The 18 Best Places to Stay in Hermanus

Occupying pride of place on Walker Bay’s spectacular shoreline, Hermanus is one of those year-round destinations where every season offers something special and unique. During whale season (June to November), crowds flock to view the marine mammals in their natural habitat, so accommodation fills up quickly.

Outside of whale season, visitors flock to the coastal town for its powder-white Blue Flag beaches, scenic walking and biking trails, quirky boutiques, bookshops and art galleries, and the enchanting Hemel-en-Aarde wine valley.

Whether you’re looking to spend a weekend or longer in this magnificent part of the world, here is our selection of top places to stay.

Hermanus accommodation at a glance

• Hermanus: Book into glorious hotels and guest houses in the village and along the seafront, for easy access to the whale-watching Cliff Path, beaches, restaurants, shops and art galleries.For big sea views and more peace and quiet, choose guesthouses or self-catering options on the hillside or just out of town.
• Hemel-en-Aarde: For a wine route on your doorstep and immersion in nature, head to the Hemel-en-Aarde valley’s superb self-catering spots.
• Onrus: For coastal villas and cottages, the hidden gem is Onrus (8km from Hermanus).

Hermanus

Birkenhead House

Perched on a promontory overlooking the entire coast, this glam beach boutique hotel gives some of the swankiest spots on the Amalfi Coast a run for their money. Just a three-minute drive from the town centre, it’s perfect if you cherish seclusion but also enjoy dipping in and out of the action. Many of the individually decorated rooms have uninterrupted sea views, while the communal areas feature deep couches and loungers, perfect for whale-watching. The hotel provides all-inclusive dining with breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks. Guests also have access to a variety of activities to enhance their stay, from local wine-route tours, boat trips, sea kayaking and surfing lessons to sunset braais and seasonal mussel picking and cooking.
What’s on offer

• 11 double rooms in three separate buildings
• ensuite with freestanding bath and shower
• private balconies (with a plunge pool in Room 5)
• Netflix, select satellite TV and DVD player
• fully stocked minibar and speciality tea/coffee station
• 2 swimming pools (one ocean-facing)
• sundeck and cliff-hugging dining area
• on-site spa
• Voëlklip and Kamma Bay beaches directly below
• direct access to the Cliff Path

Child friendly Yes, 10 years and older
Pet friendly No
Cost From R8 900 per person sharing per night (all-inclusive)
Conservation & community levy: R210 per person per night
Where to find it Corner 11th Street and 7th Avenue, Voëlklip, Hermanus
MAKE A RESERVATION

The Marine Hotel

This prized seafront property (dating back to 1902) has had many revamps and renovations over the years, resulting in a charming, understatedly upmarket hotel that oozes old-world hospitality. From the generous breakfast buffet to afternoon tea and elegant dinners, plus sundowners with a view, this is a place to enjoy time-honoured daily rituals in style. Part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and the Liz McGrath Collection, The Marine’s eclipsing feature is its prime position – a metre or so from the famed 10-kilometre Cliff Path that winds its way along the Walker Bay coastline, offering some of the best whale-watching spots in the world. It’s also a short walk to the centre of town.
What’s on offer

• 10 Premier Suites: separate lounge with sea views (two include private balconies), king-size bed, ensuite with bath + shower
• 10 Luxury Double Rooms: sea views (some with private balconies), seating area, king-size bed, ensuite with shower
• 20 Double Rooms: king-size bed, ensuite with shower, some with private balconies
• tea/coffee station, minibar + complimentary bottle of red wine on arrival
• 24-hour room service
• sea-facing communal lounge and bar
• dining in The Pavilion (with vegan menu option)
• special pop-up wine-pairing dinners
• large heated saltwater swimming pool in the courtyard
• on-site spa
• direct access to the Cliff Path

Child friendly Yes
Pet friendly Yes
Cost From R4 195 per room per night (includes breakfast)
Where to find it Main Road, Hermanus
Good to know The Marine is closed for refurbishments from 1 May until 30 June 2026.
MAKE A RESERVATION

