South Africa is as famous for its coastline as it is for the Kruger National Park.
Stretching for over 2 500 kilometres from the dry and barren border with Namibia in the west, around the Cape of Good Hope and northeast to its border with Mozambique, in the east, the coastline is nothing short of magnificent.
Along almost every inch of its highly varied shoreline are long strips of beach. The kind of beach that makes you ‘wish you were there’.
And so we went exploring, to find you the kind of beach stays that easily equal the pull of the beaches on which they rest.
These Beach Stays in South Africa will leave you drooling, we promise!
21 NETTLETON, CLIFTON
This Atlantic Seaboard boutique hotel has managed to blend originality, opulence and comfort in consummate fashion.
A stay here would take you to another world, one in which enchantment features heavily. I know that if I was planning a trip to Cape Town, with the exchange rate in my favour, this is where I’d head… (read: all you Americans and Europeans should seriously take advantage!)
Find out more … 21 Nettleton in Clifton
BUNGALOW 52, CLIFTON
Calling this sumptuous beach hideaway a ‘bungalow’ is something of a misnomer. The similarities with other bungalows stops with the use of wood. For no expense has been spared in the creation of the modern, split-level and glass-fronted sanctum with heavenly views out over Clifton 4th Beach.
Does it come better than this?
Find out more … Bungalow 52 in Clifton
LEOPARDSTONE HILL, NOORDHOEK
Oh, my hat! I drool when I look through Leopardstone Hill’s feature photos (take a look for yourselves).
Admittedly not beach edge accommodation, it’s close enough to Noordhoek Long Beach to readily qualify as ‘at the beach’, and the proximity of the slopes of Silvermine Mountain, and the effortless fynbos gardens, more than make up for the walk.
Find out more … Leopardstone Hill in Noordhoek
NIEU VIEW COTTAGE 2 – PATERNOSTER
Would you look at those seaviews out across the fynbos of Paternoster?
We chose this cottage particularly for its use of natural light, the smooth stone floors, and the bedroom up beneath the thatched eaves. Spilling out onto the stoep late afternoon, and early morning, are what makes life worth living.
Find out more … Nieu View Cottage Two in Paternoster
ROCKY POOLS BETTY’S BAY
An unassuming, pretty seaside cottage, Rocky Pools is set in amongst the fynbos of Betty’s Bay, a short stroll away from the rolling sand dunes of the beach.
The combination of tasteful Morris-style furniture and generously planned rooms, comfy couches and a huge hearth for winter, makes it perfect for family weekend getaways, or a group of friends.
Find out more … Rocky Pools in Bettys Bay
OCEANS WILDERNESS
Expect a blissful stay right on the dunes in the Wilderness. With only 8 suites you are assured of privacy. There is direct beach access and all the mod-cons you’d expect of a luxury lodge.
The lodge is beautifully designed using glass, natural light, modern décor, spacious decks, and natural surrounds to create a beautiful space. Did we mention the views?
Find out more … Oceans Wilderness, Garden Route
COTTON COTTAGE, VERMONT
We love the unpretentious way this cottage’s owners have played with colour and textile design, its views of the mountains, and Vermont’s saltpan, and the use of local art over the inviting fireplace.
The beach is just a walk away and Hermanus is around the bend.
Find out more … Cotton Cottage in Vermont
RIVER SHACK, MOSSEL BAY
Don’t let the ‘shack’ part of this accommodation’s name put you off – it’s far more luxurious than you think, and you just about own the Blind River Mouth over which the venue looks, on the edge of a nature reserve in Mossel Bay.
A sea facing balcony, and your own exit down to the river, are an added bonus to the promise of total privacy.
Find out more … River Shack in Mossel Bay
BLUE HORIZON, TSITSIKAMMA
This stunning Tsitsikamma wooden cabin, in the heart of the Garden Route, rests perched right on the rocks of Konkie Bay with sea views all round.
I don’t know about you, but I could stay here for months. It looks like a real writer’s retreat.
Find out more … Blue Horizon in Tsitsikamma
UMNGAZI RIVER BUNGALOWS, WILD COAST
Without doubt our favourite Wild Coast getaway, the Umngazi River Bungalows rest on the rocky coastline, their thatched roofs just visible in amongst the indigenous gardens, and the sound of waves crashing a short walk away.
The spa experience makes it all the more attractive.
Find out more … Umngazi River Bungalows in Port St Johns
THE OYSTER BOX BEACH HOUSE, KENTON-ON-SEA
Set right on the edge of Kenton-on-Sea’s river, with views of the ocean beyond, The Oyster Box Beach House provides a feast for sore eyes and affordable holiday, villa-style, living. The Bushman’s River and river mouth, and the whole coastline up to Kwaaihoek, is your view for the duration of your stay.
In season, watch the whales whilst lying in your bed.
Find out more … The Oyster Box Beach House in Kenton On Sea
UMZUMBE SURF HOUSE, UMZUMBE
This gorgeous self-catering guesthouse on KwaZulu-Natal’s south coast is a touch of Skandi crossed with beach shack in a way that makes you want to head there tomorrow. I imagine days of lazy sun-kissed holiday, surfing, and hours on the beach with a book.
An outdoor shower or two to wash off the sand before heading indoors, and meals that are slapped together without any fuss.
Find out more … Umzumbe Surf House in Umzumbe
PLANNING YOUR VACATION
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