For World Oceans Day on 8 June we focus on a few of South Africa’s majestic getaways at the ocean. Featuring classic beachfront hotels, trendy coast-hugging boutique establishments, nature lodges geared for coastal excursions and ocean adventures, and exclusive private villas near the beach, this post offers inspirational ideas for your next luxury getaway near the ocean, where you could do private yacht charters, scuba diving expeditions, seasonal whale- or turtle-watching, various ocean adventures, and guided coastal tours.
The Oyster Box, Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal
The Oyster Box is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most opulent hotels. This prestigious 5* hotel is set majestically on Umhlanga’s beachfront and offers a luxurious blend of classic charm and modern convenience. With several superb restaurants and chic bars, The Oyster Box is a top scorer for leisure, and also has an exclusive spa. The hotel has direct beach access, allowing guests to enjoy swimming, coastal walks and snorkeling on the doorstep. Mail us.
Sala Beach House, Shaka’s Rock, KwaZulu-Natal
Sala Beach House basks at the seafront at Shaka’s Rock, Ballito, a picturesque holiday spot on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Here, unimpeded views of the ocean are yours to enjoy, along with an infinity pool perched above the sea, and private access to a tidal pool and beautiful swimming beach at Thompson’s Bay. Beach outings, boating, fishing, snorkeling and whale watching can all be on your to-do list at Sala Beach House. Mail us.
Thonga Beach Lodge, Mabibi Bay, KwaZulu-Natal
Thonga Beach Lodge is set in tropical dune forest just metres from a pristine wilderness beach at Mabibi Bay in KwaZulu-Natal. Giant turtles come to these shores annually, between November and February, to birth their young, and one of the highlights of a stay here is a night excursion to view these turtles on the shoreline. Thonga also offers snorkeling on a protected reef; diving with launches in front of the lodge; swimming with whale sharks, dolphins and manta rays; and kayaking on Lake Sibaya. Wellness treatments are another option, in between time spent on a beautiful remote beach. Mail us.
Head Over Hills, Knysna, Garden Route
Head over Hills is an exclusive holiday retreat idyllically situated on the cliff edge of the Knysna Heads. This is a uniquely spectacular setting for a breakaway, close to Knysna’s many attractions. Extraordinarily majestic views are maximized from a central rim-flow pool, and from private decks equipped with comfy loungers. Whale and dolphin sightings are not uncommon at all. Luxurious suites have sea or lagoon views. Beaching, boating and fishing are available nearby, and top-of-the-list are the legendary ocean adventure with Ocean Odyssey Knysna, and the luxury catamaran cruises across the lagoon and through the Heads with Ocean Sailing Charters. Mail us.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Walker Bay, Western Cape
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is an award-winning eco-reserve set above Walker Bay, and graded as a 5-Star Premium. Grootbos is a supreme nature escape where environmentalists lead 4×4 drives, horse and hiking trails through forests and fynbos, coastal walks, seasonal whale-watching, and boat tours to view seals, white sharks and African Penguins. Luxurious accommodation is provided at Garden Lodge, set in a Milkwood forest above the coastline, and Forest Lodge, set on a hillside with breathtaking views of fynbos and sea. Grootbos Private Villas provide fully serviced home-away-from-home sole-use stays for guests in search of that extra bit of seclusion. Mail us.
Agulhas Country Lodge, L’Agulhas, Western Cape
Agulhas Country Lodge has a prime location at the southernmost tip of Africa – at L’Agulhas where two oceans meet. Set on a hillside, the beautiful limestone lodge lords it over the ocean and offers 4-star accommodation with sea-view balconies. There is excellent whale watching in L’Agulhas, and safe swimming at nearby Struisbaai. Coastal walks, deep-sea fishing trips and kite-surfing are among the activities in this area. L’Agulhas has the oldest working lighthouse in South Africa, and an interesting Shipwreck Museum to visit. The Cape Agulhas area is notorious for its treacherous maritime conditions, which caused a number of ships to go aground. These tragic seafaring tales come to life at the Shipwreck Museum. Mail us.
De Hoop Collection, Overberg, Western Cape
De Hoop Nature Reserve is an ecological treasure in the Western Cape, made up of sea, sand dunes, vlei, rare fynbos, diverse antelope and abundant birdlife. Walk along a breathtaking coastline or through the rare fynbos, and enoy scenic biking and game drives, leisure on the beach, snorkeling in rock pools, and seasonal whale watching. De Hoop Collection offers a wide range of accommodation, including self-catering cottages and luxury, fully catered stays. There is also De Mond Villa, an off-the-grid, fully catered 5-bedroom unit with private outdoor leisure area and pool. Mail us.
The Marine, Hermanus, Western Cape
The Marine is an exceptional 5-star seaside hotel set on the cliffs of Hermanus to overlook Walker Bay, a well-known whale sanctuary. Accommodation is luxurious, and a number of rooms have ocean views and offer the seasonal privilege of whale watching. The hotel has a splendid pool terrace and two saltwater swimming pools (one heated), and a tidal ocean pool just below the hotel. Top-class facilities include a stylish bar, excellent restaurant and in-house spa. Mail us.
Residence William French, Simon’s Town, Western Cape
Residence William French is a chic sanctuary of comfort in Simon’s Town, one of Cape Town’s most charming coastal holiday towns. What gives this gem its special radiance is the hands-on dedication of its owner-host, a distinguished chef for whom food and hospitality are deeply personalized offerings. Here, on the pretty mountainside of Simon’s Town, guests are indulged in his beautiful home – with grand ocean views; and an infinity-pool terrace that does Cape Town summers full justice. Mail us.
Mail us to book your getaway in South Africa, or speak to us on +27 21 797 7122.