The Thatch House Boutique Hotel

All the uninterrupted beauty of the Overberg is on display at this boutique estate, on the outskirts of Hermanus, that offers breathtaking views of the mountains and Klein River Lagoon. As the name suggests, a sweeping thatch roof shelters the lodge, with two hectares of manicured gardens and stylish interiors filled with bespoke furniture, wall hangings and art completing the picture. Each evocatively named luxury suite (Waterfall, Flamingo, Paradise…) has its own character, but all will make you feel like a royal.
What’s on offer

• seven suites: four with lagoon views, three with garden and mountain views
• ensuite with a bath and shower, plus walk-in dressing room
• private sauna in Waterfall suite and Lagoon suite; private hot tub in Pincushion suite
• private furnished terraces
• select satellite TV
• tea/coffee station (with Nespresso machine), minibar and snacks
• complimentary breakfast (lunch + dinner at an additional cost)
• swimming pool and deck with loungers
• lagoon-side wood-fired hot tub
• communal lounge with fireplace
• floodlit tennis court and golf putting green
• kayaks and SUPs for paddling on the lagoon and river
• power-boat for waterskiing or tubing and sunset cruises (additional cost)

Good to know Five suites have an adjoining room with single beds for children.
Child friendly Yes
Pet friendly No
Cost From R7 500 per night for two people sharing (includes breakfast)
Where to find it Lagoon Road, off the R43 (to Stanford), Hermanus
MAKE A RESERVATION

Auberge Burgundy

Set in the historic heart of Hermanus, this charming Provençal-style guesthouse is a stone’s throw from the charming Old Harbour. Leafy courtyards, blue shutters, wrought-iron balconies and stone terraces give it a Mediterranean vibe, making it a wonderful getaway all year round. Guests enjoy their complimentary breakfast/brunch next door at Frances Restaurant, and all the town’s boutiques, art galleries, markets, bars and eateries are just a stroll away.
The lodgings

• 19 rooms in various categories, including suites
• self-catering Pool Suite with a kitchen
• fireplaces in the Penthouse Suites and Pool Suite
• private patio or Juliet balcony (depending on room type)
• select satellite TV
• minibar and tea/coffee station
• courtyard swimming pool and loungers
• spa on-site, with a Middle Eastern rasul chamber
• Cliff Path walk on the doorstep

Child friendly Yes (12 years and older)
Pet friendly No
Cost From R3 604 per room per night (includes breakfast)
Where to find it Harbour Road, Hermanus
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Abalone Guest Lodge

Nestled in fynbos on the edge of shore-hugging Sievers Point, considered the top whale-watching spot in town, this four-star guesthouse is a wonderful place to rest your head. The airy, light-filled rooms are calming and comfortable, the entire place is filled with local artworks, and it’s right on the famous Cliff Path, overlooking the crashing waves below and mountains in the distance. Halfway between town and the best beaches, this landmark offers easy access to all the highlights of Hermanus.
What’s on offer

• five ocean-view suites, four luxury rooms (sea-facing or garden view) + three standard rooms
• ensuite with freestanding bath and shower
• private balcony or patio
• air-conditioning
• satellite TV
• minibar and tea/coffee station (with Nespresso machine)
• communal lounge with fireplace
• 3-course dinners served indoors or on the terrace
• deck with loungers and saltwater swimming pool
• infrared sauna
• wellness centre, nail bar and small gym with personal training
• nearby Blue Flag beaches

Good to know The family-friendly standard rooms can be interleading.
Child friendly Yes
Pet friendly No
Cost From R4 860 per room per night (including breakfast)
Child sharing: from R2 430 per night
Where to find it 306 Main Road, Hermanus
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Selkirk Guesthouse

Boasting fantastic views from its elevated perch, right up against the mountain overlooking town and the bay, this custom-built luxury guesthouse offers the perfect balance of privacy and social interaction. There are five individually decorated rooms, with spacious ensuites with all the extras (plush robes, Keet & Monks amenities, heated towel rails), and plenty of attractively curated communal spaces in which to relax – catch some sunshine on the pool deck, gaze at the sea view from the rooftop terrace, enjoy the tranquil indigenous garden or cosy up beside the fire in the lounge with a glass of wine. It’s a “home from home” with excellent service and welcoming hosts who’ve thought of everything.
What’s on offer 

