KEY WEST LIVING - bungalows to mansions and everything in between

 

I VISITED KEY WEST IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR, AND HEADING BACK AGAIN NEXT WEEK.  I LOVE THIS ISLAND.  ONE OF THOUSANDS OF THE FLORIDA "KEYS", NOT ALL ARE INHABITED, BUT KEY WEST HAS ABOUT A THIRD OF THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF THE KEYS.  THE DWELLINGS BLEND TOGETHER TO MAKE A MAGNIFICENT PALETTE OF "OH GORGEOUS".  SOME ARE QUAINT, OTHERS GRAND, IMMACULATE AND INTERESTING, COLORFUL, RUSTY AND GAUDY.  GORGEOUS.  TROPICAL PLANTS ARE EVERYWHERE, PALMS, BOUGAINVILLEA, CROTONS, HIBISCUS, FRANGIPANI - I'M AT HOME IN THIS TROPICAL PARADISE. 

The Grand Cafe and Beach, Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA

Another amazing pit stop during my trip back home to South Africa.  The Grand Cafe and Beach, right near the V & A Waterfront,  is one of the trendiest of places to see and be seen in and around Cape Town.  Beach cafe style meets Parisian chic with leather couches to lounge in, with your feet in the sand, and all the while, sipping a frosted glass of some delectable cocktail, and snacking on the best grilled calamari.  Yes, leather couches sitting in beach sand.  Persian rugs, antique furniture, crystal chandeliers and beach umbrellas.  High heel shoes and cool beachy espadrilles.  Crayfish sandwiches and paper thin crusted pizzas - while watching the boats sail by on the Atlantic Ocean.  Lovely.

Oyster Box Hotel, Umhlanga Rocks, South Africa

 A spectacular 5 star hotel, on the Indian Ocean, impecable service, stunning views, top bars and restaurants, a must see visit if you are ever in Durban, South Africa.  Recently renovated to world class standard, I remember visiting this hotel and spending hot summer days on this beach as a child.  

In the foyer

Spectacular arrangement of Strelitzia leaves with Anthurium flowers

The Palm Court, serving traditional afternoon teas

The Grill Room for fine dining

The Oyster Bar - note the glass tiles on the floor that you can look through, below that is a wine bar, table setting for a wedding that we sat sipping champagne and witnessing the joyful revelry.  

Looking through the glass floor - we are watching you

Superior service, champagne and a delicious cheeseboard for 3

Some of the amazing collection of African art which is displayed throughout the hotel

View from The Lighthouse Bar - a working lighthouse

I loved this bar with its touches, or should I say shock, of bright red, which bounce off the lighthouse just perfectly

Lighthouse Terrace - red blankets are draped across the chair backs for those chilly evenings

Ships anchored out on the Indian Ocean, waiting to dock in the very busy Durban harbor