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.
Where would you like to stay?
Hermanus
Stanford
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
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? Yes (in ground-floor patio rooms)
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
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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
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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
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Protea House
Setting This beautiful self-catering home in Eastcliff is a mere three-minute walk from the centre of town, but you wouldn’t think so. Set slightly back from the breathtaking Cliff Path, Protea House is the perfect choice for a central seaside sojourn with an air of privacy. With an abundance of space, it’s particularly suited to a multi-family or large-group getaway.
The lodgings
- 3 ensuite bedrooms with king bed and balcony
- 1 loft bedroom/teen pad with 4 single beds
- 1 kids’ room with 4 beds
- 5 bathrooms with a bath and/or shower
- fully equipped kitchen
- lounge with a fireplace
- flatscreen TV with Netflix
- dining tables indoors and outside
- furnished verandah
- pool deck with sun loungers and daybeds
- lush garden
- sheltered back courtyard with braai
- air-conditioning
Things to do
- swimming in the pool or at nearby Grotto Beach
- braais and outdoor meals
- walks along the Cliff Path
- whale-watching (in season) at nearby Roman Rock
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? Yes
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 6 adults + 8 children
Cost From R8 000 per night
Where to find it 20 Protea Road, Eastcliff, Hermanus
The Best Accommodation in Stanford
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Setting A treasure trove of fynbos and ancient milkwood trees, Grootbos is an extraordinary place where rare nature and tranquil luxury converge. With views right down to Walker Bay, this slice of serenity is a haven for nature-lovers and gourmet travellers alike. Luxury five-star accommodation and facilities, coupled with unique experiences and memorable meals (3-course lunches and 5-course dinners), prove to be a seductive combination. This is an African safari of a completely different kind.
The lodgings
- Garden Lodge: 11 luxury one- or two-bedroom freestanding suites
- restaurant, wine cellar, heated pool, wellness area with sauna and kids’ playroom
- Forest Lodge: 16 luxury freestanding suites for couples
- restaurant, barista bar, wine cellar, forest boma, infinity pool, forest spa and library
- suites with a lounge, fireplace, minibar, smart TV and private deck with sea views
Things to do
- guided nature walks and hikes
- horse-riding through the fynbos
- birdwatching
- 4×4 botanical safari
- visit an ancient coastal cave
- spa treatments
- wine-tasting and wine-and-food pairing, plus 3 local wine-route tours (additional cost)
- a one-of-a-kind botanical art gallery depicting the rare plants found here
- fat-biking over dunes, marine safaris, river cruises and boat-based whale-watching can be arranged (additional cost)
Good to know There are also 2 ultra-luxurious private villas, Fynbos and Sunbird, with private chef, butler and guide.
Child friendly Yes (Garden Lodge)
Pet friendly No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 – 4 per suite
Cost From R25 000 per suite per night (full board + selected activities)
SA resident Summer Special: R6 950 per person sharing, plus half-price for spa treatments (11 January – 30 April 2024)
Where to find it R43, between Stanford and Gansbaai
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White Water Farm
Setting Nguni cows, horses, chickens, alpacas and springbok roam free on this peaceful farm in the Klein River Valley. Dating back to 1846, it combines historic charm with a modern country feel, where gardens shaded by oak trees, the scent of hydrangeas and roses, and the towering mountains set the scene for an enchanting country escape – complete with rooster alarm clock. The lodgings, in various farm buildings, are characterful and beautifully decorated with antiques, heirlooms and art.
The lodgings
- 3 Dairy Suites + 2 Barn Suites: king bed, ensuite bathroom, kitchenette + lounge with fireplace
- Gatehouse Cottage: four-poster king bed, ensuite bathroom with Victorian bath, kitchenette, lounge with a fireplace + private patio
- Farmhouse: 3 bedrooms (2 queen beds and twin beds), 2 bathrooms, full kitchen, large living area with a fireplace + private patio with braai
- Farmhouse Deluxe Suite (adjacent to Farmhouse): large bedroom with a fireplace, 2 bathrooms + private courtyard with an outdoor shower
Things to do
- breakfast basket delivered (braai, burger + pasta baskets also available)
- bass fishing in the farm dams (trout fishing extra cost)
- shaded pool area with loungers and cabanas
- on-site spa
- farm animal encounters/feeding for kids
- hiking trails in nearby Phillipskop Mountain Reserve
- surrounding wine estates
Child friendly? Yes (except Gatehouse)
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 per suite; 6 in Farmhouse
Cost Suites: From R2 650 per suite per night
Cottage: From R3 100 per night
Farmhouse: From R5 850 per night
Where to find it R326, near Stanford
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Stanford Valley Country Lodge
Setting Rolling hills, lush meadows, vineyards, majestic horses – this country escape in the Klein River Valley is a bucolic fantasy come true (all 440 hectares of it). The whitewashed cottages have a charming, rustic feel, and many are kept warm by cosy fireplaces. Waterblom, the latest addition, is set a little further from the rest, overlooking a lily-filled pond. In addition to the natural beauty and tranquil surrounds, the hands-on hosts are warm and generous (dropping off drinks or a picnic basket on request), plus there’s a fantastic restaurant on the estate.
