There are a host of things to do in Cape Town on Women’s Day this year. Take some time out for yourself or spoil the ladies in your life with a pampering brunch at the Waterfront or at the tranquil Walker Bay region, a spa session at One&Only’s gorgeous island space, or end it off with a fancy cocktail at an intimate rooftop bar in Bree Street.
However you choose to spend it, Benn Ndzoyiya picked out the best things to do on Women’s Day in the city including events, fun challenges, places to eat and exhibitions to see.
DINE IN QUIET ELEGANCE AT THE TAJ HOTEL
Bombay Brasserie at TAJ Cape Town is long regarded as a culinary journey into fine North Indian cuisine with a dash of authentic Cape Town flair and flavour. Here the mood is romantic and cosy with moody lighting and sophisticated service. Firm favourites on the menu include Baingan Bharta which is clay oven smoked Aubergine and Tikka Masala and the Charred Tikka with fenugreek, onion and tomato sauce.
For a more contemporary approach to dining in a bistro setting, Mint Restaurant and Wood-Fired Grill come highly recommended.
Make Mint your go-to for easy all-day dining while dinner amps up the factor. Expect a selection of steaks and seafood, and other cuts cooked just right. The outdoor terrace space is also a great excuse to unwind with late afternoon cocktails.
Cost: A la carte menu
When: Dinner, 6pm to 10:30pm | Bar area, 4pm to 10.30pm. Book here
Where: Taj Cape Town, 1 Wale Street, corner St Georges Mall, Cape Town CBD
FREE DOUBLE G&T WITH ALL CRUISES ON WOMEN’S DAY ONLY
Waterfront Charters is offering a complimentary double gin and tonic for all bookings on Wednesday, 9 August. Their champagne cruises, grand sunset trips, luxury private yacht charters and others all offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic coastline.
The Sunset Champagne Cruise is one of the most popular things to do in Cape Town. A ‘must do’ sunset cruise for locals and tourists alike on the Esperance, Serenity One and other vessels, this serene experience to end off the day and toast with loved ones. Kids are welcome to hop on board as well. See here for their full range of cruises.
Cost: Various costs
When: Daily, book here
Where: Waterfront Charters, Shop 5, Quay 5, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
TRY A QUICK PAMPERING TREATMENT AT THIS HIDDEN RESORT SPA
One&Only Cape Town Spa is known for its super-indulgent treatments and serene atmosphere. This Cape Town spa is a plush, hushed environment hidden away on a little island at the resort to get you feeling relaxed before you’ve even checked in at reception. Arrive early or explore the spa amenities after your treatment including a steam room, sauna, relaxation space, and ice fountain.
The wow factor is their gorgeous Vitality pool – a warm water pool with stimulating bubble jets and beds 20-metre indoor pool and moody lighting overhead.
Cost: See treatment menu here. Book via spa.reservations@oneandonlycapetown.com
When: Daily, from 8am to 8pm
Where: One&Only Cape Town, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront
SEE THIS AWARD-WINNING PLAY ABOUT A FRAUGHT MOTHER-AND-DAUGHTER RELATIONSHIP
The Beauty of Queen Leenane is a darkly comic tale about the dysfunctional, and often savage relationship between mother and daughter, Mag and Maureen Folan.
The play follows the life of Maureen, an unmarried middle-aged woman, who cares for her ailing mother Mag and tries to find love. When the two brothers enter, we are set on a path to the play’s thrilling conclusion. Interspersed with romance and wit, this psychological thriller promises to have audiences on the edge of their seats.
