Not every hotel stay is ventured to, as a storage space for luggage and valuables before seeking outside adventures. Some hotels are the experience – their walls holding a wealth of the relaxation, excitement, and distance from reality, that vacations are designed around.
I realized the value of sitting still, lethargically moving from amenity to amenity, and listening to my body’s needs and wants, while visiting The Onyx Hotel.
Glittering like a black sapphire, resolutely among towering inner-city commercial real estate and offices, the still relatively new hotel with its bold architectural features, is a balm to the struggling inner-city hospitality sector that caters to more corporate and contemporary travelers who were hindered from greatly booking themselves in from around the world during the pandemic’s lockdown restrictions.
Luckily, the hotel did bear the boon of locals getting to experience the cosmopolitan conveniences of The Onyx Hotel‘s design and hospitality once the national lockdown’s Level 3 was initiated and the hotel adapted to far more rigorous hygiene and safety protocols.
As I walked into the building to check-in, I already experienced the first stage of The Onyx‘s “stylish” and “safe” hosting elements; greeted with a light-filled reception area in jewel tones and gold accents, with a smattering of visitors and staff flittering through, and a mandate to queue to sign in and have my hands sanitized – though no social distancing was firmly enforced at the door, despite having a queue of people awaiting entry.
In a feat fit for some of the finest hotels I’ve ever had the pleasure of checking into, the team at The Onyx yielded to a request I made last-minute: to have a room with a bath.
After nearly 6 years spent traveling the world, and my documented travel escapades now trademarked with atleast one bath shot apiece, my audiences and my eternal love of sudsy comfort, led me to beg for this perk. I won’t say just how pleased of a guest I was, when I was ushered into my suite, to be greeted by, not only an expansive and modern apartment in cool and calming tones, but by a bathtub fit for my stout self as I turned to my master bedroom.
If for no other reason than the hotel being amenable to making their guest in that little small way, I would give them quite a high rating. Luckily, The Onyx actually has quite a bit going for it besides fantastic and accommodating staff.
The Day Spa
If you’re weighed down by the weight of responsibilities in your life – and even if living through the next breathe just seems a chore, or you joyously want to treat yourself – try the Sanctuary Spa for a treatment. Tension hangs heavy on my shoulders and in the palms of my hands, and at this spa, the tension was eased out using their utterly titillating advanced massage technique – using both modern and ancient methodologies.
“we incorporate elements that enhance your entire being, promoting restoration on every level and captivating the senses.”
Sanctuary Spa, The Onyx Hotel
By my recommendation, your stresses will feel far away once Lindsay gets her hands on you.
Food & Beverage
Some travelers don’t enjoy dining out every night when they’re away from home, which is why hotels like The Onyx are fantastic finds, as a majority of their suites and apartments come with a well-equipped kitchen. I was strongly tempted to whip something up, but ended up storing my takeout there.
For the restaurant-dwellers and foodies looking for a nearby find, The Onyx Hotel is home to two (2) eateries to gorge oneself within, come day or night.
MRKT is the go-to spot for business professionals looking to have business meetings, work remotely, enjoy a cuppa, or shop a few lifestyle essentials.
Customers get to choose from what some travelers would argue is a light menu of breakfast options – though there’s an à la carte and Continental dining design. As usual, I had the hotel’s Full English Breakfast as a way to ascertain whether the hotel kitchen could manage the basics; They did. While it’s not a breakfast to boast about, the MRKT breakfast fills predictably, so atleast you get your money’s worth.
On another morning, I decided to be daring with my breakfast.
The MRKT Texas breakfast is for culinary misfits who sniff at the idea of a conventional meal.
For those looking for a place to settle in for drinks, bar snacks, and a beautiful cityscape to take in, do head to YU Bar at The Onyx. The Africa Rising Cocktails – invented in a partnership between the South African Brandy Foundation, YU Restaurant and Bar, and Simonsig Wines – are quite the potent and story-laden concoctions to order, that Instagrammable moments are made of.
At night, choose to dine (and drink) in style with the sedate YU Restaurant – poised right at The Onyx Hotel ground floor, and abundant in tasty Asian food plated to impress.
“YU offers a contemporary take on Asian dining to the Foreshore in the heart of Cape Town.”
Yu Restaurant
Nearly every dish is actually well-matched with Simonsig wines and the beautifully shrink-wrapped bottled Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar and Satin Nectar Rosé, so do treat yourself to a bottle, while ordering some Asian-themed food. And if you’re keen to learn more about the restaurant and the inspiration behind everything from the decor to the food, look out for the owner Rory Jossel and ask him for the story.
The Possibility of a Tour
Curating your own tour of a place can be daunting after the rigorous process of booking travel basics. This is why companies like Ilios Tours are choice finds to secure an affordable, quality, and warm touring experience.
With my troupe, we ventured to the Winelands and seamlessly moved from tasting to dining, safely, in a timely manner, and with ease.
On the excursion to sample the wares of some of the Cape Winelands more renowned and beloved vine savants, I got to experience a terrifyingly curt but wholly educational lesson on fine (and well-aged) Brandys at Van Ryn’s Distillery, flex my tastebuds range to think up even more divine brandy and food pairings beyond chocolate alone and, see some of the captivating vistas stretching out for hundreds of kilometers. But this makes up only a fraction of the touring opportunities ready for the taking.
As a hotel that is part of Newmark hotels, The Onyx Hotel page on the Newmark site, makes finding fun and memorable travel experiences simpler – with website visitors able to book experiences such as: “Shark Cage Diving Adventures”, Paragliding experiences, and even a Full-day Peninsula Tour.
There is also the hotel’s helpful and efficient concierge team ready to make every part of your travel experience easier and comfortable – including booking your tours!
I’ve been looking for ways to pass this colder season by in the Cape; And experiencing winter wanderings like this, has brought me fresh vigour to venture out rather than huddle in; After all: Stylish Safe Stays aren’t just for the summer!
So whether you’re looking for a cozy staycation, or are desiring more space and professional hospitality management, The Onyx Hotel is here to welcome you graciously.