The lodgings
- 6 two-bedroom cottages (Waterblom, Protea, Milkwood, Stables, Pincushion + Bluebell – the latter are connected) + 1 one-bedroom cottage (Erica)
- 10 ensuite double rooms in 2 large cottages (Sagewood and Fynbos)
- king or twin beds
- bathroom with bath and/or shower + outdoor shower in some
- furnished verandah
- lounge and kitchen (in cottages)
- braai facilities (in cottages)
- tea/coffee station and minibar fridge
- fireplace in cottages + selected rooms (unlimited firewood)
- wood-burning hot tub at Waterblom
Things to do
- country cuisine at the Manor House Restaurant
- walks on the farm, through fynbos fields
- picnics (catered)
- shaded swimming pool area with loungers
- large dam for paddling or swimming
- 16km mountain-biking circuit on site (exclusive use)
- hiking trails
- art gallery
- spa with wood-fired sauna + cold plunge pool
- wine-tasting on-site and nearby
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 per room, 2 – 5 per cottage
Cost Rooms: From R1 950 per night; extra single bed R225
Cottages: From R2 150–R3 900 per night
Waterblom: From R5 800 per night (minimum two-night stay)
Breakfast: R220 per person
Where to find it R326, near Stanford
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Coot Club
Setting On the water’s edge of the Klein River estuary is a dreamy, retro-inspired holiday resort and conservation wonderland, where abundant birdlife flits through the fynbos and 400-year-old milkwood thicket that surrounds some stone cottages and the historic Spookhuis. That “ghosthouse” is now the Clubhouse, around which all the action happens. It’s a natural playground perfect for a fun-filled family getaway, and a stay in the tin-roofed, timber-walled Boathouses makes it extra-special.
The lodgings
- 3 boathouses: the two-bedroom Starboard + two three-bedroom Port boathouses
- ensuite bathrooms with shower
- open-plan living room (lounge, dining + kitchen) with fireplace
- snug room with 2 sofa beds
- small private lawn/garden
- 4 stone cottages (Fynbos, Milkwood, Garden and Lawns + Little Lawns): one to three bedrooms, open-plan living room and kitchen, verandah, braai and firepit
Things to do
- 2 swimming pools
- kayak, SUP and swim in the lagoon
- explore on a fatbike
- lawns for games (boules, volleyball, etc)
- games room with foosball, table tennis, pool table and board games
- picnics and braais
- meals at the Clubhouse
- daily sundowners on the jetty or around the fire
- nature walks, including to Walker Bay Beach
- whale-watching from the dunes (in season)
- conservation activities
Good to know There is a minimum two-night stay and a conservation levy of R160 per guest over 13 years old. Breakfast is complimentary; dinner costs R350 per person, R175 per child
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 4 – 6 (+ 2 children under 13 years)
Cost Boathouses: From R5 500 per night for two people (including breakfast)
From R1 000 per additional guest; from R500 per additional child bed
Stone cottages: From R3 080 per night
Where to find it Wortelgat Road, Stanford
MAKE A RESERVATION
Haes Farm
Setting This 40-hectare, fynbos-rich organic farm takes you off the beaten track into the hills, where you’ll find views that stretch from the stunning Stanford Valley all the way to the ocean. The immaculate property was designed to take sustainability and harmony with nature to a whole new level, sourcing produce and products as locally as possible. It’s very much a contemporary eco-retreat, filled with art and design pieces. Haes caters to no more than four guests at a time (no under-18s), preserving the intimacy and warmth of the experience.