Multi-award winner Charmaine Weir-Smith directs a stellar cast headlined by the eminent Jennifer Steyn as Mag, Julie-Anne McDowell as Maureen, Bryan Hiles as Pato and Sven Ruygrok as Ray. READ MORE and see our interview with How Now Brown Cow’s General Manager Daniel Galloway
Cost: From R150pp to R240pp, book via Webtickets
When: Running until 19 August. Evening performances run from Monday to Saturday at 7:30pm, with matinees on Saturdays at 2pm
Where: Baxter Theatre, Main Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town
A SOPHISTICATED SPOIL WITH FASHION AND FINE CUISINE
TANG at V&A Waterfront is hosting a sumptuous dining spoil. Tuck into a six-course Kaiseki menu by Executive Group Chef Vixa Kalenga, watch models parade a collection of playful yet sophisticated looks, and sip on bubbles from Moët & Chandon. There’s also the unique opportunity to interact with Cape Town’s renowned fashion designer, Kat van Duinen. Plus guests can arrive and create unique memories before leaving with a Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates Mystery Gift Bag. READ MORE
Cost: R850pp, includes 6-course Kaiseki tasting menu, welcome cocktail, and mystery gift. Advance booking via email is required
When: Wednesday, 9 August from 12pm
Where: Shop 153, V&A Waterfront, 19 Breakwater Boulevard, Cape Town
AFTERNOON TEA AT MOUNT NELSON
Afternoon tea at Mount Nelson Hotel celebrates over 60 tea varieties curated by their tea sommelier, Craig Cupido while celebrated pâtissier, Vicky Gurovich and Executive Chef George Jardine pack a range of flavours into melt-in-the-mouth sweet and savoury surprises. End off the experience with a walk in the garden, typified by the flawless lawns and rows of roses. Booking is essential for the afternoon tea and there are two seating times. READ MORE
Cost: R495 per adult and R350 per child (ages 4 to 11), book via reservations.mnh@belmond.com
When: Every Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm & 3pm
Where: Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, 76 Orange Street, Gardens
EXPLORE ZANELE MUHOLI’S NEW EXHIBITION AT SOUTHERN GUILD
Visual artist Zanele Muholi’s exhibition currently on show at Southern Guild is the artist’s largest presentation of new sculpture to date, featuring several monumental bronzes alongside new photography in the Somnyama Ngonyama (Hail the Dark Lioness) series, video work and a dedicated space for programming and educational outreach.
With self-portraiture as its predominant mode, Muholi presents a personal reckoning with themes including sexual pleasure and freedom, inherited taboos around female genitalia and biological processes, gender-based violence and the resultant trauma, pain and loss, sexual rights and biomedical education. READ MORE
Cost: Free entry
When: Running until 18 August. Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm. Saturday, 10am to 2pm
Where: Silo 5, S Arm Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
SIMON’S TOWN RETURNS WITH THEIR ANNUAL WOMEN’S DAY SWIMMING EVENT
Simon’s Bay Mile is an annual Women Only swim that brings together women young and old to share their love of open water swimming and the ocean. The Simon’s Bay Mile starts and finishes on the beach at Simon’s Town Long Beach. Swimmers start at Long Beach for a 1 Mile / 1609m looped course of Simon’s Bay against the backdrop of mountains and resident South African Navy ships. The kelp forests of Simon’s Bay offer Swimmers possible glimpses of the vibrant marine life.
Swimmers must wear a brightly coloured swim cap of either Pink, Yellow, Green, Red or Orange. Complete the 1 Mile course and receive a finishers gift, plus there are category prizes also for the Top 3 Swimmers in both Skins and Wetsuits. READ MORE
Cost: R250pp, book via Entryninja
When: Wednesday, from 9am
Where: Driegebroeders Road, Simon’s Town
UNWIND WITH LIVE JAZZ WEDNESDAYS AT THIS UBER-CHIC ROOFTOP BAR IN BREE STREET
The Old Bailey is partnering with The Cape Town Music Academy for a live jazz music evening every Wednesday for the month of August 2023. Sink into the plush, cosy seats next to the fireplace or relax on the rooftop space while the mellowy sounds of the Ramon Alexander Trio set the mood for a chilled, sophisticated evening out.
Table service includes classic and signature cocktails, a wide selection of whiskies and premium spirits, as well as an extensive wine list. And to complement that, a light bar menu ranges from oysters, Tuna Tartar and Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls, to jamón, Stuffed Chicken Wings, Chorizo with Potato Salad, and more, plus dessert.
Cost: R120pp, book via Quicket. Excludes food and drink
When: Running until 30 August. Every Wednesday, from 8pm to 10pm
Where: The Old Bailey, 91 Bree Street, Cape Town CBD
WEAR PINK FOR THIS EARLY MORNING WORKOUT AND BUFFET BRUNCH AT RADISSON RED WATERFRONT
Start the day off right! There’s an outdoor fitness experience taking place at Raddison RED Waterfront’s rooftop venue hosted by Joslyn Lategan. On the cards is a fun approach to fitness with group workouts to a vibey playlist, followed by a double the workout + a healthy buffet brunch.
