Heritage Day brings slow afternoons and the unmistakable atmosphere of a South African braai. Set between the Atlantic coastline and the slopes of Lion’s Head, The President Hotel offers an easy base from which to experience some of Cape Town’s most restorative rituals, while gathering together over generous food and warm hospitality.
Thursday begins with arrival in Bantry Bay as late afternoon sunlight settles across the ocean. After check-in, guests can head out for a gentle walk along the Sea Point Promenade. As the sun drops into the sea, the light softens towards evening.
Heritage Day itself centres around the Heritage Day Braai at The President Hotel. The experience begins at 1 pm with a welcoming mingle, craft beer and a selection of braai-inspired tapas. Grilled roosterkoek topped with snoek pâté and kumquat chutney, mini boerewors rolls with chakalaka, and smoky bites prepared over open flames set the tone for the afternoon ahead.
At the heart of the experience is the braai itself. The menu draws on South African flavours from both land and sea, prepared with a refined coastal touch. Cape Malay mussel pot and curry lamb potjies arrive alongside beef sirloin stuffed with spinach and feta, lamb chops finished with chakalaka jus, sosaties fresh from the grill, and line fish brightened with coriander and lime. Seasonal sides fill the table, from baked baby potatoes with feta and caramelised onion to rustic fire-roasted vegetables and crispy pap with grilled peppers.
Dessert closes the afternoon with a sense of nostalgia. Warm malva pudding, peppermint crisp petit gateaux, milk tart verrines and traditional hertzoggies over familiar South African favourites reimagined for the occasion. Fires burn slowly, glasses stay full, and conversation carries long after the plates have been cleared.
Friday morning starts slowly with coffee on the terrace before setting out toward Saunders’ Rock Tidal Pool.
At Saunders’, the water settles between granite boulders, protected from the open sea. A cold plunge here has become something of a Cape Town ritual for many locals. The Atlantic temperature awakens the senses long after stepping back onto the rocks to warm in the morning sun.
Breakfast follows back at the hotel before a leisurely afternoon. Guests may choose to unwind beside the pool, explore Clifton and Camps Bay, or retreat into relaxation at Cove Wellness Spa. Deep tissue massages, restorative facials and wellness treatments create space to fully slow down as the long weekend continues.
As evening approaches, the Atlantic Seaboard glows gold in the late light. A scenic drive along the coastline offers one of Cape Town’s most iconic Spring sunsets, where mountain silhouettes meet the ocean in shifting shades of blue and amber.
Saturday leaves space to explore at an unhurried pace. Spend the morning discovering the coastline, settle in beside the pool or head out towards Clifton and Camps Bay before returning to Bantry Bay as the day draws to a close. With no need to rush, the long weekend offers time to take in Cape Town in between long lunches, ocean swims and quiet moments by the Atlantic.
Sunday brings the weekend to a close with one final slow morning by the coast. Enjoy breakfast overlooking
the ocean, take one last walk along the promenade or settle in with coffee on the terrace before departure.
After a few days of good food, open-air rituals and time spent together, the long weekend comes to a close.
Heritage Day Braai
Thursday, 24 September 2026 | 1 pm arrival
R595 per adult, including a draft beer on arrival
R295 per child
For more information or to book, email [email protected] or call 021 434 8111.
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Featured Image: Supplied
