Now our pool area - that's definitely a public space. The wall between the restaurant and pool is made of glass and is, therefore ... you guessed it ... see-through. We're not sure who is going to get the most entertainment out of the pool, the swimmers ... or the diners, but entertainment there will be. With fantastic underwater lighting and music, the ambiance of both the pool deck and the restaurant will be enhanced, whether there are swimmers or not.

Another fab outside area is A Cup (yeah, we know what you're thinking, but that's not it). We believe in telling it like it is and this structure really looked like a cup, so that's what we called it. A Cup is another "not so public" public space. This area consists of sunken seating surrounded by the round walls of the tea cup, where you can hide from the world and share some poolside drinks with friends or people you'd like to make your friends.

To get you climbing the walls, we don't have to anger you in any way. We just give you some rope and other equipment and send you around to the outside of our building, where you'll find our 5-storey climbing wall, which is sure to provide hours of fun to climbers and spectators alike. This needs to be booked in advance.

And then, of course, we have to get to the standard items you'd actually EXPECT to find at a hotel, the Restaurant, Lounge and Bar areas. Now although you expect to HAVE them there, you're not really expecting what you're going to find, so expect the unexpected when it comes to our wining and dining areas. All you need to know is that these areas are social and relaxed and you can forget about the china tea cups, we're way past that.

The Table Mountain National Park is a picturesque backdrop to enjoy a picnic lunch, as do the beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens. A Township Tour will bring you closer to learning about the South African and Capetonian cultures.

The Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! is within walking distance of Table Mountain, and GUESTS can try their hand at mountain climbing, hiking, mountain biking, abseiling, paragliding, hang-gliding or simply enjoy the sights.

Shop ‘til you drop at some of South Africa's premier destinations and along Cape Town's funkiest streets. Gemstones, gold, fashion, curios and art are all up for grabs.