Embark on an unforgettable eight-day journey through Cape Town and its surroundings, immersing yourself in the vibrant worlds of architecture, design, art, and culinary excellence.
Explore cutting-edge architecture, enjoy exclusive studio visits with top local artists, and indulge in farm-to-table dining and world-class wines from off-the-beaten-path vineyards. This carefully curated experience offers a unique balance of city energy and serene retreats in nature, all while introducing you to creative locals you wouldn’t meet on an ordinary trip.
More than just a vacation, this is an opportunity to discover, reflect, and ignite your creativity. Join this exclusive, design-focused journey and return feeling renewed, inspired, and deeply connected to South Africa’s creative heartbeat.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ aēsplore hosts
✔ Photographer
✔ Welcome Package
✔ aēsplore curated design, art & architecture program
✔ Lunch
✔ Dinner
✔ Breakfast
✔ Accommodation
✖ International Flights to Cape Town
✖ Travel Insurance
✖ Alcoholic Beverages
Pickup Locations
1. Umoya Hotel
Additional Info: As the accommodation is included in the travel package, we will always meet at your accommodation from where we will start our tours.
Itinerary
Arrival & Welcome to Cape Town
1
Hout Bay
Your journey begins with a warm welcome as
you arrive in Cape Town and check in to your
accommodation from 2pm. Take some time to
relax and settle in before the evening’s festivities.
At 5pm, join us for Welcome Drinks accompanied
by a special musical performance from the
incomparable Texas. Known for her ability to
blend indigenous roots with urban narratives,
Texas captivates her audience through her deeply
original and humorous performances. Her work,
which spans from local art pieces to international
installations, explores South African diversity
and the universal human struggle with a rare
tenderness and creative depth. This intimate
session sets the tone for a week of thoughtprovoking
and artistic encounters
Duration: 60 minutes
2
V&a Waterfront
For dinner, we will head to Waterside, an elegant
restaurant at the V&A Waterfront, renowned for
its high cuisine. Prepare to indulge in an exquisite
multi-course meal crafted with the finest local
ingredients, all while enjoying stunning views over
the harbor. This dining experience is a perfect
blend of Cape Town’s culinary mastery and
waterfront charm, offering a taste of the city’s
vibrant food culture.
This evening introduces you to the creative
energy and high-level artistry that define Cape
Town, setting the stage for the days ahead.
Duration: 3 hours
Design, Art & Architecture in Cape Town
1
Cape Town
Start your day with a nourishing breakfast at the
accommodation, and if you wish, you can join an
optional morning yoga session to center yourself
before exploring Cape Town’s vibrant art and
architectural scene.
After breakfast, embark on an inspiring
Architecture Walking Tour through the city.
Guided by a local architect, this tour will reveal
the stories behind some of Cape Town’s most
iconic buildings, where modern design blends
with historical charm. As you walk the city
streets, you’ll experience firsthand how Cape
Town’s architecture reflects its dynamic cultural
landscape and complex history.
Duration: 1.5 hours
2
Observatory
Next, we’ll visit Wiid Design for a unique
studio tour and lunch. Known for their blend of
craftsmanship and contemporary design, Wiid
Design creates furniture and functional art that
pushes the boundaries of material and form. You’ll
get a behind-the-scenes look at their studio and
enjoy a delicious meal while engaging with the
team behind these exceptional works.
Duration: 60 minutes
3
Cape Town
In the early evening, we’ll meet artist Brett
Charles Seiler at his studio for an exclusive art and
wine chat. You’ll have the opportunity to explore
his artistic world and discuss his work, which
blends raw emotion with a rich narrative.
Duration: 60 minutes
Cape of Good Hope Creativity & Nature
1
Chapman's Peak Drive
After a peaceful morning, we’ll set off on a scenic
drive to Scarborough, taking in some of the most
breathtaking coastal routes Cape Town has to
offer. As we wind through the majestic Chapman’s
Peak and Misty Cliffs, the dramatic ocean views
and rugged landscapes will invite moments of
reflection and a deep appreciation for the natural
beauty of the Cape Peninsula.
Duration: 1.5 hours
2
Scarborough
Our first stop is a lunch walk with Veld & Sea,
a collective that celebrates sustainable food
practices and indigenous plants. This immersive
experience will introduce you to the rich, natural
abundance of the land, as you discover how local
creativity and nature are intertwined in Cape
Town’s vibrant food culture.
California, an artist, will join us during lunch to
share her music. Her soulful tunes will blend
seamlessly with the peaceful surroundings,
creating a unique atmosphere where art, nature,
and food come together in perfect harmony.
