Ribbons of blue as far as the eye can see… A barefoot beach sanctuary.
Mention Keurboomstrand and the mind’s eye conjures long, powdery white-sand beaches, the caressing waves of the Indian Ocean, rocky outcrops of granite and a milkwood-dotted wilderness. It’s a wild, untamed beach escape near Plettenberg Bay where families have holidayed for generations… among them the owners of Babyonstoren (and The Newt in Somerset, UK).
“The ocean and the beaches at Keurbooms are primal and untouched – they must have been the same for ages,” says owner Karen Roos when we asked her what made the place special for her. “Sharing the space with our guests came as a natural next step.”
BLOU in Keurbooms officially opened in February 2024. Named for the myriad shades of ocean blue, the restored cottages of Blou sit right on a stretch of Keurbooms beach where dolphins and whales frolic. Everything here is blue: the turquoise ocean, the powder-blue sky, the blue-tiled pool, the beach umbrellas… Against thick white-washed walls, it channels contemporary sea-breeze luxury: exquisitely designed but not in the least intimidating.
“We wanted to create a quiet space,” says Karen, “so you can experience all the senses surrounding the place: the smell of the sea and the buchu, the sound of the waves, the dolphins and the other sea life right in front of your doorstep. I hope our guests respond to the magnificent nature here, and can be present.”
A cluster of beach cottages
There are eight unfussy fisherman’s cottages, inspired by easy-going family holidays, imbued with the renowned Babylonstoren flair and sense of place. Clean uncluttered lines, contemporary high-end fittings without any ostentation, but every detail designed for comfort – in barefoot luxury – and to allow the dramatically beautiful setting to take centre stage. With light wood underfoot, you’ll relish canopied beds, fans in wardrobes to dry clothes, spacious bathrooms…
Each cottage is named (in Afrikaans) after a different shade of blue: Duifblou (dove), Skulp (shell), Kobalt (cobalt), Saffier (sapphire), Indigo, Vlootblou (navy), Hemel (heaven), and Oseaan (ocean). Three line up along the beachfront with the majesty of the ocean at their feet. The other five are grouped around a communal courtyard with outdoor braais. Sheltered garden nooks lure you in to dream over a book. A central swimming pool is glassed in at one end, leading to the sauna and steam room. Milkwood trees shelter you from the outside world, further enhancing the state of grace. The simple life done with the inimitable Babylonstoren stamp.
The lodgings
- 3 ocean-facing self-catering cottages with 2 ensuite bedrooms each
- 2 courtyard self-catering cottages with 1 bed + 1 bath
- 3 courtyard self-catering cottages with 1 bed + 1 kids’ loft + 1.5 bath
- indoor kitchen with induction stove, coffee machine and pantry staples
- braai area (courtyard cottages)
- gas braai (sea-facing cottages)
- Welcome House with pantry for concierge services and grocery shopping
Things to do
- the steamroom / sauna / jacuzzi / pool area is a mini Babylonstoren spa
- glorious swims in the ocean
- yoga mats beach walks to Arch Rock
- hikes to the lagoon and nature reserve
- explore Keurbooms River Reserve by ferry, kayak or boat
- fishing, hiking, cycling
- marine boat tours, swimming with seals and guided kayak sea tours.
- animal sanctuaries (eg. wild cats, monkeys, birds, snakes)
- diving, windsurfing, tree-top adventures, skydiving
- golf and polo
- wholefood markets, artisanal producers and dining destinations in and around Plettenberg Bay
Part of the family
The owners of this extraordinary beach retreat make use of it when they’re in the area. And when they’re not, they’ve opened it up to allow friends an family to make use of it. So, if you’re one of the lucky ones who’ve stayed at either Babylonstoren or The Newt, you’re considered an honorary member of the Babylonstoren family and are welcome to book a stay.
A blissful beach retreat designed for sensory re-wilding, you’ll feel a soul-restoring sense of relaxation wash over you, as you sink into and soak up the surrounding paradise.
Good to know Only available for guests who have previously stayed at Babylonstoren or The Newt. Minimum two-night stay.
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 – 4 per cottage
Cost From R6 600 per cottage per night
Where to find it 52 Main Street, Keurboomstrand, Western Cape
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