Q&A with travel blogger, Jared Ruttenberg

We recently hosted talented lifestyle and travel blogger, Jared Ruttenberg (of @JaredinCPT) at The Old Rectory Hotel & Spa and Kay and Monty. We chatted to him about his love for travel, the most memorable moments from his trip, his next bucket list destination and more.

Tell us a little about yourself and your love for travel

I’m a bit of an experience junkie and aficionado – new experiences and an ever-changing horizon keep me alive! Thankfully, my work as a travel writer has me constantly exploring new places – in the past 18 months I’ve reviewed over 40 spots on around 22 different travel trips! Of course, waking up in Cape Town, which I think is just the most exciting city in the world, means there is much to explore on the home front as well. I split my time between writing, running private tours, and social media work.

How was your experience at The Old Rectory Hotel & Spa?

The Old Rectory truly is a hidden gem. I never expected to find such a unique property hidden in this Garden Route town. Plett is a favourite of mine, and I’m glad to now have another home in the city – I use that word purposely as leaving The Old Rectory really does feel like leaving home.

What stood out for you about your visit to Kay and Monty?

The sense of spaciousness – in both the Kay and Monty tasting room and the views that surround it. The space, and the great music, had us dancing around the venue.

what were the most memorable moments of your stay?

Arriving at The Old Rectory, I was told that we could ask the hotel staff to set up loungers and umbrellas on the beach for us. We decided to take up this offer and we were blown away. It felt a little surreal meandering down the wooded walkway, and then opening up to the beach with everything ready for us. I also have to comment on the chef’s breakfast muesli, it is the best I’ve tasted in South Africa. Luckily he was kind enough to send us home with some, so for the next few mornings we’d instantly be transported back to Plett breakfasts at The Old Rectory.

Your next bucket list destination?

The Kruger National Park. Surprising, I’ve never visited as an adult, and so I am off there later this month to visit three lodges. I cannot wait to be in that bush wilderness, including a visit to The Outpost Lodge!

Top three books of all-time?

I hope you realise how difficult a question that is for an avid reader. Well, here are three of my top reads:

Half of a Yellow Sun – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Learning to Walk in the Dark – Barbara Brown Taylor.
GiIead – Marilynne Robinson.

And top tunes for a road trip?

Another hard question, so I resorted to my top 25 iTunes list! Here are five of my favourite road trip songs:

Chandelier – Sia
Premonitions – Vaults
This is me – Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman Soundtrack)
Spring 1 – Max Richter (Vivaldi recomposed)
Always – Switchfoot

And three must-have items to pack when going on a beach holiday?

Two good novels or a pre-loaded Kindle
A comfy beach towel (yes, not your standard issue one. I’ve learned to invest in an over-sized beach towel – space for everything, including a six foot frame!)
iPod and headphones – although most smartphones act as an iPod these days, with an old school iPod I’m not distracted to use my mobile on a nice long beach walk.