The lodgings
- 2 luxury suites with king bed
- bathroom with shower with a view
- seating area and desk
- private terrace
- hospitality tray and Nespresso machine
- writing desk, books and magazines
- standing fan for cooling
Things to do
- breakfast included
- relax on the garden-side verandah
- braai area with verandah and seating
- cosy library-lounge with a fireplace
- walks on the farm through orchards and fields
- biking trails
- canoeing on the nearby Klein River
- beaches and wine estates nearby
Good to know There is a minimum two-night stay.
Child friendly? No
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 per room
Cost From R3 200 per room per night (including breakfast); from R2 000 single rate
Where to find it Papiesvlei/Elim Road, near Stanford
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Perivoli Lagoon House
Setting On the shore of the Klein River Lagoon, where majestic flamingoes soaring across the tranquil water set the scene, Perivoli is a hidden haven within 140 hectares of untouched fynbos. The ultra-contemporary, architect-designed villa has been decorated with inspiration from the splendid wilderness surrounding it. There are indoor and outdoor living areas with panoramic views of the lagoon and mountains, a large deck for alfresco dining, and the state-of-the-art kitchen comes complete with a herb garden. The property is available for exclusive-use only, either on a self-catering or fully inclusive basis.
The lodgings
- 4 bedrooms with king beds (twin beds on request)
- ensuite bathrooms with a bath and shower
- private terrace and eco fireplace in bedrooms
- open-plan living and dining area with fireplace
- wireless Sonos sound system
- large deck with outdoor table and braai area
- heated infinity pool and sun loungers
- state-of-the-art kitchen with Nespresso machine
- scullery with dishwasher + laundry room
- ceiling fans, air-conditioning and underfloor heating
Things to do
- swimming in the pool
- paddling on the lagoon (kayaks supplied)
- cycling (mountain bikes supplied)
- in-house massages
- access to isolated beach and shoreline in Walker Bay Reserve
- guided fynbos walks
- beach excursion, with G&Ts on the dunes
- a speedboat with tubes and skis is available to use
- river cruises
- 4×4 open safari vehicle for use in Walker Bay Reserve
- fatbiking and quad-biking
- wine-tasting and vineyard tour
- wellness centre and gym
- special kids’ programmes
- archery
Good to know The inclusive package includes a team dedicated to your stay, with a guide, chef, butler and housekeeper; three gourmet meals daily and selected drinks are served at your convenience, and most activities. If self-catering, a private chef is available on request.
Child friendly? Yes (childminder service on request)
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 8
Cost From R22 050 per night (self-catering)
From R53 550 per night (all-inclusive)
Where to find it Wortelgat Road, Stanford
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Rivergate Guest Farm
Setting There’s country charm and understated luxury aplenty at Rivergate, on the banks of the Klein River. The property is home to an array of animals, including alpacas, chickens, geese, dogs, miniature donkeys and miniature goats, adding to its authentic rural appeal. There are seven restored farm cottages decorated with carefully sourced Cape country furniture, beautiful fabrics and collectables. The picturesque six-hectare gardens include manicured flowerbeds, orchards and a flourishing vegetable patch.
The lodgings
- Woodrose Cottage (rondavel-shaped): 1 ensuite bedroom (queen bed)
- Dairy Shed, Carpenter’s Cottage + Gardener’s Cottage: 1 ensuite, open-plan bedroom (king bed or twins)
- Potters Shed and Stable Cottage: 2 ensuite bedrooms (queen beds)
- Gatehouse: double-storey cottage with 3 ensuite bedrooms (king, queen + twin beds)
- fully equipped kitchen
- open-plan living area with a fireplace
- dining tables indoors and outside
- covered furnished verandah with built-in braai
- garden with wood-fired hot tub (in five cottages)
- upstairs balcony with seating (Gatehouse)
Things to do
- breakfast basket delivered daily
- farm walks and picnics
- The Barn farm shop and daytime Eatery (Fridays + Saturdays, pop-up Sunday lunches)
- farm-animal encounters for kids
- fishing, swimming and canoeing at the river
- hiking and mountain-biking trails nearby
- wine estates in the area
Good to know Guests can order cheese boards, braai baskets, pasta baskets and other meals to enjoy in their cottage. There is a minimum two-night stay.
