Living in Cape Town means having access to hundreds of bucket-list experiences, which people travel far and wide to come see, right on your doorstep. But there are so many of the most exciting highlights that I’ve never even seen myself because well, that’s what locals tend to do. So having visitors come to stay gives me the opportunity to show them the best of the best of the Mother City. It’s the ideal excuse for me to make time to explore my home city like a tourist.
When my sister and brother-in-law started planning their visit to Cape Town from Melbourne, I started making lists. I knew I wanted to start their Cape Town holiday staying somewhere beautiful and unique right in the heart of Cape Town, so that we could explore the city before heading further afield. I’d had somewhere particularly special in mind for a while, so I knew we would have to spend at least a couple of nights staying on board the Jackie O Yacht.
Staying on board the Jackie O Yacht
The beautiful Jackie O is a classic 115 ft luxury yacht. It was built back in the 1960’s on the Seine in France and is now permanently moored in the V&A Waterfront, with possibly the best view of Table Mountain in the city. Being based in the heart of the V&A Waterfront, which is a major tourist attraction in itself (visited by over 24 million people every year!), means guests have access to the best shopping and some of the nicest restaurants in the city.
The Jackie O can sleep up to 8 people in 4 luxurious en-suite cabins, which are surprisingly spacious. Inside the yacht, there’s a large lounge and an elegant bar, with a full-sized kitchen and a spacious boardroom. We couldn’t get enough of the views, so made full use of the huge upstairs deck, which gives you a complete and uninterrupted eyeful of Cape Town’s beautiful Table Mountain.
Dining on board the Jackie O Yacht
Although we were surrounded by restaurants, we opted to bring a few snacks on board for dinner and watch the sunset over the city from our own prime spot. Once you’re on board the Jackie O, you might find it hard to leave. I’d recommend just making yourself comfortable on board and asking the amazing crew to help with an order from any of the restaurants in the Waterfront, so you can enjoy as much time as possible on the boat. There are over 80 restaurants at the Waterfront, so whether you’re craving sushi or burgers, you won’t go hungry.
If you’re prone to motion sickness (I am!) you’ll be pleased to know that the yacht is big enough and the waterfront is calm enough that you don’t really feel the motion of the ocean at all. Even during our second night, when the wind picked up and it started to rain, we slept like babies in our suites and hardly noticed any motion at all. Ever since stepping off the yacht I have been craving being back on it once more! We may have to contact Adventuress Luxury Catamaran when we visit San Diego next month to try another Yacht rental.
Hosting events on board the Jackie O Yacht
The Jackie O is available for events, which I wish I’d known when I was planning my 30th birthday party! It can host up to 50 people, with 8 staying over on board of course. It’s a gorgeous and luxurious blank canvas, so you can decorate according to your own style and theme, with the mountain and the Waterfront as your backdrop.
Staying on the Jackie O was one of the most unique things I’ve done in Cape Town and whether you’re planning a romantic staycation or a holiday, you’ll love it. Rooms can be booked from R3500 per night, and the whole yacht is available for events from R35 000. You can find out more or book your stay at www.jackieo.capetown.
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*We stayed on board the Jackie O as guests of the hotel.
