Reviews & Testimonials
What’s Been Written … & … What Clients Say
Museum of Arts & Design NY visit to SA
SA Art Times
A ‘once in a life time’ trip that opened a window into the design heart of SA – and the eyes of visitors into the abundance of local talent. For full article see pages 12 & 13
Opening a Window into the Design Heart of Africa
SA Good News
Read about a serendipitous event that happened in an unexpected place during a tour of South Africa by a group from the Museum of Arts & Design, New York. For full article
Because You Are Worth It
Robyn Hodson in Truffle Pig: The Sounder
”Whilst snuffling in my favourite city, Cape Town, I came across two great boutique companies, both run by dynamic women whose job it is to make it all about you …
Marion Ellis, owner of Cape Insights, runs tours for visitors who crave specialist knowledge and who want to indulge their intellects, passions and quirks.
If she’s not taking the tours herself, Marion has a portfolio of cellar masters, food editors, earth scientists, historians and archaeologists to draw upon.
One of my favourites is her Craft Art Tour which is a fabulous day out visiting niche cottage industry businesses, meeting cutting edge artists and seeing showcase galleries which you’d otherwise never know about.
And, all-importantly, she has a wicked foodie side. With a history in the restaurant industry, she’s owned one of Cape Town’s most legendary restaurants … so she knows her jus from her roux. You’ll want to get in on that tour.
When it all becomes too much, there’s a lazy lunch to look forward to in any of the achingly trendy/picturesque /remote spots she can conjure out of her little black book” …
Robyn also writes for and edits Just The Planet, a luxury, on-line travel magazine for independent travellers.
Cape Town Craft, Design and Art
Lisa Lindblad, rated one of America’s top five travel agents by Travel + Leisure says:
”I spent yesterday in the company of a most interesting Capetonian woman whose knowledge of her city’s history, architecture, food and art is rich, and presented with anecdote and authority.” Read the full article
Tours To Showcase Craft
The Cape Craft and Design Institute
“Cape Insights has recently introduced some fabulous craft tours to its range of special-interest cultural tours. These tours introduce visitors to South Africa’s rich creative culture, showcasing how aesthetics combine with commercial success to create jobs, empower communities and aid social regeneration.
There are four categories of tours: The ‘Then & Now’ tour takes you into the heart of Cape Town, where you can visit an 18th century townhouse, an interactive workshop in an artists’ wire and bead studio and some of Cape Town’s well-known urban galleries. A visit to the Waterfront’s Cape Grace hotel is also part of the tour. A sense of history, cultural heritage and Cape Town’s artistry are guaranteed.
One part of the ‘Emerging & Established’ tours takes in the inner-city precinct of Woodstock – The Old Biscuit Mill and leading contemporary art galleries. These craft hubs are a must-visit for anyone interested in Cape Town’s craft industry. The other part provides a trip to the coastal villages of Kalk Bay and Simon’s Town, showcasing galleries and a foundry in which bronze casting takes place.
Cityscapes’ tours take in The Montebello Design Centre in Newlands, and hubs in Hout Bay – both focus on collective upliftment initiatives through craft.
Finally, the ‘Wineland Escapes’ transports you into the winelands of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, where you can visit studios and art collections on premier wine estates.
These are all set, day tours, but customised tours are also popular. Picnics, light lunches and soft drinks are also part of the package.”
Explore the Cape in Gourmet Getaways
Horizons Magazine – Anna Trapido
“Marion Ellis at Cape Insights serves up a 10-day, hotel-based gastronomic tour that allows vacationers to explore Cape cuisine one dinner table at a time.”
”From a gourmet introduction to Cape Malay cuisine with Cellars-Hohenort chef Martha Williams to a fine-dining fynbos evening at the 12 Apostles’ Azure restaurant or just an olive-oil tasting at the multi-award-winning Morgenster estate, the indefatigable Marion will make it happen with delicious aplomb.”
Cape Cultural Tours with a Difference
South Africa Info: Gateway to the Nation
“Motivated to give tourists the kind of experiences they themselves would like to have when travelling, Cape Insights offer special-interest guided tours of unusual quality, featuring guides and guest lecturers of the highest standard.” For full article
Recommending a pioneer
Sheryl Ozinsky, former head of Cape Town Tourism and author of Don’t Tell Cape Town – with a personal recommendation
”I would unreservedly recommend Marion for any task that she set her sights on. She has successfully pioneered a number of initiatives in her past.
She values the privilege of growing up in the Cape, wants to share this experience with others and to raise the industry bar in the process.”
Kudos for the Founder
Singita Game Reserves, a consistent winner of prestigious global awards and accolades, voted best hotel in the world over 15 times by various international travel publications and reader surveys, says
”Marion Ellis’ considerable network of Southern Africa’s most valuable people, her superb work ethic, and unique skills in the service industry, make her an individual we would without hesitation recommend.”
”Marion has been of invaluable service to the Singita Group for a considerable number of years.
Her utterly professional insight, ability, confidentiality and resourcefulness has achieved all we wished for and more.”
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