Duration: 2 hours
3
Cape of Good Hope
In the afternoon, we’ll stop at Scone Shack, a farm close to Cape of Good Hope,
where you’ll meet David, co-founder of Tres
Nagual, and artist Brigitte Lilley. Their work
reflects a deep connection to the environment,
and you’ll have the chance to hear about their
creative practices while enjoying delicious freshly
baked scones.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Creative Winelands
1
Wellington
Get ready for a day filled with creativity, flavor,
and discovery! After breakfast, we’ll head to
Vygie, a culinary gem where Rose, the artist and
co-founder of Vygie, will prepare a delicious
lunch alongside her partner. This unique space
blends food and art, with every dish thoughtfully
crafted to highlight local ingredients and artistic
expression. During lunch, you’ll have the chance
to engage with Rose and explore her creative
journey firsthand.
Afterward, we’ll visit her art studio, where her
vision comes to life, offering you an intimate
glimpse into her artistic process.
Duration: 4 hours
2
Paarl
In the afternoon, we’ll venture into the Winelands
for an unforgettable wine-tasting experience
at Noble Hill Wine Estate. There, we’ll meet
winemaker Kristopher Tillery, who will guide us
through a curated selection of their finest wines.
Each sip tells a story of the land and terroir, as
Kristopher shares his passion for creating wines
that reflect the heart and soul of the estate.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Design Tour Cape Town
1
Cape Town
Kick off your day with an exclusive visit to
Pedersen + Lennart, a renowned design studio
celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and
commitment to sustainability. On this immersive
factory tour, you’ll witness firsthand how their
meticulously crafted furniture and products are
brought to life, with a focus on quality, artistry,
and eco-conscious practices. This studio has
significantly shaped Cape Town’s design identity,
and their pieces will be part of our retreat at
Stillwater Sanctuary, the home where we’ll unwind
at the end of our journey. The carefully curated
furnishings from Pedersen + Lennart create the
perfect environment to reflect on the inspiring
experiences of the past days.
For lunch, we’ll head to Between Us, a beautifully
designed venue where food and aesthetics
harmonize. Relax and savor a carefully curated
menu in this thoughtfully designed space, setting
the tone for the creative afternoon ahead.
Duration: 2 hours
2
Cape Town
Later, we’ll explore Research Unit, a cuttingedge
fashion brand that merges art, fashion,
and culture. Known for pushing the boundaries
of design, Research Unit crafts bold collections
that explore the intersection of contemporary
aesthetics and social issues. During this studio
tour, you’ll get an inside look at their innovative
process and how they use fashion as a platform
to tell powerful stories about identity, community,
and sustainability.
We’ll end the day with an unforgettable dining
experience at Nikkei, where the fusion of
Japanese and Peruvian flavors will take your taste
buds on a journey, perfectly capturing the vibrant,
multicultural spirit of Cape Town.
Duration: 60 minutes
Whale Coast Journey & Stillwater Sanctuary
1
Cape Whale Coast
Start your final day with a delicious breakfast
at the accommodation, followed by check-out.
We then embark on a scenic drive along one of
the most breathtaking coastal routes, towards
Hermanus and the renowned Whale Coast.
The drive offers stunning views, with the ocean
stretching out beside you and mountains rising in
the distance.
We will stop for lunch at Creation Wines, a place
where the craft of winemaking is harmoniously
paired with sustainability and social responsibility.
This winery is committed to environmental
stewardship and ethical practices, creating wines
that not only celebrate the land but also honor
the community. During lunch, you’ll have the
opportunity to enjoy local flavors paired with
Creation’s exquisite wines, while learning more
about the winery’s approach to sustainability.
Duration: 4 hours
Design Retreat: Unwind, Reflect, and Find Balance
1
Hermanus
After an enriching week of design, art,
architecture, and culinary experiences, Day 7
is dedicated to slowing down and processing
everything we’ve absorbed. This day offers a
moment to pause, reflect, and connect with the
insights gained during the journey.
Guided by a mental health coach, we’ll engage
in meditation, yoga, and breathwork sessions
designed to help you release any tension, center
yourself, and reflect on the inspirations, new
connections, and experiences from the past days.
It’s an opportunity to create space for calm,
embrace balance, and fully absorb the creative
energy that’s been shared throughout this
immersive trip.
This day at the Stillwater Sanctuary allows for
quiet reflection, helping you leave the experience
grounded, inspired, and ready to carry the
connections and creative sparks forward into your
future projects and endeavors.
Duration: 4 hours
Farewell
1
Cape Town
After a final breakfast at Stillwater Sanctuary,
we’ll take one last scenic journey back to Cape
Town, allowing time to reflect on the experiences,
inspirations, and connections made throughout
the week. As we head toward the city, we’ll say
our goodbyes, leaving with new perspectives,
enriched by the creativity and beauty we’ve
encountered.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Additional info
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
