Cycling is a wonderfully sustainable way to explore a city, and happily, Cape Town is filled with fantastic cycle routes. Whether you're tackling Chapman's Peak or taking a leisurely turn along the Sea Point Promenade, there are plenty of bike shops ready to rent you a ride. But one luxury Cape hotel is taking its eco-credentials even further.
Cape Town's renowned Cape Grace hotel—set on a private quay in the V&A Waterfront, just steps from the vibrant Time Out Market Cape Town—is offering resident guests and locals the chance to pedal out on limited-edition Vélosophy RE:CYCLE bicycles.
But these are no ordinary bikes! These custom-built bicycles are the result of a unique collaboration between Swedish lifestyle brand Vélosophy and Nespresso. Each bike is made from 95% recycled aluminum, with 20% sourced from repurposed Nespresso coffee capsules. Founded in 2016, Velosophy is also the only bicycle brand in the world with a one-for-one promise: donating a bicycle to young schoolgirls in developing countries for every Vélosophy sold.
In this collaboration the striking eggshell-blue frame is inspired by Nespresso's Ice Leggero, while the bell—handy for alerting pedestrians on the bustling Promenade—is modeled after the iconic Vertuo capsule. The steam-bent oak carrier basket includes two cup holders, perfect for taking your coffee from Nøsh to go, and the Enviolo 8-speed gears make shifting up and down a breeze.
The Cape Grace is the first partner hotel in South Africa to offer these eco-conscious bicycles and boasts a fleet of 10 individually named rides. After an hour-long pedal along the Promenade, Time Out can confirm: these bikes are a sweet ride! Even if you're not a regular cyclist, the Brooks Cambium saddle ensures a comfortable experience.
Guests and visitors to Cape Grace can reserve bicycles through the concierge or front desk upon check-in. Bike hire includes a water bottle, towel, and a handy map of suggested routes.
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