Welcome to the whale coast!
Occupying pride of place on Walker Bay’s spectacular coast, Hermanus has some of the best land-based whale-watching in the world. This bustling seaside resort has an impressive array of places to stay, excellent restaurants and sundowner bars, quirky boutiques and art galleries, and a couple of weekend markets that brim with the freshest and most delicious local produce.
During whale season (June to November), the town’s accommodation fills up quickly, but its Blue Flag beaches, scenic walking and biking trails, and the enchanting Hemel-en-Aarde wine valley, make it a year-round destination. Nearby Stanford, across the bay on the Klein River estuary, has a slower pace, a distinctly quirky creative side and more historical charm, along with wine farms and countryside pursuits.
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.
The Best Accommodation in Hermanus
Birkenhead House
Setting Perched on a peninsula overlooking the entire coast of Walker Bay, 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 perfectly positioned for those who cherish seclusion but also enjoy dipping in and out of the action. Many of the individually decorated rooms boast uninterrupted sea views, while the communal lounge areas feature deep couches, perfect for whale-watching during the early morning or late afternoon. The hotel provides all-inclusive dining with breakfast, lunch, dinner and beverages. Guests also have access to a variety of activities to enhance their stay.
The lodgings
- 11 rooms (deluxe superior, superior, luxury + standard) in 3 separate buildings
- king-size bed
- ensuite bathroom with freestanding bath and shower
- seating area and desk
- private balcony (with plunge pool in Room 5)
- TV with select DStv channels and Netflix
- fully stocked minibar
- air-conditioning and underfloor heating
- tea/coffee station
Things to do
- 2 swimming pools (one ocean-facing)
- sundeck and cliff-hugging dining area
- on-site spa
- surfing lessons
- cruise on a catamaran
- mussel picking and seaside foraging (seasonal)
- sunset braais (in summer)
- Voëlklip and Nanny’s Beach below
- direct access to the Cliff Path
- local wine route tour
- whale-watching (in season)
Child friendly? Yes (10 years and older)
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 per room
Cost From R5 900 per night per person sharing, all-inclusive
Where to find it Corner 11th Street and 7th Avenue, Voëlklip, Hermanus
MAKE A RESERVATION
The Marine Hotel
Setting This prized seafront property (dating back to 1902) has had many revamps and renovations, resulting in a charming, understatedly upmarket hotel that oozes old-world hospitality. Part of Small Luxury Hotels of The World and the Liz McGrath Collection, the Marine’s eclipsing feature is undoubtedly its prime position – a metre or so from the famed 10-kilometre Cliff Path that winds its way along the Walker Bay coast, offering some of the best whale-watching spots in the world.
The lodgings
- 10 premier suites + 10 luxury double rooms, with sea views
- 20 double rooms (garden view)
- private sea-facing or garden-facing balcony
- smart TV with select DStv channels
- minibar (selected complimentary items)
- fluffy bathrobes and luxury bathroom amenities
- tea/coffee station
- air-conditioning and heating
Things to do
- complimentary breakfast buffet each morning
- sea-facing lounge and bar
- afternoon tea
- elegant dining at The Pavilion
- large heated saltwater swimming pool in the courtyard
- tidal pool, directly below the hotel
- on-site spa
- whale-watching (in season)
- scenic walks on the Cliff Path
- short walk to town centre
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 per room
Cost From R8 080 per room per night (includes breakfast)
Special offers include “stay for 3, pay for 2”, “stay for 4, pay for 3”or “stay for 7, pay for 5” (subject to availability)
Where to find it Main Road (R43), Hermanus
MAKE A RESERVATION
Mosselberg on Grotto Beach
Setting Perched above the white sands of the popular Blue Flag-designated Grotto Beach, this five-star boutique villa is hidden behind indigenous fynbos gardens, creating a secret sojourn that offers sweeping views of the ocean and mountains. Despite its discreet location, this sumptuous slice of paradise is a short walk from some of the town’s main attractions.
