Every Year’s Resolutions

Seeking to avoid those typical scenarios where people enter into New Year’s Resolutions with every good intention of keeping them – and then sadly don’t – we’ve put together some handy V&A hacks to help you stick to your resolutions, whether you want to get fitter, eat more healthy food, or live more adventurously in 2022.

Exercise goals are always tough, right? But not if you’re running or strolling two well-known routes at the V&A Waterfront, which take in the sea and all the sights.

Take the 2.5km Yellow Route loop which winds around the Time Bay Tower, or try the more ambitious 5km Red Route, which runs past the Tower and ventures into the northern part of the Waterfront. The paths and boardwalks are well signposted, and you can add Green Point Park or Sea Point Promenade to your route if you’re feeling even more energetic. There’s nothing nicer than watching the sun rise over the harbour with Table Mountain as a backdrop, so lace up those trainers and make an early start!

You can also head over to Silo 5 in the Silo District and rent a bike from Up Cycles. Explore the Waterfront precinct or head out to the Sea Point Promenade to take advantage of a well-paved route beside the sea. Pedalling is so much fun, it doesn’t feel like exercise!

Healthy eating is not about ditching your favourite treats but about making sure you eat wholesome, nutritious food daily – it’s what we do habitually that counts.

Start your journey at Oranjezicht City Farm Market, Cape Town’s favourite farmers’ market. Stock up on artisanal bread, organic fruit and veg, honey, eggs, olive oil, plus wheat-, gluten-, sugar- and dairy-free foods prepared by vendors. The market caters to everyone, including vegans, vegetarians and raw foodies.

This free venue is easily accessible by public transport and there are 350 parking bays available adjacent to the market, but there’s also ample parking around the Waterfront precinct. Read more about the Saturday and Sunday events and Wednesday night market.

You can also hunt for delicious ready-made food at Makers Landing, a V&A Waterfront Food Market that celebrates South Africa’s diverse culture through food. Try a bun-less vegan burger drizzled with secret fermented lemon sauce from Sunshine Food, or a mung-bean and basil pancake from Indikaap. Read more about the Makers bringing this unique foodie experience to the V&A.

If you’re tired of being timid and want to try something different, the V&A is the ideal place to start! How about giving Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boarding a try? Visit Battery Park in the Canal District of the Waterfront to experience a one-hour guided tour or paddle on your own, after you’ve mastered the introductory lesson. Long-term rentals are also available if you get hooked! Explore the Waterfront itself or One & Only’s private canals – enquire at www.supcapetown.co.za.

Prefer a bird’s eye view of the V&A and surrounds? Why not try a helicopter flip and see the Mother City from a completely different angle? Winner of Tripadvisor’s 2021 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best award, Waterfront Helicopter Tours offer you jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic seaboard and beyond.

With all this at your fingertips, here’s to 2022 and you!