OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Fresh air, sunshine and space to play!
Come summer, rolling green lawns lend themselves to an impromptu game of cricket or soccer with dad and the boys, and a make-believe fairies’ tea amongst the roses for the girls. After all that, there’s no better place to cool off than the super-sized (and supervised) Oasis swimming pool. Herbaceous borders bursting with colourful blooms, tree-lined pathways and bushy hedgerows provide ample ‘hide-and-go-seek’ territory, and after everyone’s been discovered, nothing beats an afternoon nap on a comfy lounger under a tree…
For curious kids, educational garden walks with the hotel horticulturist Paul Rice may be arranged, and to help instil eco-awareness, a visit to the hotel’s vermiculture or ‘worm farm’ project is a must.
INDOOR ACTIVITIES
The Nellie & Nelson Activity Centre
Come rain or shine, Mount Nelson Hotel’s new children’s activity centre is a colourful hive of activity. Located on the ground floor of the Main Hotel building, just a short stretch away from the Hotel Lounge, the space contains a range of thrilling educational games and toys, a big screen TV complete with a selection of age appropriate educational DVDs, a blackboard wall, a Nintendo Wii, cosy carpets, beanbags and child-friendly furniture. A floor-to-ceiling mural depicts the hotel’s celebrated African Penguin guests, Nelson and Nellie, along with their penguin family and assorted local animal friends. Organised activities from group games to storytelling, take place throughout the day, and healthy snacks from a mini-bar keep hunger pangs at bay. For breathing space, an enclosed outdoor area leads out from the play area, and a custom designed bathroom and baby-changing facility is also available. The fully supervised centre is open throughout the year and available to all resident hotel guests between the ages of 0 and 12 at no extra charge.
FOODIE FUN
Mealtimes with Nellie & Nelson
Executive Chef Ian Mancais and his team have developed a themed menu with little tummies in mind. Featuring children’s classics like Spaghetti Bolognaise, Scrambled Eggs on Toast, and Milk and Cookies, each dish is nutritious and easy to eat. The menu is available all year round from In-room Dining, Oasis restaurant, the Hotel Lounge and The Nellie and Nelson Activity Centre.
Teatime with Nellie & Nelson
Mount Nelson Hotel’s daily Afternoon Tea is legendary, so it goes without saying that smaller guests should also be able to enjoy the delectable sweet and savoury treats the hotel is famous for. Pastry Chef Samantha Waring and her team have developed a themed tea for children. A child-size table laden with animal-shaped mini cakes and biscuits, easy-to-eat sandwiches, sweets and cupcakes takes pride of place alongside the Windsor Table in the Hotel Lounge every Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 14h30 to 17h30, and costs ZAR 75 per child under 12.
SPECIAL TOUCHES
Festive Fun
Mount Nelson Hotel is famous for its annual Festive Season Programme for children. Daily indoor and outdoor activities are organised by trained supervisors and range from play-dough sculpture to drawing, storytelling, tennis, soccer, and other entertainments. The emphasis is on movement and exercise – encouraging children of all ages to be active, stay curious and get creative. The programme is available to all resident hotel guests under the age of 12, at no extra charge.
Children’s Concierge
Mount Nelson Hotel’s Concierge and Guest Relations team will put together a specially designed family holiday itinerary including child-friendly excursions to places of interest close to the hotel (for example, The Planetarium, Aquarium, Atlantic Seaboard beaches) and day trips to destinations around the Cape Peninsula (the likes of the penguins at Boulders Beach in Simonstown and Cape Point Nature Reserve).
Spa Treats for Little Princesses
Mount Nelson Hotel’s Librisa Spa is the only spa in South Africa to offer treatments specially designed for little girls. A ‘Sparkle Mini Pedicure’ complete with glittery polish, is the ultimate treat for tiny feet, and a ‘Lavender and Aloe Cinderella Facial’ or ‘Cocoa Fairy Mask’ is a sure bet to get any little angel face glowing.
Babysitting Service
Mount Nelson Hotel is all about romance, so for moms and dads looking to take time out to enjoy a child-free night out, a 24-hour babysitting service is available (rates vary depending on duration).
Little Extras
Little guests are made to feel extra special with the following complimentary child-friendly extras:
Baby Guests (aged 0-2 years)
• Amenities and toiletries
• Unlimited warm milk
• A cot with specially fitted linen and use of a baby monitoring kit (subject to availability and room type)
Children (aged 3-12 years)
• A personalised Nellie & Nelson welcome letter
• A mini gown and slippers
• Children’s bubblebath and toiletries
• Bedtime Milk & Cookies
TEENS AND IN-BETWEENS
For over 12’s and under 18’s, Mount Nelson Hotel’s teen lounge area (located adjacent to The Nellie and Nelson Activity Centre) is the ideal meeting place. Contemporary furniture and styling lend the space a young, fresh feel, and XBox 360 games, a Nintendo Wii, a computer, and big screen TV with a selection of age appropriate DVDs provide healthy fun and entertainment. Coming soon is a specialised teen entertainment program featuring cooking classes, organised dinners and other group activities.
For press assistance contact Benita Kursan on +27 0 21 483 1930, email bkursan@mountnelson.co.za.
