Camps Bay combines A-list glamour with an enviable community-focused lifestyle for residents.
There are two sides to Camps Bay, both equally appealing. On the surface, it’s the glamorous haunt of jet-setters and A-list celebrities, the place for sundowners and peoplewatching at glitzy pavement cafes, with fashion shoots taking place on the palm tree-lined beach almost daily in summer. Dig a little deeper and you discover an enviable laid-back village community with excellent amenities, where kids can walk to school, residents can go surfing before and after work, and the beach is the local playground.
“When I originally moved to Camps Bay, it was for the beach, the bars and the great nightlife,” says Tim Scudamore, co-owner, The Crazy Horse Gastro Pub Emporium. “Coming from London, it was unbelievable to me to have the beach right there and yet be only 10 minutes’ drive from the city centre. Now, as a married man with a family, what I love about Camps Bay is that it has a real sense of community, the local schools are fantastic and it feels safe and secure.”
Despite being a mecca for summer visitors, Camps Bay is very much a village, with modern villas, apartment buildings and family homes climbing the mountainside above the beach-focused strip where there are more cafes and restaurants than shops.
Residents tend to head to Sea Point, the City Bowl or the V&A Waterfront for any serious shopping. They’re well served for everything else, from doctors and dentists to sports clubs, kids’ activities and even a theatre with world-class productions in Theatre on the Bay.
Overseas visitors find Camps Bay to be the perfect base for a Cape Town holiday. You can soak up the spectacular views of the Twelve Apostles peaks and Lion’s Head, and take in the mesmerising sunset views over the ocean from a different glitzy hot spot every night. There’s five-star luxury at the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, a number of boutique guesthouses and luxury holiday apartments, coastal drives around the peninsula and the beach on your doorstep.
The Camps Bay outdoor lifestyle isn’t only about the beach. “There are great hiking trails,” says Tim, “I take my dogs on the Pipe Track and you can go up to Lion’s Head, there are really good sports clubs – from football to cricket, squash and tennis – there’s a lifesaving club and of course the surfing. Really, you’ve got everything but a golf course here.”
In the busy summer months, locals can enjoy a few hidden gems, such as secluded, sheltered Glen Beach – the best place for surfing and family picnics away from the crowds.
Even though Camps Bay is a hub for tourists, it keeps its village aspect for residents. The local sports clubs and schools are fantastic and, having grown up here myself, I would gladly send my kids to them.
-Dylan Moore, resident.
Where to eat in Camps Bay, Cape Town:
- The Codfather: for seafood and sushi, and views of the ocean
- The Hussar Grill: for mouthwatering steaks
- La Parada Camps Bay: for cocktails and tapas in a chic setting
- Cafe Caprice: for a cafe-style menu and artisan cocktails
- Mantra Cafe: for fresh, simple food made with the fi nest ingredients
- Zenzero: for Italian fare with flair
- La Belle Bistro and Bakery: for baked goods and light meals
- The Raj: for traditional North Indian cuisine
Things to do in Camps Bay, Cape Town:
- Hike the mountain trails and the Pipe Track.
- Walk, play, sunbathe and surf on the white sand beaches.
- Enjoy world-class entertainment at Theatre on the Bay.
- Sing karaoke at Dizzys pub.
- Join one of the many sports clubs to enjoy a variety of activities.
Schools in Camps Bay, Cape Town:
- Camps Bay Preparatory School
- Camps Bay Primary School
- Camps Bay High School
- Kids on the Bay
- Kidz Discovery
Why we love The Promenade in Camps Bay:
You couldn’t get a better location for a mall than right on the Camps Bay beachfront. With the best sunset views on the strip through the palm trees to the beach, it’s not surprising that The Promenade boasts some of the best people-watching spots. Glitzy cafes and restaurants favoured by international visitors include Zenzero, Paranga, La Belle Bistro and Cafe, and Umi. A Hard Rock Cafe is set to open this month. Locals enjoy the convenience of essential services such as a good doctor's surgery, pharmacy, optometrist, health store and hair salon. The Promenade also boasts a summer beach essential, ice cream from either Gelato Mania or Addictions.
Find out more at promenadecampsbay.com.
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
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