The lodgings
- 2 ocean-facing suites upstairs (Southern Right + Sugar Bird Junior)
- 1 ground-floor ocean- and garden-facing suite (Fynbos)
- 2 deluxe rooms with partial sea view (Pinotage + Olive)
- king-size bed (or twin beds, on request)
- ensuite bathroom with a bath and shower
- seating area
- TV with select DStv channels
- private patio/balcony
- ceiling fans and underfloor heating
- kitchenette with minibar, tea station and Nespresso machine
Things to do
- complimentary à la carte gourmet breakfast
- TV/games room with table tennis, billiard table and board games
- heated swimming pool and sun loungers
- mini library and DVD collection
- massage treatments
- Grotto Beach 5 minutes’ walk away
- Cliff Path walk on the doorstep
- Hermanus Golf Course nearby
Child friendly? Yes (12 years and older)
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 per suite (3 in Southern Right + Olive)
Cost From R4 952 per room per night (includes breakfast)
Child (12 – 18 years) sharing: R800 per night
Where to find it 253a 10th Street, Voëlklip, Hermanus
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT
Abalone Guest Lodge
Setting Perched amid fynbos on the edge of shore-hugging Sievers Point, 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 artwork, and it’s located right on the famous Cliff Path, overlooking the crashing waves below and mountains in the distance.
The lodgings
- 5 ocean-view suites, 2 luxury sea-facing rooms, 2 luxury garden-view rooms + 3 standard rooms (can be interleading)
- king-size bed
- ensuite bathroom with freestanding bath and shower
- private balcony or patio
- flatscreen TV with DStv
- tea/coffee station with Nespresso machine
- minibar
- desk and seating
- communal lounge with fireplace
Things to do
- complimentary breakfast
- deck with loungers and saltwater swimming pool
- infrared sauna
- wellness centre, plus nail bar
- gym with personal trainer
- direct access to the Cliff Path
- nearby Blue Flag beaches
- whale-watching (in season)
- walk to the town centre for restaurants, shops and galleries
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 per room
Cost From R2 250 per room per night (including breakfast)
From R4 600 per suite per night (including breakfast)
Where to find it 306 Main Road, Hermanus
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT
The Thatch House Boutique Hotel
Setting 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 property, with two hectares of manicured gardens and a stylish interior (bespoke furniture, wall hangings and art) completing the picture. Each suite has its own character, but all will make you feel like a royal.
The lodgings
- 4 luxury suites with lagoon views (Waterfall, Flamingo, Pincushion, Lagoon)
- 3 luxury suites with garden/mountain views (Fern, Milkwood and Paradise)
- extra-length king-size bed
- 5 suites have an adjoining room with single beds
- ensuite bathroom with a bath and shower
- walk-in dressing room
- lounge area and desk
- smart TV with select DStv and wireless speaker
- private terrace
- refreshment hub with a minibar, Nespresso machine, teas and snacks
- air-conditioning and underfloor heating
Things to do
- complimentary breakfast in the restaurant (lunch + dinner at an additional cost)
- swim in the pool or in the lagoon
- wood-fired hot tub
- paddling on the lagoon and river (kayaks supplied)
- power-boat for waterskiing or tubing and sunset cruises (additional cost)
- floodlit tennis court
- putting green
- jungle gym
- nearby walks, hikes and bike rides
- whale-watching (in season)
Good to know There is a minimum two-night stay.
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 – 4 per suite
Cost From R8 900 per night for two people sharing (includes breakfast)
Where to find it Lagoon Road, off the R43 (to Stanford), Hermanus
MAKE A RESERVATION
Ridge House
Setting Perched on a mountain slope in the peaceful suburbs of Hermanus, this guest house offers ocean views, tranquillity and a central location. What’s more, most suites are equipped with their own private wood-burning hot tub for soaking up the sweeping views in style. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or wish to be surrounded by fynbos, a stone’s throw from a slew of attractions, Ridge House might be just what you’re after.
The lodgings
- 4 suites varying in size (Aloe, Bay, Rockpool and Botanical)
- king-size bed (plus sleeper couch)
- ensuite bathroom with a freestanding bath and/or walk-in shower
- lounge area (with fireplace in Aloe and Rockpool)
- private deck with a hot tub (except in Bay suite)
- kitchenette, private braai and dining area (in Rockpool and Aloe)
- tea/coffee station
- complimentary firewood
Things to do
- breakfast served each morning
- relax in the hot tub
- central lounge, dining, bar area and deck with 180-degree views
- spacious and sheltered garden with a campfire boma
- hiking and biking trails in adjacent Fernkloof Reserve
- nearby Blue Flag beaches
- 10 minutes’ walk from the Cliff Path and town centre
- whale-watching (in season)
- birdwatching
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 – 3 per suite
Cost From R2 750 per night for two people sharing (includes breakfast)
Child (3 – 10 years): R750 per night
Where to find it 66 Mountain Drive, Northcliff, Hermanus
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT
The Best Accommodation in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
The Guardian Hermanus
Setting Floating above the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, this 10-hectare estate is a wonderful sojourn for those seeking an immersive escape in nature. Surrounded by sweeping lawns, vineyards, orchards, rolling hills and towering mountains, this sweet escape offers two luxury self-catering residences for a tranquil getaway in wine country.
