The Alphen
After 4 nights on safari, we jumped on a plane from Johannesburg to Cape Town. For those of you who have never been to Cape Town, GO! It's utterly amazing! I am not a city girl, and I would move there in a heartbeat. Our first night in Cape Town was spent at The Alphen Boutique Hotel!
From first glance, you don't quite know what you are getting yourself into...then you go inside! The newly restored property dates back to the 1700's. As we made our way to our rooms, there was a brilliant mix of contemporary glamor and traditional colonial design. Our rooms were so sexy with a silver and gold headboard, black marble bathroom with deep red ceilings, white couches and massive botanical prints. It all seems so random, but it was flawless. As much as I loved my room, I became a little obsessed with their restaurant decor - which as changed since we were there.
Over the years there have been several players coming and going from the Alphen, but Dr. James Barry's story is the best. Dr. Barry was the first person to perform a C-section in South Africa in the early 1800's and lived a life of service and dedication to medicine. On Barry’s death at age 71, it was discovered that she was a woman who spent her entire adult life masquerading as a man so she could practice medicine. It is said that her presence is still felt through the hotel. Dr. Barry's portrait hangs on the bottom left.
The Alphen was the perfect place to stay after an evening at Molori, and a must for those traveling to Cape Town!
Dr. Barry
Over the years there have been several players coming and going from the Alphen, but Dr. James Barry's story is the best. Dr. Barry was the first person to perform a C-section in South Africa in the early 1800's and lived a life of service and dedication to medicine. On Barry’s death at age 71, it was discovered that she was a woman who spent her entire adult life masquerading as a man so she could practice medicine. It is said that her presence is still felt through the hotel. Dr. Barry's portrait hangs on the bottom left.