• five ensuite bedrooms with private balcony or patio
• minibar, tea/coffee station and snack basket
• satellite TV and iPod dock
• downstairs lounge with fireplace and outdoor patio
• upstairs bar-lounge with TV and terrace
• wine cellar stocked with local labels
• splash pool and sundeck
• Karoo-stone braai area (with catered braais on request)
• rooftop deck for sundowners

Good to know Two groups of two rooms are interleading and share their own private lounge, bar and patio, making them perfect for group bookings.
Child friendly Yes (12 years and older)
Pet friendly No
Cost From R2 900 per room per night (including breakfast)
Child sharing: R1 450 per night
Where to find it Selkirk Street, Hermanus Heights, Hermanus
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Mosselberg on Grotto Beach

Perched above the white sands of popular Grotto Beach, a Blue Flag beauty, this five-star boutique guesthouse is hidden behind lush fynbos, creating a secret sojourn that offers sweeping views of the ocean and mountains. The modern architecture emphasises light-filled spaces and ensures utter privacy and a sense of tranquillity. Despite its discreet location, this slice of paradise is a short walk from some of the town’s main attractions. Start each day with an à la carte gourmet breakfast, and go from there…
What’s on offer

• three ocean-facing suites and two deluxe rooms (partial sea views)
• private patios or balconies
• minibar and tea/coffee station (with Nespresso machine)
• select satellite TV and DVD player
• courtyard with a heated lap pool and sun loungers
• sea-facing deck, lounge with fireplace and courtesy bar
• games room with table tennis, billiards table and board games
• massage treatments
• direct beach access
• Cliff Path walk on the doorstep

Child friendly Yes (12 years and older)
Pet friendly No
Cost From R5 194 per room per night (includes breakfast)
Child sharing: R800 per night
Where to find it 10th Street, Voëlklip, Hermanus
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Ridge House

In a peaceful suburb of Hermanus, on the mountain slope adjacent to the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, this romantic guesthouse offers elevated 180-degree Walker Bay views, total tranquillity and a central location. What’s more, most suites are equipped with their own wood-burning hot tub for soaking up the scenery in style. Surrounded by fynbos and birdsong, you’ll feel immersed in nature, and yet you’re a stone’s throw from a slew of attractions. The hiking and biking trails of Fernkloof are on your doorstep, and the beaches, Cliff Path and town centre are 10 minutes’ walk away.
What’s on offer

• four suites of various sizes, two with fireplaces
• ensuite with a freestanding bath and/or walk-in shower
• private deck with a hot tub
• tea/coffee station
• two suites with a kitchenette, outdoor braai and dining table
• communal lounge, dining and bar area with a sea-view deck
• spacious and sheltered garden with a campfire boma

Child friendly Yes
Pet friendly No
Cost From R2 950 per night for two people sharing (includes breakfast)
Child (3 – 10 years) sharing: R750 per night
Where to find it Mountain Drive, Northcliff, Hermanus
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Treestone Villa

This self-catering holiday home on the slopes of Fernkloof channels log-cabin vibes… just ultra-modern, super-sized and multi-levelled. An architectural showpiece of gleaming timber, exposed brick, sleek cement, polished stone and floor-to-ceiling glass, it’s custom-designed for contemporary lifestyles. Eye-catching light fittings, a blue-marble feature wall in the lounge, and a central floating concrete staircase and skylight add visual interest. The open-plan living area opens onto a pool patio, while the upstairs bedrooms are serene sanctuaries. The villa is also ideally located for quick access to hiking trails and the Cliff Path, both a kilometre away.
What’s on offer

• sleeps 6 in three ensuite bedrooms, with private balconies
• fully equipped kitchen with coffee machine and ice-maker
• open-plan lounge and dining room with a fireplace
• TV lounge with smart TV, music system and speakers
• outdoor lounge and dining area with undercover braai
• large lap pool
• garden with lawns for games

