New Camps Bay gem

WORDS Malibongwe Tyilo

Inspired by the Sun King, a new five-star hotel in Camps Bay has swept VISI’s editor-at-large, Malibongwe Tyilo, off his feet – without spilling a drop of martini, of course. After floating back to earth, he told us all about The Marly and its modern Japanese restaurant, Umi. 

It’s not a great mystery why Camps Bay holds such a strong appeal to holidaymakers. Palm trees, check. White sandy beaches, check. Beautiful trendy young things and vibrant afternoon-to-evening life, check. The Marly, a new five-star hotel located on the promenade, fits right into this dream so well, we can’t quite remember what was in its place before, nor do we feel an inclination to find out.

The hotel was named after the 17th-century Chateau de Marly, which was built for when King Louis XIV (the Sun King) and his family needed a break from Versailles. That alone should give you an idea of what it’s all about and, from the moment one enters The Marly, the message of comfort and relaxation is loud and clear.

There’s the lounge with tufted velvety couches, surrounded by bookshelves, just in case you’ve had too much of the beach and the beautiful people, and you need literary retreat. However we doubt you’ll be spending much time in there because the lounge leads into a private pool area with its own bar. The white decor around the pool is complemented by lots of mirrors – after all what is the point of working on that beach body all year, if you can’t catch glimpses of your holiday self? 

However, that’s all for later, when you eventually make it out the bedroom. There are 11 rooms and six of them are sea facing. They make maximum use of the view, with spacious balconies where one can fully experience the ambience of Camps Bay. There are very few things worse than a balcony so small it merely pays lip service to the idea of al fresco lazing. Not so at The Marly where, at 27-46 sqm, there’s enough space to relax, lunch and even entertain if you feel so inclined. 

The rooms themselves are primarily decorated in a shade we like to call “valium white” – the kind of soothing desaturation that makes you want to do nothing but chillax. The white leather lounger and sofa with Nguni leather backing makes this even easier. Not to mention the spacious bathrooms with Victorian-style baths. The two deluxe rooms also feature a Jacuzzis on the balcony.

Once you’re sufficiently chilled, step just a floor below The Marly to Umi, a modern Japanese restaurant designed by Gregor Bremer of Soda designs. “Uni is a culmination of strong contemporary design elements and a Japanese-inspired layering of textures and materials,” says Gregor. “The interior is designed to be a cool, chic space focusing on comfort, while complementing the stunning views.”

As for the food, Australian chef Scott Hallsworth was commissioned to ensure its authenticity. We trust him, what with having worked at Nobu London and being Nobu Melbourne’s head chef for seven years. We also got to sample the restaurants delights and were delighted. It is perfect for hanging out with friends and family as the food is best shared. The waiters will recommend it so and bring each plate to you as soon as it’s ready.

A little tip from us, you must try their bowl of baby spinach. Admittedly it’s a striking menu with amazing flavours like the crayfish tempura, the pork belly and the lobster rolls. However, props must be given to the kitchen that can take an ordinary spinach leaf from its usual supporting role in the theatre of all things gastronomic and place into the lead role successfully.

The Marly, 201 The Promenade, Victoria Road, Camps Bay, 021 437 1287, www.themarly.co.za
Umi, 201 The Promenade, Victoria Road, Camps Bay, 021 437 1802, www.facebook.com/UmiCampsBay