Cape Town greeted me with grey skies and the soft rhythm of rain on glass, a perfect morning for reflection, layers, and a little bit of indulgence. I was checking out of the Pullman Hotel, but the day was only just beginning.
The Breakfast That Hugged My Soul
Before leaving, I treated myself to one last breakfast moment. I went for it all: cold options with salmon, fresh fruit, a warm chocolate croissant that felt like dessert at sunrise, and a made-to-order omelette. And let’s talk about those hash browns, crispy, golden, addictive. Pullman also rotates a chef’s special daily, which I loved. Thoughtful details like that stick with you.
With my bob pressed and my faithful trench coat ironed, my emotional armour lately, I slipped into heels and channelled my inner boss babe. It was time for my next stop, the She Leads Africa Brunch at Cape Grace Hotel.
She Leads, She Connects
She Leads Africa has long been a powerful force, amplifying women’s voices and championing inclusive leadership across the continent. The Cape Town brunch was an invite-only gathering of powerhouse women sharing ideas, ambition, and the heart behind their work.
At the event, I met an incredible woman from KwaZulu-Natal who works as a chef. We clicked instantly. Our chat ranged from career dreams to the resilience it takes to build a life aligned with purpose. It was one of those quiet, affirming moments that sneak up on you and stay.
What struck me most was the warm welcome. I was expected. My name was on the list. My seat was ready. In a city where I once roamed wide-eyed as a first-year student, I was now being received in rooms I’d only ever imagined. That recognition meant something.
Bolt Flex & Wine Country Views
After the event, a sleek red Citroën Bolt arrived to pick me up, graciously arranged by Bolt South Africa. It felt like a private transfer in a luxury ride, perfectly timed. Spacious, spotless, and smooth. My driver and I had one of those effortless conversations that made the ride feel like an experience in itself.
We were heading to Stellenbosch, a town I’d always heard about but never visited. And let me tell you, it delivered.
Victorian Dreams at Roosenwijn
Roosenwijn Guesthouse is a beautiful Victorian-styled home built in 1904, tucked in the heart of Stellenbosch. With its rooftop windows, antique furniture, and vintage-style bathtub, I felt like I’d stepped into a period film. Honestly, I felt like Charlotte from The Princess Diaries, poised, reflective, and wrapped in an unexpected moment of royalty.
The room was warm and intimate, with just enough creak in the floorboards to remind me I was in a space that had lived a full century of stories. The kind of place that slows your pace and settles your spirit.
That evening, I dined at The Wine Glass, a cosy gem in town. The wine selection was immense, possibly the widest I’ve seen on a single menu. I started with their vegetable soup, hearty, homey, and perfect for the cold, and followed it with a rich pasta that felt like comfort on a plate.
Seated beside a fireplace, sipping Stellenbosch’s finest, I felt a mix of solitude and fullness I hadn’t felt in a while. Gratitude doesn’t always announce itself. Sometimes it just sits quietly with you, holding your hand.
What This Trip Taught Me
This wasn’t just travel. It was transformation.
Moments like these, unexpected, unfiltered, and quietly luxurious, remind me why I started Timeless Trends, to document not just where I go but what I grow into along the way.
Through this platform, I’m learning that we don’t always need a perfect plan, just a willingness to show up. And this week, life showed up for me right back.
There’s more to come, and trust me, it only gets better from here.