Good to know Kitchen pre-stocking and housekeeping can be arranged.
Child friendly Yes
Pet friendly Yes, by arrangement
Cost From R4 275 per night (minimum two-night stay)
Where to find it Arc Street, Fernkloof, Hermanus
MAKE A RESERVATION

Southwinds Estate

It’s all about the luxury of space at Southwinds. Just outside Hermanus, between the mountains and Klein River Lagoon, and next door to the yacht club, this modern, clean-lined, self-catering manor house comprises three buildings, offering several different living areas. There’s the glass-walled sunroom lounge with its beautiful views; the kitchen where you can dine under the curved-brick ceiling beside a big, hearth-like fireplace; and a TV lounge for lazy/rainy days. The four spacious bedrooms (named after the owners’ Great Danes) all open onto a lush garden oasis, with terraces, courtyards and expansive lawns leading down to the shore. In the middle of it all, a fabulous pool deck. At day’s end, watch boats sailing past on the serene waters and raise a glass to perfection.
What’s on offer

• sleeps 8 in four ensuite bedrooms (two with double beds, two with twin beds)
• fully equipped kitchen with a built-in fireplace/hearth
• sunroom lounge with fireplace
• TV lounge with Netflix and Disney+ and a fireplace
• horizon swimming pool with deck chairs and loungers
• walks to the lagoon and up the mountainside
• slipway for launching watercraft
• wine routes, hiking and horse-riding nearby

Good to know Housekeeping and a private chef can be arranged for an extra fee.
Child friendly Yes
Pet friendly No
Cost From R8 250 per night
Where to find it Lagoon Road, off R43 (to Stanford), Hermanus
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Hemel-en-Aarde

Thuúla Hidden Haven

With its almost-all-white colour scheme, there’s something reminiscent of the Greek Isles about this self-catering abode – instead of ocean views, you’re surrounded by a sea of green fields, fynbos-covered hills, rugged mountains and big skies. The clean-lined design adds to the Grecian fantasy: square picture windows perfectly framing those views, built-in seating in well-chosen spots, and niches holding simple decor objects and pot plants. It’s utterly stylish, calming and tranquil – and completely off-grid. Situated on an 80-hectare farm, in a stunning valley, you’ll quickly understand its name (it means “silence”).
What’s on offer

• sleeps 4 in two ensuite bedrooms (one bathroom has a tub with a view)
• fully equipped kitchen with Smeg appliances and coffee machine
• open-plan living area with dining table, seating and fireplace
• courtyard with dining table, braai and pizza oven
• wood-fired hot tub
• Marshall speaker, board games and books
• walking, hiking and mountain-biking trails on site
• swimming in dams, river pools and three waterfalls
• stand-up paddling on dams
• wine farms and horse-riding nearby

Good to know There is a minimum two-night stay on weekends, with the option of a late check-out on Sunday.
Child friendly Yes
Pet friendly Yes
Cost From R2 660 per night for two people
Where to find it Breevlei Farm, R320, Hemel-en-Aarde, Hermanus
MAKE A RESERVATION

Villetta

Think “cosy mini villa” – it has fireplaces in every room, and comfortable furnishings inside and outside on the three verandahs, perfect for soaking in the magnificent views of this wine valley and its mountain backdrop. The modern architecture includes floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors, which gives the effect of living inside a beautiful landscape painting. With a large garden and lawns, this is classic bucolic countryside – but the contemporary furnishings, light fittings, artworks and decor elevate this self-catering cottage to something special.
What’s on offer

• sleeps 4 in two ensuite bedrooms with fireplaces
• private patios with loungers
• open-plan kitchen, dining area and lounge with a fireplace
• smart TV, books and board games
• furnished main verandah
• outdoor dining table and braai
• large garden space with lawns
• walks on the farm
• hiking and mountain-biking nearby
• wine farms nearby

Child-friendly No (only 16 years and over)
Pet-friendly No
Cost From R4 225 per night (minimum two-night stay)
Where to find it De Werf, R320, Hemel-en-Aarde, Hermanus
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Thuula Haven

