Hermanus & Walker Bay

BIRKENHEAD HOUSE
The hotel is perched high on the cliffs near Hermanus and from each opulently appointed studio suite there are stunning sea views over Walker Bay. The public rooms are a delight and for relaxation there is a spa where specialist treatments include aromatherapy, reflexology and massage.
Other facilities include a steam room, gym and dual level swimming pool located in a sheltered courtyard with a charming patio offering the ideal spot for sundowners after a day of sightseeing or whale watching. First class cuisine is a matter of course with lavish meals and seafood delicacies being served daily in the dining area overlooking the sea.. Room service will be happy to oblige with breakfast in bed. The tariff includes all local branded drinks and meals.

ARABELLA WESTERN CAPE HOTEL & SPA
On the banks of the beautiful Bot River, this large modern designed hotel is situated outside Hermanus on the Arabella Country Estate's spectacular peninsula. It has 145 elegantly appointed bedrooms and suites, all with views over water, the golf course or the mountains. There is a choice of six restaurants and bars and a host of leisure activities including a spa with a wide range of health and beauty treatments, a sauna, steam room and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. For golf enthusiasts the Western Cape Hotel boasts an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Peter Matkovich

HARBOUR HOUSE
This traditionally decorated Historical Monument is situated in the heart of the old harbour and positioned only a few metres from the waters edge.  It has a welcoming and homely atmosphere and the 5 well appointed bedrooms have en-suite facilities plus garden or sea views.  Public rooms  include a lounge and breakfast room and in the landscaped gardens is a swimming pool.  For the evening dining there is a wide choice of seafood and traditional restaurants in the town centre which is just a few minutes walk away.  There are magnificent views of the coastline from the gardens and easy access is provided from the house on to the famous cliff path which snakes for 15 km around the bay.

BLUE GUM COUNTRY ESTATE
You can be assured of great hospitality at this personally managed lodge. It is 25 minutes inland from Hermanus, tucked away in the valley of the Klein River Mountains, comprising vineyards, pastures and a private mountain reserve for you to explore. It has 10 well appointed bedrooms and suites with views towards the hillside or over the valley. Enjoy a sundowner on the terrace followed by a candlelit dinner in the restaurant. Emphasis is placed on using local ingredients such as linefish, Karoo lamb and ostrich. Relax by the small pool or have a game of tennis. Nature lovers can wander on the many trails, go horse riding or cruise the nearby river with its varied birdlife. The village of Stanford with its Victorian houses, cricket green and brewery/winery is worth a visit.

GROOTBOS NATURE RESERVE
The classic Garden Lodge and the new Forest Lodge, with its contemporary style, are self contained and each has its own restaurant specialising in local seafood, open plan lounge and bar. From the lodges, winding pathways guide you past the largest milkwood forests in the world to the bedroom suites which are well furnished and have a balcony with stunning views over Walker Bay. Guides will take you through the reserve, which has 17 square kilometres of pristine fynbos with over 650 indigenous species of plant species, on walking trails, horse riding, mountain biking or in 4x4 vehicles. From August to November there is whale watching from the shore or by boat (charge applicable). Here you will have a good chance of seeing the enormous Southern Right Whale.

THE MARINE
Occupying a superb position on the rugged cliffs close to the centre of the holiday resort of Hermanus, this 5-star hotel is a Relais et Chateaux member and is sister hotel to The Cellars-Hohenhort in Cape Town and The Plettenberg in Plettenberg Bay. The spacious and inviting public rooms, including sea facing lounges and cocktail bar, are beautifully furnished as are the 47 air-conditioned bedrooms which vary from internal courtyard facing Standard rooms to Suites commanding magnificent views over Walker Bay. There is a choice of 2 restaurants – ‘The Pavilion’ serving modern South African cuisine and a more relaxed venue, ‘Seafood at The Marine’, specialising in local sea food.  For relaxation there is a pool in the gardens and Carchele Spa.

OCEAN ELEVEN GUESTHOUSE
With access to the cliff path on the outskirts of Hermanus, this Cape Cod style guesthouse has all encompassing views of Walker Bay. The main house has high ceilings, tall windows and teak floors that made colonial architecture so elegant. The 10 well appointed sea facing bedrooms and suites have a minibar, tea & coffee tray. The Standard rooms open onto the garden or swimming pool whilst the Deluxe rooms are in the house or adjacent to the pool. Both Suites are loft-style and have air-conditioning. There is a swimming pool in the gardens. A wide choice of restaurants for evening dining are to be found in the nearby town centre.