Discover Cape Town's winter secrets

Winter in Cape Town is known as the secret season amongst locals, who enjoy luxury spoils at low season prices.Contrary to popular belief, June and July are not necessarily dreary and wet in the Mother City. In fact, in between the rainy weather we get some of the most beautiful days of blue sky and mild temperatures.An added bonus is that there is no howling South Easter in winter, which often plagues the Cape in summer. Sunny and mild winter weather calls for visitors and locals to enjoy the full benefits of the exciting nature-based adventure tourism and leisure activities which are available in abundance near Table Mountain, which has recently been voted as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.Whether you choose to hike up Table Mountain or explore the mountain on an abseiling adventure, conquer Lion's Head or visit Cape Point nature reserve to meet the local troops of baboons, Cape Town will keep you entertained. If mountain biking through Newlands forest or admiring Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens spectacular fynbos flora are not on your list, you can set sail on a harbour cruise from the V&A Waterfront to catch a glimpse of a visiting whale or cajoling dolphins. Visit the penguins at Boulders Beach near Simons Town and, if you believe "local is lekker*", perhaps you can even cast a line at Kalk Bay harbour and catch something for the pot. *lekker - South African slang word for coolWhen you tire from your action-packed outdoor vacation activities, it may be time to satisfy your appetite with the best that Cape Town has to offer. The Test Kitchen at the Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock has just been ranked 28th on the Worlds 50 Best Restaurants (up from position 48 in 2014), so book early to sample chef Luke Dale Roberts world-class cuisine.Many top Cape Town restaurants offer really good gourmet winter menus, so take your pick from Umi in Camps Bay, 5Rooms at the Alphen Boutique Hotel in Constantia, Paranga in Camps Bay, Beluga in Green Point, Aubergine in Gardens, Sevruga at the V&A Waterfront, Harbour House in Kalk Bay and Zenzero in Camps Bay, to mention a few. For more options, check Eat Out's list.Cape Town and its winelands offer both great wines and excellent fireplace locations, which in combination is the perfect antidote when the winter chill sets in. Get cosy at Azure Restaurant in Camps Bay, Charcoal Dining in Gardens, trendy Jackal & Hide in Kloof Street, Gardens, Kloof Street House, also in Gardens, La Mouette in Sea Point or pub-style Café Verdi in Wynberg. Check out Cape Town magazines list for more options.After sampling some of the wines that are slowly nurtured near Cape Town, nothing can be more inviting than a warm bed in a beautiful room somewhere near the sea. It is time to head back to your luxury holiday rental accommodation in Bantry Bay where you can complete a perfect day with a relaxing hot bath followed by well-deserved rest.This is the life offered by the beautiful Cape during its secret season. If you promise to keep the secret, you are welcome to share these spoils this winter. Visit our property listings tofind upmarketholiday accommodation to suit your needs.