Abalone Pool Villas, Paternoster

Picture pristine beaches, luxury seaside accommodation, your own sapphire blue private pool overlooking the ocean, set in a quaint fisherman's village made up of whitewashed dwellings and you have Abalone Pool Villas in Paternoster. I experienced this amazing accommodation through Miles For Style. An online platform in partnership with SAA voyager where you can shop products, experiences and of course accommodation. The cool part? You can use Voyager miles to shop or earn them when you shop! 

Situated a two-hour drive outside of Cape Town this gorgeous fishing village makes you feel as if you have stepped into a simpler time. Everything here moves slowly and a long walk on the beach or a lazy afternoon activity is just what the doctor ordered. 

The villas are self-catering and come with a private butler that will attend to your needs. The stay includes breakfast and can be (on request) set up overlooking the blue waters of the bay. The interior is elegant and the deep blue theme runs throughout the establishment. Each villa sleeps 4 in two bedrooms and has a private pool and braai (BBQ) area.

The bedrooms all overlook the private swimming pool with stack away doors that welcome in the sea breeze. With king size beds, air conditioning and big bathrooms what’s not to love? 

With award-winning restaurants a stone's throw away you will be spoilt for choice should you choose to wander out for dinner and lunch. I made my way down to a popular spot called Gaaitjie (bookings essential) which is on the beach and boasts some of the best views in my opinion. definitely, request a patio seat. 

Be sure to order the seafood as most of it has been freshly caught that morning by the local hardworking fisherman. Washed down with crisp white wine you will feel as if you are sitting in some delicate version of heaven while taking in the views and sunshine. 

With whale watching, beach visits, and west coast park day tours you will have plenty of activities to choose from or take a load off and simply soak in all the relaxation poolside or visit Abalone House & Spa, the sibling boutique hotel of the Abalone Pool Villas. They have a spa for pampering and I recommend a full body massage to work out all the city knots. 

Paternoster is a special place on the west coast and two days will leave you feeling as if you had a full week’s break on an island somewhere in the Mediterranean.

If you do it in the comfort and luxury of Abalone Pool Villas then you cannot go wrong! 

-Melissa 

*This blog post is sponsored by Miles For Style and Abalone Guest house. All opinions are my own. 

Experiencing ONE at Cavalli Estate

I was recently invited to experience One at Cavalli Estates restaurant. Run by executive Chef Michael Deg; One is a celebration of a single fresh hero ingredient from the garden showcased in classic dishes that let the ingredient shine. Created to celebrate Michaels appointment I couldn't wait to experience what he has on offer. 

Our ingredient was Celeriac. I must admit I was a little sceptical as I haven't had many great celeriac dishes. A humble root vegetable that tastes a bit like it’s cousin, the celery. 

The setting in gorgeous with a modern upmarket bistro interior with strong lines in the architecture. The patio has two fire pits, which I imagine would be wonderful in winter and overlooks a vista of magnificent mountains. Since it was a hot summers day it was most welcome to sit close to the waters edge with a light breeze, misting spray and crisp wine. 

It has been a while since I have had such a perfectly paired wine to meal experience. Farai Magwada is the sommelier and hats off to him! Each and every wine was perfectly in sync with the meals I experienced. Of course, this also meant I finished each and every glass of my five-course meal. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday in my opinion. 

The flavour journey began with a celeriac gazpacho that reminded me how much I love simple things such as the flavour pairing of pea and mint. Topped with goats cheese it was, melt in your mouth creamy. Paired with Cavalli's Vendetta, a white blend that is one of their premium flagship wines - it was by far my favourite wine. 

The journey continued through celeriac tartare topped with crisp ginger served with an easy drinking rosé. 

One of my top dishes of the day was the vegetable dumpling in an umami broth. Perfectly paired with Paul Cluver's Gewurtztraminer. Also, a spectacular wine that was matched with an equally spectacular dish. I will dream of those flavours for a while to come! 

The top dish of the day award goes to the Roasted Cauliflower and celeriac pureé. The dish was inspired. Its flavour profile reminded me of a bobotie (a South African curried mince dish) with its saltiness and curry spice but then it was elevated by the macadamia nuts and fried caper berries. Each bite had texture and flavour that was bursting at the seams. 

If you find yourself at the estate make sure to visit the Well Worn exhibition. I worthwhile visit exploring some of the amazing art from great South African Artists and a perfect way to end off a gorgeous afternoon! 

-Melissa 

*this blog post is sponsored by Cavalli estate. All opinions are my own. 

Roasted tomato and chickpea bowl

This bowl is one of my go-to bowls to make for lunch or dinner. I love it because you can make all the elements individually for meal prep or you can roast everything in one pan and make it a one pan wonder. If you make it individually then the same roasting rules applies to each veggie you are roasting, you'll just have more dishes! Its filled with all the flavours and packs a punch of protein with the chickpeas. I have added some spice but this is something totally optional. Play around with it and see what makes your taste buds sing! 

