Pets Need a Break too

BY BRIAN BERKMAN

Luxury travel writer, brian berkman, searches out the fabulous and often affordable options available to you and your pets. Julie, his rescued mixed-breed doggie-daughter, insists on joining them.

Belmond Mount Nelson now welcomes dogs & cats

Brian Berkman says you can now take your best friend to one of Cape Town’s best hotels

Afternoon Tea at Cape Town’s gracious pink lady, Belmond Mount Nelson, began like it should, with cucumber sandwiches. Julie had already been served a large bowl of water on an elegant cork mat with ice cubes added to help keep it cool on a warm afternoon on the terrace.

Making quick work of the delicately cut finger sandwiches, crusts off, of course, she continued with the rest of her multi-course feast of braised pig ear and carrot with crackling, beef consommé jelly, rare roast beef and marrow and ended with peanut butter bone-shaped biscuits.

JP and I and two (human) friends indulged in the Mount Nelson’s Classic Afternoon Tea which is even more spectacular than the dog menu. Tea sommelier Craig came past to suggest which teas might best pair with the selection of sandwiches, cucumber of course, and salmon, just-baked scones with homemade strawberry jam and clotted cream and delicious savouries too. Another tiered selection of treats and then the invitation to select from the cakes on the buffet table in the lounge.

Tiago Sarmento, Managing Director Belmond Southern Africa, says: “The Nellie has long welcomed unique guests within its storied 125-year history. This year we are excited to delight your canine and feline friends with offerings and amenities that take the notion of being pet-friendly to a new level.”

He is correct. Their pet-focus is next level as it is a well thought through offering which is available across the whole hotel. In fact, there are only a few restrictions: pets are to be kept on the leash, never left alone at the table or in hotel rooms and to avoid Librisa Spa, Chef’s Table, and The Red Room by Chefs Warehouse. You and your pet are now truly welcome.

There are five ground-floor hotel rooms where you and your four-legged family are welcome to stay. As an inclusive property they welcome dogs and cats and have left the door ajar for other pets by arrangement although I think arriving with a pet python may be a stretch too far.

To elevate your and your pet’s stay, Mount Nelson has collaborated with local dog-turned-lifestyle brand Chommies on a range of luxury accessories for dogs and their people inspired by the hotel’s signature colours and iconic surroundings which includes a lavish velvet pooch bed. The Mount Nelson x Chommies range is on display in front of the hotel’s library lift.

Not to be outdone by the hotel’s famous human concierge service, they have a pet concierge too who can assist with recommendations of pet-sitters, pet-spa, pet health and even games. Pet Bingo, anyone?

Mount Nelson’s house cat Nellie was born on the property and is about 15-years old. Since then, he has captured the hearts of staff and guests alike, becoming much-loved celebrity in his own right. Nellie, graces the hotel with his presence as a permanent guest. While he spends his days luxuriating in the warm sunlight or gracefully patrolling his domain. Please do, however, keep your pets about of Nellie’s personal space.

Dedicated amenities and a pet room service menu is available to pamper four-legged guests. Dog Afternoon Tea is R250 while R550 for humans. A surcharge of R1045 per pet, per night will be charged. R95 per portion of wet pet meals while complimentary dry-meals are available. Pet friendly rooms and suites are based on availability.

Bookings for pet-friendly offerings should be made directly with the Reservations Department and not via online services. +27 (0)21 483 1000