Three adjoining, white apex barns stand sentinel in a dramatic landscape… In front of them a farm dam; in the distance, fields melding into the fynbos-covered slopes of rugged mountains. And above, big Overberg sky in all its varying moods. This off-grid, super-stylish zen-like space offers a calming retreat; a home in which you’ll “drift” and “sweep” between rooms, “lounge” and “recline” in glorious nooks, resting and resetting and tuning in to the rhythms of nature. The main barn is the hub, opening out onto the panoramic verandah and just a stroll away from the dam, while the bedrooms are more private cocoons.
What’s on offer

• sleeps 8 in two ensuite bedrooms (one upstairs) and two bedrooms with shared bathroom
• open-plan kitchen and living area with a fireplace
• upstairs lounge area
• 2 smart TVs with Netflix, Showmax, Disney+ and satellite channels
• dining room overlooking pool
• verandah with a dining table, braai and pizza oven
• swimming pool
• firepit with seating at the dam
• swimming and paddling (SUP board available) at the dam
• farm walks and hiking trails to three waterfalls
• wine farms, mountain-biking and horse-riding nearby

Good to know The property is serviced daily during the week. Weekend servicing can be arranged on special request (for an additional fee).
Child friendly Yes
Pet friendly Yes, by arrangement
Cost From R7 000 per night (minimum two-night stay)
Where to find it Breevlei Farm, R320, Hemel-en-Aarde, Hermanus
MAKE A RESERVATION

The Guardian Hermanus

This 10-hectare estate is a wonderful sojourn for those seeking an immersive escape in nature. Surrounded by sweeping lawns and gorgeous gardens, with vineyards, orchards, rolling hills and towering mountains in the distance, it offers two luxury self-catering residences for a tranquil getaway in wine country – with easy access to the coastline too. One is a double-storey thatched cottage overlooking a pond; the other is a garden apartment attached to the main farmhouse. Both have their own private outdoor areas in which to enjoy the fresh air and views.
What’s on offer

• cottage with two ensuite bedrooms (sleeps 4), open-plan kitchen, lounge and dining area with a fireplace, wraparound verandah and outdoor dining area with undercover braai
• one-bedroom apartment (sleeps 2) with open-plan kitchen, lounge and dining area, and private patio
• communal pool deck with loungers and a 16-metre rimflow pool
• scenic farm, riverside and fynbos walks
• hiking and mountain-biking trails
• surrounding wine farms and restaurants

Child friendly No (with exceptions on request)
Pet friendly No
Cost Cottage: from R4 800 per night
Apartment: from R3 600 per night
Where to find it Coch Y Bondhu Estate, R320, Hemel-en-Aarde, Hermanus
MAKE A RESERVATION

Stonehaven Eco Cabins

Amid wild fynbos, herb gardens and protea fields on a biodynamic farm at the foot of the Babilonstoring Mountain, Stonehaven’s three eco-friendly, self-catering cabins have a unique farmhouse-meets-contemporary aesthetic, with a sought-after sense of nature-drenched privacy. Sit back and enjoy the scents of the farm’s aromatherapy gardens wafting on the breeze, read a book on the sunny patio, soak in the hot tub or cocoon next to the fireplace.
What’s on offer

• double-storey Heaven cabin: sleeps 6 in three bedrooms (master ensuite)
• Earth and Stars cabins: each sleep 4 in two ensuite bedrooms
• open-plan dining and lounge area with a fireplace
• fully equipped kitchen (with dishwasher in Heaven)
• patio with outdoor seating and dining table
• braai (gas braai in Heaven)
• garden with sun loungers
• wood-fired hot tub
• swimming and paddling at the dam (kayaks available)
• Protea Walk that meanders through the farm
• garden walks and labyrinth
• mountain-biking (three bikes available)
• massage treatments and yoga (on request)
• wine farms and horse-riding nearby

Good to know The main farmhouse can also be booked (sleeps 8); it has a natural swimming pool, yoga room and TV lounge.
Child friendly Yes (over 8 years old)
Pet friendly No
Cost From R3 650 per cabin per night
Where to find it Off Karwyderskraal Road, Hemel-en-Aarde, Hermanus
MAKE A RESERVATION

