spots where they have hosted some of the most romantic weddings - again Dave was jabbed in his ribs and given a menacing side-eye.

After our tour we took our seats at a lavishly decorated banqueting table, and then the wine and conversation flowed, all beautifully accompanied by the most amazing live music by Angelo Thomas.  We then got to dig in to a feast. Five exquisite courses were presented with such love and care and our hosts and wait staff were like ninjas, topping up our glasses with fabulous wine without us even noticing. My headache the next morning can attest to this.

After a heavenly rest with the ocean crashing right outside our room, we got up and enjoyed a glorious soak in the huge bathtub before getting ready to say goodbye to Tinstwalo. But not before fattening up for one last time. Breakfast was only topped by the incredible sunrise view overlooking the Atlantic, with another set of multiple courses spanning fruits, granola and yogurt, to cheese and cold meats, and finally, whatever hot breakfast you could dream up. Any place that can whip up a great Eggs Benedict and a great cappuccino are top in my books, and Tintswalo absolutely nailed both.

We made some new friends and discovered new travel and lifestyle blogs to pour over and the entire experience was such a delight. Thank you to the wonderful people at Tinstwalo Atlantic and Nicky Arthur PR for hosting us, and inspiring my second wedding.

For reservations and enquiries, con act Dumi on res3@tintswalo.com and check out their website, Twitter and Facebook pages.