The lodgings
- 2-bedroom double-storey thatched cottage overlooking a pond
- 1-bedroom garden apartment (attached to main house)
- extra-length king beds
- ensuite bathrooms with shower
- open-plan lounge and dining area with a fireplace
- fully equipped kitchen
- wraparound furnished verandah (cottage), private patio (apartment)
- outdoor dining area with undercover braai (at cottage)
- private garden
Things to do
- pool deck with loungers and 16-metre rimflow pool
- scenic farm, riverside and fynbos walks
- picnics
- birdwatching
- hiking and mountain-biking trails
- surrounding wine farms and restaurants
Child friendly? No (with exceptions on request)
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 4 in cottage, 2 in apartment
Cost Cottage: From R3 900 per night
Apartment: From R2 900 per night
Where to find it Coch Y Bondhu Estate, R320, Hemel-en-Aarde, Hermanus
MAKE A RESERVATION
Stonehaven Eco Cabins
Setting Amid wild fynbos, herb gardens and protea fields on a biodynamic farm at the foot of the Babilonstoring Mountain, Stonehaven’s three eco-friendly cabins have a unique farmhouse-meets-contemporary-cabin aesthetic, with a sought-after sense of nature-drenched privacy. Sit back and enjoy the scents of the farm’s aromatherapy gardens in the breeze, read your book on the sunny patio, or cocoon next to the indoor fireplace when temperatures cool.
The lodgings
- Heaven (double-storey): 3 bedrooms (1 king, 1 double + 2 single beds)
- Earth and Stars: 2 bedrooms (1 king + 2 single beds)
- ensuite bathroom with a shower
- fully equipped kitchen
- open-plan lounge and dining area with a fireplace
- sunny patio
- wood-fired hot tub
- gas braai and outdoor seating area
- shaded garden with loungers
- firewood and basic supplies
Things to do
- take the Protea Walk that meanders through the farm
- pack a picnic to enjoy under the oak tree
- navigate your way through the labyrinth
- swimming and paddling at the dam (2 kayaks available)
- explore on a mountain-bike (2 bikes available)
- massage treatments and yoga (on request)
- mountain-biking and hiking trails nearby
- horse-riding trails nearby
- Hemel-en-Aarde wine route
Good to know The main farmhouse can also be booked (sleeps 8); it has a natural pool, yoga room and TV lounge.
Child friendly? Yes (over 8 years old)
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 4 – 6 per cabin
Cost From R 3 455 per cabin per night
Where to find it Off Karwyderskraal Road, Hemel-en-Aarde, Hermanus
MAKE A RESERVATION
Thuúla Hidden Haven
Setting With its almost-all-white colour scheme, there’s something reminiscent of the Greek Isles about this 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 renowned for its wines, you’ll quickly understand its name (it means “silence”).
The lodgings
- 2 ensuite bedrooms (one king bed or twin beds, one queen bed)
- 1 bathroom with double shower; 1 bathroom with bath (with a view) and shower
- fully equipped kitchen with Smeg appliances, fridge-freezer 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
- separate verandah with seating
- Marshall speaker, board games and books
- firewood supplied
Things to do
- walking, hiking and mountain-biking trails on site
- swimming in dams, river pools and three waterfalls
- stand-up paddling on dams
- Hemel-en-Aarde wine farms and restaurants nearby
- 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 (camping cot on request)
Pet friendly On request
Wifi Yes
Sleeps 4
Cost From R3 250 for two people per night
Where to find it R320, Hemel-en-Aarde, Hermanus
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT
Click here for our list of things to do in Hermanus and in the area, the best of the Hemel-en-Aarde wine route, and the best places to dine.
Which are your favourite? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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