Cost: R260pp, book via Quicket
When: Wednesday 9 August, from 8am to 9am
Where: No. 6, Silo, Silo Square, V&A Waterfront
FOOD AND WINE PAIRING IN THE EAST CITY PRECINCT
Try a food and wine pairing event with Goede Hoop Wine Estate at Harringtons Cocktail Lounge. This wine event in Cape Town has a few surprises in store for the evening including Sabrage, expert talks and more. Goede Hoop Wine Estate is a generational wine farm situated off the old road between Stellenbosch and Kuils River.
In 1928 the Bestbier family purchased the wine estate and today Pieter Bestbier is a third-generation winemaker at the winery. Start your evening with an aperitivo and glass of wine on arrival, mains, and petit fours or dessert.
Cost: R275pp for tastings including dinner. R100pp for wine tasting only. Book via bookings@harringtonstreet.co.za
When: Wednesday 9 August, from 6m to 10pm
Where: Harringtons Cocktail Lounge, 61B Harrington Street, District Six
CONNECT WITH FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS FOR LUNCH OR AFTERNOON TEA AT BENGUELA COVE
This year, Benguela Cove is ringing in Women’s Day in style with a host of decadent dining events in the Cape Winelands. Indulge in their afternoon tea or lunch experience, accompanied by free flowing award-winning Cap Classique.
Get inspired by the positive stories of four extraordinary female entrepreneur speakers. Connect with like-minded women for the networking session. The afternoon tea menu includes a pot of tea, yummy finger sandwiches, delicious scones, and a selection of individual patisseries. The lunch menu includes a selection of a la carte starters, mains, sides and desserts.
Cost: Afternoon Tea, R420pp | Bubbly Brunch, R195pp for Bottomless Cuvée58 Rosé Cap Classique plus R50pp entry fee. A la carte menu applies. Book here
When: Wednesday 9 August, various times
Where: Benguela Cove Wine Estate, R43, Botriver Lagoon, Walker Bay, Hermanus
THIS LIVE MUSIC EVENT PAY TRIBUTE TO FEMALE SWING JAZZ ARTISTS OF THE 30S
Cape Town Swing is celebrating the sounds of some of the most influential female swing jazz artists from the 1930s, ’40s, and ’50s. The Blue Shoes Swingtet, a fiery five-piece swing jazz band, is planning a special repertoire as the perfect soundtrack to an afternoon filled with wining and dining set to the backdrop of the beautiful Stellenbosch mountains.
Booking is required to secure your table at La Pineta Restaurant. Not keen on driving out? The event is running a return bus trip departing from Muizenberg at 11:30am with a pick-up stop in Cape Town CBD at 12pm, and returning at 5pm. Tickets cost R200pp and must be booked in advance via this Google Form.
Cost: R200pp, book via Quicket. Excludes food and drink, and bus ticket
When: Running until 18 August. Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm. Saturday, 10am to 2pm
Where: La Pineta Restaurant, R44, Stellenbosch NU, Stellenbosch
HIGH TEA WITH BOTTOMLESS BUBBLES AT LABORIE ESTATE
Laborie Estate’s charming High Tea for Women’s Day is set in the stylish Suzanne restaurant at the wine farm. Expect popular treats such as traditional cucumber finger sandwiches and buttermilk scones with cream and preserve, decadent chocolate brownies, mini milk tarts, and rum and vanilla pastries. A pot of freshly brewed Rooibos, Peppermint, English breakfast, or Earl Grey tea is included, as well as unlimited Laborie bubbles.
Cost: R500pp, book via Quicket
When: Wednesday 9 August, from 11am to 2pm
Where: Suzanne restaurant at Laborie Estate, Taillefer Street, Paarl
PICK YOUR OWN LAVENDER AT THIS SCENIC STELLENBOSCH FARM
Get your group of friends, family and colleagues together and pick your own fragrant bunch of lavender at this farm in Stellenbosch! Canettevallei Lavender Farm is a grounding and sensory experience that allows you to switch off and deeply connect with nature and fragrance. A pair of scissors and measuring tape is provided.
Cost: R50pp per bunch. Book via Whatsapp on 072 730 9811
When: Wednesday 9 August, from 11am to 1pm
Where: Canettevallei Lavender Farm, Stellenboschkloof Road, Vlottenburg, Stellenbosch