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Ingredients: 

• 250 grams cooked chickpeas 
• 300 grams zucchini, cut into 2cm chunks 
• 400 grams cherry tomatoes 
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil 
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 
• salt and pepper 
• 1 cup wild rice 
• 2 handfuls fresh rocket 
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon buckwheat 
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds 
• 1 ripe avocado 

For the dressing:

• 3-4 tablespoons olive oil - I use 4. 
• 1 tablespoon tahini 
• 1 teaspoon honey 
• juice of 1 medium lemon 

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Instructions: 

preheat the oven to 180°

In a large roasting tin add the chickpeas, zucchini, cherry tomatoes and cover with the coconut oil. Add the spices and toss until evenly covered. Season and pop it into the oven for 35-45 minutes or until all your veggies are golden brown and soft. Keep an eye on them so that the chickpeas don't burn and toss the veggies at the halfway point. 

Cook the rice as per packet instructions. Once ready, set aside. 

Meanwhile, in a small bowl mix together all the ingredients for the dressing. 

Once the veggies are ready remove them from the oven. Add the rice to the roasting tray along with the dressing, rocket and nutritional yeast. Mix together until well combined. 

Add the salad to your serving dish. Top with sliced avo. Sprinkle over the buckwheat and pumpkin seeds and serve!

-Melissa  

A night at Bosjes, Breede Valley

A little over an hours drives outside of Cape Town tucked away at the foot of mountains in the breede valley you will find Bosjes Estate. A magnificent property with landscaped gardens and their own architectural feat, the chapel. 

I was lucky enough to visit this gorgeous property and enjoy a night at the homely guest house. With its old Dutch charm the building is welcoming and contrasts the modern design of the restaurant and chapel. 

The interior is chic with pops of colour and rooms elegant with a gorgeous fireplace to keep you warm should you visit in the winter months! The rooms have a large king-sized bed and are fitted with black and white sophisticated bathrooms. The artwork in the rooms are beautiful and you cant but notice the attention to detail throughout. 

The wonderful thing with the guest house is that you can arrange to have a braai (BBQ) set up outside at the pool and enjoy a wonderful evening under the stars with a view of the mountain range. The ultimate relaxation. It is also a wonderful way to enjoy a truly South African experience in ultimate comfort. Breakfast is served bright and early in continental style. 

As a mid-morning treat, go and experience the teetuin (tea garden) which is simply fantastic. The gardens have been so well thought out and the detail is amazing. Each plant has a meaning and each area a plan for long-term growth. You can explore the gardens while sipping on tea or indulge in an over the top milkshake. The Chapel is what Bosjes is most famous for. With its recognizable architecture and its magnificent position on the estate, I am not surprised. It is rather breathtaking.   

The Kombuis is the onsight restaurant and with Kim Cox as the head chef, she has put together a hearty and tasty menu. The food is fresh and based on seasonal produce with a fun bistro flair to it. 

If you find yourself in need of a wedding venue or just a night away then taking a drive to Bosjes will be very worth your while! 

-Melissa 

*This blog post is sponosred by Bojes. All opinions are my own. 

Sunshine mylk - a healthy alternative to coffee

If you lead a stressful life, which most of us do, we often reach for a coffee first thing in the morning. The problem with this can be that you can put your adrenal glands under more stress and set yourself up for a day of caffeine spikes and lows. As much as you need the energy, sometimes coffee isn't the solution. 

I've teamed up with Le Creuset to bring you a healthy coffee alternative that is not only delicious but is anti-inflammatory and soothing to the body. Of course, I am showing it off in their new gorgeous deep teal range. My favourite colour to date! To say I am obsessed is putting it mildly. With its restful green hues and soothing blues, I thought it would work beautifully with something that will calm your body rather than send it into overdrive. Nourishing your body means looking after it when it needs it the most.  

I have created my turmeric lattes or sunshine mylk, as I like to call it with sunflower seeds. This means that the drink is high in fiber, as you don't strain the milk. If this is something that isn't your taste you are more than welcome to substitute it with almond milk or a milk substitute of your choice. When choosing one, try focus on nut milk, as they tend to be better for you than soy-based products. If you are not used to Turmeric lattes maybe try it with almond milk and see how you go. 

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Ingredients: 

For the Mylk:

•  1 cup raw unsalted sunflower seeds 
• 3 cups filtered water 
• If you are using a milk alternative use 3 cups. 
   

For the sunshine:

• 1 cup boiling water 
• 1 tablespoon coconut butter (optional) 
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom  
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste 
• 5 majool dates 

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Instructions: 

Add all the ingredients plus the coconut butter and dates to a high-speed blender. You need something high speed to macerate the seeds. Once it is all combined add it to a saucepan. If you are using almond milk then add the almond milk, coconut butter, and dates. 

Add the remaining ingredients to the saucepan and bring to a simmer. Serve immediately. 

If you would like to store the mylk it will keep for 3 days in the fridge. Separation is normal as the fiber is in the mylk.  

The mylk can also turn slightly brown from oxidation - don't worry its still lovely to drink! 

-Melissa 

p.s deep teal is part of Le Creuset’s new Natures Kitchen collection and is available storewide and online here from March 2018.

*This blog post is sponsored by Le Creuset. All opinions are my own.