Onrus

Sunridge Aan

Surveying the ocean and pristine, fynbos-flecked coastline from its slightly elevated position, this villa channels beach-house vibes. It provides direct access to the golden curve of Onrus Beach and its lagoon, plus neighbouring Sandbaai Beach and two tidal pools. With its classic clapboard and stone-wall detailing, window shutters, spacious decks and balconies, it’s exactly what you’d expect a seaside stay to look like. The open-plan living area provides a spacious hub for gathering and dining, leading out onto the deck where sundowners and braais will be a daily ritual. A sheltered courtyard out back, with a giant sofa, is the perfect spot for quiet time. The bedrooms are spaced apart; in the annex, one has its own private lounge area, and the other has a kitchenette and TV room, a perfect setup for multi-generational families.
What’s on offer

• sleeps 10 in five bedrooms (three ensuite), with a balcony or direct garden access
• fully equipped kitchen, with Nespresso machine
• dining area and lounge with a fireplace
• TV room with a smart TV
• furnished deck and sheltered courtyard
• built-in braai with a dining table
• beach walks and Onrus/Sandbaai coastal path
• Hemel-en-Aarde wine route nearby

Good to know Housekeeping, kitchen pre-stocking, babysitting and in-house massages can be arranged.
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Cost From R8 299 per night (minimum two-night stay)
Where to find it Disa Street, Onrus, Hermanus
MAKE A RESERVATION

Riverside Manor

Tucked into the coastal bush where the Onrus River meanders its way to the sea, this holiday villa presents breathtaking mountain views from every angle. It’s also an architectural showpiece, with pitched, whitewashed timber ceilings and shuttered windows (these fold back in the living room to bring the outdoors in). The light-filled, easy-breezy design, where each space flows into the next, is offset by a calming decor palette in shades of white, blue and grey. It’s a place that captures the holiday vibes and location perfectly, equipped with everything you need to make your stay even more memorable. Should you be tempted to explore, the beach is a short walk away and there is direct river access for kayaking or SUPing.
What’s on offer

• sleeps 10 in five ensuite bedrooms
• open-plan kitchen, living and dining area
• lounge with fireplace and TV with satellite channels
• 2 additional private TV lounges
• 2 furnished patios
• courtyard deck with seating, table tennis, dining table and gas braai
• lawned courtyard garden with firepit with boma seating
• deck with saltwater swimming pool and loungers
• private boardwalk and jetty for river access
• short walk to Onrus Beach and coastal path
• Hemel-en-Aarde wine route nearby

Good to know A private chef can be arranged, as well as kitchen pre-stocking, babysitting and in-house massages.
Child friendly Yes
Pet friendly No
Cost From R11 500 per night (minimum five-night stay)
Where to find it Riverside Lane, Onrus, Hermanus
MAKE A RESERVATION

Onrus Mountain Escape

Swapping the seafront for an elevated setting rewards you with incredible views of the coastline and a craggy, fynbos-covered mountain in your backyard. This stylish self-catering cottage is a gloriously tranquil nature escape, yet it’s close to the beach, town and all the attractions. You have a choice of braai spots, a view-drenched hot tub for sundowners and stargazing, and big sofas and a cosy fireplace in the lounge and shutter-enclosed patio (essentially, a second living area for dining and relaxing). Plus it welcomes pets – your furry family member will love exploring the garden.
What’s on offer

• sleeps 4 in two ensuite bedrooms opening to the garden
• open-plan kitchen, living and dining area
• smart TV with satellite channels
• furnished sheltered patio with a fireplace/braai
• wood-burning hot tub
• outdoor shower
• large garden with a firepit and boma
• Onrus beach and coastal walks nearby (3km)
• Hemel-en-Aarde wine route nearby

Child friendly Yes
Pet friendly Yes
Cost From R2 750 per night (minimum two-night stay)
Where to find it Owl Rock Road, Chanteclair Estate, Onrus
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

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