Just as orange is the new black (is it though?) so #Staycation’s are the new “get-away-for-a-bit” breakaway we all resolutely promise ourselves to do more of in the new year. Well, now that we find ourselves in the second month of the year, and it being the Month Of Love and all, perhaps it’s time to put practise to that resolution.

 

And, did I mention, it’s the month of love! How much more of an excuse do you need?

 

The chaps from The Capital Hotels and Apartments invited me to take a sneak-peak and experience their Valentines offering at their Melrose hotel. Needless to say, they didn’t have to ask twice.

 

A #Staycation in Melrose

I enjoy the leafy suburb of Melrose. Prior to the discovery of gold in Joburg in 1886, Melrose lay on the land of one of the original farms that today make up the city – Syferfontein. Large trees, parks and a central location make it ideal for a #Staycation.

 

Across the road from the Melrose Arch precinct lies The Capital Melrose, perfectly located for you to enjoy the wide array of food and shopping delights, but also removed enough to ensure your privacy. Having said that, once you experience executive chef Ross Birkin’s skill in the kitchen, I doubt you will be venturing beyond The Capital Melrose to satisfy your culinary desires.

 

A Welcome and a Turndown With a Difference

My welcome at all The Capital properties I’ve stayed at has always been heart-warming. One of their main slogans is ‘Welcome Home’ and I smile each time I read these words as I enter a property. Because it feels just like that. But the welcome waiting in my room was on another level.

 

 

Despite just having enjoyed lunch, I couldn’t help myself and got stuck into the fruit and chocolate immediately. Chef Ross later shared with me that he had poured melted dark chocolate over a block of ice and inverted it once set. I felt bad eating such a magnificent work of art, but food is to be enjoyed. 

 

The turndown later that evening was also something to behold, inspired by love naturally.

 

 

Dinner is Served

Unfortunately, our time spent at The Capital Melrose was during tighter lockdown restrictions, which meant no alcohol was available. Happily, things have changed yet again and you can now enjoy a glass of your favourite bubbly with your meal, or a proper cocktail before dinner.

 

 

The theme of love and sharing has been incorporated by chef Ross in the specially designed menu for those enjoying a love #Staycation. Communal sharing of starters and the dessert courses ensure a truly unique experience. Using fresh ingredients and items readily available, to start Chef Ross prepared a combination of pepper-crusted beef and balsamic confit strawberries, paired with beetroot carpaccio and goat’s cheese.

 

 

Mains was a truly decadent affair and introduced me to some new, rather pleasant flavour sensations. On offer is either the Atlantic Sole, being fillets of sole rolled in smoked salmon and served with deep-fried capers and long stem broccoli. The second option, and my favourite, was the Roulade Duo. A heavenly creation of parma ham wrapped beef fillet medallions and vanilla sundried tomatoes stuffed chicken, with spinach mousse, finished with truffle-infused potato fondant.

 

 

Dessert continued the sharing theme with a trio of mousses paired with a moist chocolate brownie and chocolate-dipped strawberries served with whipped vanilla bean cream. I’ll leave it there.

 

 

Each of the properties in The Capital portfolio participating in the love staycation special offer have prepared their own unique menu offerings for guests to enjoy. Our meal above is what you can enjoy at The Capital Melrose.

 

But Wait, There’s More

The concept of breakfast in bed always sounds so delightful, but who actually gets to do this? Well, I don’t. So I decided to take the hotel up on their offer of breakfast in bed the next morning.

 

 

From a traditional hot breakfast to the fruit salad and even flap-jacks, The Capital Melrose does breakfast well. When enjoyed from the comfort of the king-sized bed, what a treat and the perfect way to end a little #Staycation in the city.

 

I Have Something For You

Fancy spending a night at The Capital Melrose? I am giving away a one night stay at The Capital Melrose in a one-bed apartment. Here’s how you can bag this giveaway for yourself:

• find the post on each of my social channels in which I reference this giveaway (it’s up on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter), like it and tell me in the comments who you would share this special experience with and why you would take them
• while you are there give The Capital Hotels and Apartments some social loving
• I will select the most inspiring comment, across all my platforms and determine a winner

Be quick, the giveaway closes at 16h00 on Tuesday 9 February 2021. The decision as to the winner will be made by me and is final once determined. Terms and conditions apply. No correspondence will be entered into in this regard after the announcement. The above giveaway is on a room-only basis and excludes food and beverages.

 

Book a Love #Staycation For That Someone Special

Planning is what makes the month of February work. Plan your special time away here and use my code ROMLIME for the Valentines Package special offer. The special runs for the entire month of February and you can access the special at The Capital properties in Melrose, Sandton, Menlyn and Durban.

 

Fancy spending some time at any one of The Capital Properties in South Africa, but not during February? Hit this link and use my promo code being LIME to secure yourself a 15% discount off their best available rate at the time. Bam, fantastic deal just scored!

 

Trust you find yourself the object of some major spoils this month of love! My stay at The Capital Melrose was hosted and should you book a stay using any of the two codes above, I will receive a small commission.