There's no denying that the Mother City is any aesthete's mecca - it's a visual diary just waiting to be explored, meticulously curated, and documented.
While I do always acknowledge that my Instagram page was way more colourful when I lived in Cape Town, I think perhaps I took for granted how easily I could create IG content when I was there versus now... in this grey concrete jungle that seems like it can only be garnished by our own colourful clothes.
I was reminded of this the minute I checked in at The Onyx Hotel and Luxury Apartments in up-and-coming business district, The Foreshore, when I visited CT for work recently.
I mean, the bottle green velvet couch by the lobby demands that you drape your limbs over it more leisurely than a cashmere throw.
Or at least, pose close enough to it...
And you'll be glad to know that the couches in the suites are just as inviting too, especially if you're a Netflix champion like me.
And if you're someone who never misses an opportunity to take a mirror selfie, The Onyx is just the place for you to do so given the interior decor of each suite:
Okay, besides the furniture, this new hotel really has quite a charm to it - the views, darling. The views.
And the picture-ready spots thanks to the fact that their fourth floor features a bar, a lounge and relaxation area, top-class gym facilities, an indoor-outdoor swimming pool with views of Cape Town and Table Mountain, and a spa managed by Sanctuary Signature Spas.
I've always said Cape Town does food better, and many more will agree with me when I say that the Mother City is indeed known for its thriving foodie scene, as it offers some of the most diverse and world-class restaurants enjoyed by both international tourists and local crowds. Honestly, take it from someone who dined at both The Onyx restaurants - Asian tapas restaurant YU for dinner, and MRKT for lunch before I headed back to Jozi.
READ MORE: 6 beautiful restaurants you can steal decor tips from
Inspired by growing interest in unique culinary experiences and travel, global food trends have shifted towards the informal, with shared plates and a more relaxed attitude to dining out. I also think this is one of Cape Town's biggest selling points when it comes to dining at CT spots - the sentiment of kinship that sharing various dishes inspires.
Menu highlights for my friends and I included Beef Short Rib Bao and a selection of unusual sushi dishes like the Marinated Seared Salmon with burnt spicy mayo and crispy bits. Oh, and not forgetting the salted Edamame beans.
YU opening hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 12pm – 11pm
But enough about my 'One Night in the Mother City' memoirs - here are some other popular trendy spots loved by content creators both in Cape Town and Joburg (expect a few multiple nominees in both cities):
Cape Town
For the views
Radisson Red
Cloud 9 Hotel
For nature's backdrops
Babylonstoren and the winelands
For interior design appreciation
Gorgeous George, The Silo and Bobo's Brasserie
For the art
The Silo, Clod 9 Boutique Hotel, and Gorgeous George
For the white robe aesthetic
Radisson Red and Romney Park Luxury Apartments
Joburg
For the perfect backdrop
The Whippet and Keyes Art Mile
Everard Gallery
For the art
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, Keyes Art Mile, and Maboneng
Or you could just be the art...
For the ideal bedroom aesthetic
Craftmanship, Maboneng
For all things fashion, food and lifestyle
44 Stanley
Know more hot spots worth Instagramming? Tell us here.
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