IF A year ago anyone had told me I would have my honeymoon right in the heart of Cape Town in Green Point, I would have given them a blank stare.

What I had in mind was a bush retreat, with sweet chirping birds flying past, lush trees waving from the hills and romantic bush drives. Cape Town did not even feature in my wildest dreams but fate had other ideas.

My husband and I have just returned from three incredible days at the five star Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Residence, next to the famous club ZAR nogal! We couldn't have made a better choice.

When we were planning our honeymoon we wanted somewhere intimate and relaxing, where we could get away from it all but still have access to pampering and fantastic amenities. We got this here and more.

The hotel is only a stone's throw from the famed Green Point Stadium, V&A Waterfront, CBD, beaches and other entertainment locations. It has a magnificent lobby, two fine dining restaurants, access to the ZAR lounge, conferencing facilities and a rooftop Sky Bar and pool deck with a 360 degree panoramic view of Table Mountain, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and Atlantic Ocean.

Should guests ever wish to go out into the real world, the beach is around the corner and hotel transport is readily available.

The Cape of Great Storms lived up to its name as the weather was stormy. This helped because it kept us snuggling up in our beautiful three-bedroomed luxurious suite most of the time. We sniffed the roses and tucked into the champagne provided for our auspicious occasion.

Not that we were complaining. The beauty of the place, with its Parisian flair, French classical architecture and beautiful decor, fine dining complemented by outstanding service, kept us in good spirits.

We also enjoyed fine dining at Cape Royale's signature 1800° restaurant, a grill restaurant that offers the best meats in town. Breakfast is served both buffet and à la carte style in the hotel restaurant.

Through Club Privé, the hotel which offers luxury from R4000 a night, also offer travellers the opportunity of owning an unencumbered share of the hotel. Members can also have access to a menu of  benefits and services designed to enhance their sophisticated lifestyle, including a 50percent discount on the rack rate for extended or additional stays.

Shared ownership packages of Cape Royale Club Privé are R225000. This kind of package options was started after developers responded to a rapidly growing movement of people looking for an alternative to whole ownership.

Romantic ideas for Cape Town:

• Hot air balloon ride

Experience the beauty of the Winelands from a hot air balloon drifting over the vineyards and valleys in the Berg River Valley region between Paarl and Malmesbury.

Start the day early to avoid strong winds that tend to pick up after sunrise. Meet at the launch site at 5am. Find the sunrise at the spot where the sky meets the earth .

• Romantic cruise

Try this sunset boat cruise for a stunning end to a summer's day. This is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable ways to see a picturesque slice of the Cape coast, with a flute of some of the finest bubbly in one hand while the other shades your eyes from the light of the setting sun.

• Shark cage diving

After breakfast and a brief introductory talk, you can land in the direction of Dyer Island, about 25 minutes off shore. They usually launch at around 9am. Once a premium viewing area is reached, the anchor is dropped, cage lowed and ascent trail made. Diving starts when the sharks arrive. www.bookcapetown.com