Book a Summery Picnic at The Mount Nelson Hotel

Words: Julie Velosa

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We’re in the midst of glorious Cape Town summer and even though the beaches and parks are closed, there are still a few creative and safe things you can do to enjoy the sunshine. One of our recommendations is to book a picnic at the ever lush Mount Nelson Hotel, which we recently did.

Garden and Poolside Picnics

Picnics are a new offering for the hotel (along with these other Al Fresco options) and the team have put together two amazing experiences – you can opt for a garden picnic or, as we did, a poolside picnic, which includes a pool lounger, swimming towel and access to the main swimming pool area.

We arrived at the hotel reception, had our temperatures checked and then took a stroll through to the pool area. If you’ve visited the hotel before, you’ll know that their large pool (heated to just the right temperature that you can dive right in) is positioned within the verdant green lawns of the grounds. Once you’re ensconced in the gardens, the sounds of the city disappear and you could literally be anywhere in the world.

Poolside Picnic at the Mount Nelson Hotel

Your individual picnic area will already be set up for you when you arrive for the number of people in your party. Because the garden area is vast, groups are set well far apart from each other and numbers are kept small.

We just loved the fact that the pool set up included loungers, large comfy pillows, blankets, an umbrella and a drinks table – making it super comfy for whether you want to read, tan, snooze or swim.

What’s in the basket

The team delivered a lovely wicker basket to us positively bursting with delicious bites. Each course is individually boxed in recyclable packaging and included a selection of local cheeses and charcuterie, smoked salmon with horseradish cream, crudites with hummus, crackers and freshly baked bread. There were also positively moreish cooked bites such as meatballs and mini quiches.

We also loved the jars of nibbles that you could keep sealed and snack on throughout the day including olives, biltong and droëwors.

In true Mount Nelson style, the desserts looked as if they had hopped right off the high tea table and into a picnic box – a stunningly moist carrot cake bite, mini cheesecake and petite chocolate eclair. To round out the summery feeling, a box of fresh strawberries complete with chocolate sauce and whipped cream.

In-between tucking into all that gorgeous fair and some holiday reading, we took dips in the pool to cool off – it certainly makes for a stunning and relaxing way to spend a day. Booking is essential, so check the weather forecast, pick a day and make your booking.