Spring has sprung at NIMANO Hillside

As we venture towards the warmer days that brighten up our mornings and elevate our evenings, we readily peel back the layers with anticipation. What a winter it’s been. The valley of Noordhoek has retained its name for being one of the most sublime destinations along the Cape’s coastline, whatever the weather. The beautiful landscape ever-changing in its tones and temperament. Emerald green mountains turning to gold and mustard, dusty pinks and deep plums. Nature’s palette at her very best, canvasing the routes and pathways from NIMANO Hillside’s doorstep. The bountiful village life always active with community happenings. Live music around the fire-pits, market days in the crisp winter evening light, slow roasts at the fabulous farm-style eateries. Long beach walks – come wind, rain or shine – breathing in that invigorating ocean air. Wrapping up warmly and heading out onto the mountain trails, discovering new routes and savouring the spectacular views. For all of its magnificent offerings, Noordhoek and its surroundings kept us busy and bonny during winter, and NIMANO kept us reflective, connected and cosy. The warmth from our fireplaces and internal heating, the positioning of the residence to capture the sun’s kisses and welcomed embrace, and the breathtaking views that inspired every day’s adventure.

So now that spring is in her step and we merrily traverse the changing seasons of the Cape’s mediterranean-style climate, we brace ourselves for the jolly thrills that are to come. Yes, the wind will get our locks into knots, invigorating our sleepy, wintry minds. The sun will come out, smouldering our shoulders and inciting the sound of a flipflop hitting the walkways. From time to time, the rain will pour like a cold chardonnay and the chill of the night will summon another fireside evening. Just the way we like it. A gradual shift from dark to light, cold to warm, slippers to sandals.

The chrysalis of colour will engulf NIMANO’s garden as the sugarbirds dip in and out of the pool, sweeping through the blue of the sky and dancing amongst our fruit trees. Early morning yoga on the deck followed up a slow sauna session. A gentle meander and quiet moment of meditation in the indigenous garden before diving into the swimming pool or heading down to the beach for a cold dip. Perhaps a coffee or even an ice-cream at the village post. Return home to NIMANO for an easy unravelling of the rest of the perfect spring day. With the International sport fixtures calling for a gathering around the screens, the braais are lit up for the meals to sizzle away as you assort the collection NIMANO’s playful garden furniture in accordance with your team’s colours. The kids are in the play zone and the pool is occupied by those needing a fresh dip or a pre-feasting lap or two. The smell of burning pine smoking from the chimneys declares it’s not quite summer yet. The blooming buds of the fynbos vegetation salutes spring. We are ready for the landscape to illustrate the change in the season so that we can demonstrate it in our attire too. We’ve survived and savoured the winter. It was a happy hibernation. Now it’s time to open up the big, glass sliding doors, let the sun come streaming in and breathe in the beauty of our new season at NIMANO Hillside, in the ever-vibrant village of Noordhoek.