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 – 6 per cottage
Cost From R2 400 per night (including breakfast)
Gatehouse: From R6 600 per night (including breakfast)
Where to find it Wortelgat Road, Stanford
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Vineyard Cottage at Goodluck Homestead
Setting Brimming with heart and good energy, this regenerative farm is a bucolic dream, from bee-keeping to growing veggies. Owner Alex Chouler hand-built this special eco cottage using on-site timber, clay and straw (super-cosy in winter); it’s solar- and gas-powered, and plumbed with spring water. For utter immersion in country life – birdsong and hooting owls included – this is the spot to indulge in fire-cooked meals, sunset hot-tub sessions beside the vines and beautiful views all the way to Walker Bay.
The lodgings
- 1 bedroom with four-poster king bed
- bathroom with Victorian bath and walk-in shower, plus outdoor shower
- open-plan living area with dining table, seating and fireplace
- fully equipped kitchen with gas stove and fridge
- verandah with table, loungers and braai
- wood-fired hot tub
- garden area
Things to do
- explore the farm and veggie gardens
- swimming and fishing in the dam
- picnicking on the jetty
- hiking trails
- Panthera big cat sanctuary close by (4km)
- wine-tasting nearby
- beaches nearby
Child friendly No
Pet friendly No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2
Cost From R2 550 per night (minimum two-night stay)
Where to find it Papiesvlei Road, off the R326, near Stanford
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Fynbos Suites at Farm 215
Setting In the off-the-beaten track Uilkraal Valley between Stanford and the Agulhas Plain, Farm 215 is an awe-inspiring 800-hectare nature retreat and fynbos reserve offering an exhilarating escape surrounded by beauty. The fragrant plant life and quiet call of the countryside create a sense of peaceful seclusion, while the three modern cabins – built to blend into the landscape – offer ultra-stylish comfort and floor-to-ceiling windows to appreciate those views of the plains, a dam and vineyards (including from the bathtub).
The lodgings
- 1 ensuite bedroom with king bed
- bathroom with bath and shower
- fully equipped kitchen with counter dining
- open-plan lounge with wood-burning fireplace
- furnished deck with dining table and gas braai
- hot tub/plunge pool
Things to do
- swim in the communal 25-metre lap pool
- hiking trail (3 hours)
- forest walks (and plant a tree if you like)
- mountain-biking trails
- picnics
- horse-riding on site
- wine-tasting nearby
- bird- and wildlife-spotting; whale-watching (in season)
- swim and walk at Pearly Beach and Franskraal Beach nearby
- restaurants and river activities in Stanford (30 minutes’ drive)
Good to know Guests can elect to plant a tree. There is also a Mountain View Suite and Fynbos Hill House for groups.
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes
Sleeps 2 per suite (+ 1 child under 12 years)
Cost From R2 650 per night (minimum two-night stay)
Where to find it Uilkraal Valley, off R43 (Elim/Baardskeerdersbos Road), near Gansbaai
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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
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Canvas Collective
Setting If you have a hankering for glamping, Canvas Collective Africa has pitched its ultra-luxe, beautifully furnished tents in a pine-shaded forest at Glen Oakes Farm. From dawn to dusk and beyond, you will be pampered in safari style. Enjoy three fine-dining, chef-cooked meals a day in the glass, steel and canvas Field Kitchen; explore the natural surroundings; relax and drink in the views… It’s absolutely effortless and “heaven on earth” (as befitting its location in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley).
The lodgings
- 10 boutique tents with king beds
- ensuite bathroom (with flushing toilet and hot-water rainshower)
- minibar/drinks trolley and Nespresso machine
- private outdoor area with cushioned loungers and fireball fireplace
- butler service
Things to do
- breakfast (with mimosas) in bed
- swimming, paddling and fishing at the dam
- picnics, high tea and sundowners
- beer- and bread-making with the chef (cookie baking for kids)
- guided walking trails
- mountain-biking trails (BYO bike)
- wine-paired gourmet dinner
- honey-collecting and protea flower crafts
- stargazing (telescope available), midnight snacks included
- Onrus Beach a short drive away
Child friendly? Yes, from 4 years by arrangement
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? No
Sleeps 2 per tent
Cost From R6 900 per tent per night (full board + most activities)
Children under 13 years pay half price
Summer special: R5 865 per tent per night until 22 December 2023
Check Availability + Book Direct
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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