Hermanus Boutique Guest House – SOUTH AFRICA’s Whale Coast
The town of Hermanus along the Whale Coast of South Africa’s Western Cape is known for, as you guessed, lots of whales. The whale watching season is between July and November when the Southern Right whales come into the bay from Antarctica to give birth to their calves. Outside this season, come visit Hermanus for the tranquility, beaches, wineries, fresh sea breeze, and cosy guest houses such as Hermanus Boutique Guest House located at 9 Marine Drive – almost on the beach. Our Cape Town reporter, Janet-Lynn Vorster, went to stay at this super cosy guest house for a weekend to check it out!
By Janet-Lynn Vorster, Cape Town, South Africa
Tear your gaze away from the sea and the cliffs while driving along the west end of Marine Drive, and you will see Hermanus Boutique Guest House across the road. It overlooks the bay, positioned directly above Fick’s Pool, and provides a lovely vantage point for whale watching.
From the street, the guest house appears smaller than it is. However, once inside you get a sense of the spaciousness.
The original establishment has been renovated and upgraded, and consists of eight rooms inside and two outside. An additional eight rooms and a self-catering unit have since been added on an adjacent property. A pool with a sundeck provides a leisurely way to spend hot, summer days.
Hartsgoed, loosely translated as “Close to the heart”, the self-catering unit, sleeps two couples and 3 children. This unit is furnished with nostalgia and love.
No detail has been spared to make this experience comfortable and luxurious, evident from the colour coordination, furnishings and beautiful array of cushions that adorn every room. Touches of gold throughout, emanate luxury and a sort of splendour. At night the lighting creates a cosy and warm ambience.
The welcoming angel at the heart of the guest house is Annatjie du Preez, assistant manager… quiet-spoken, with a natural flair for beauty and detail.
Annatjie will see to your every need and make sure you are happy. She loves to create an environment where guests can just “BE”. She will go out of her way to make your stay more enjoyable, or to source something you need or forgot to pack.
Because she lives in the guest house, she likes to keep it fresh and homely. Like a mother, she is capable of keeping an eye on everyone from a distance, anticipating their every need. Integrity is priority in her life. Knowing every day that she did all she could for everybody gives her joy.
Annatjie has carte blanche to do all the floral arrangements in the guest house, and a rich profusion of flowers was one of the first sights to greet me. Annatjie pampers her flowers, and not a wilted leaf or drooping head could be seen, despite the mass of blooms that she lovingly tends.
“This guest house truly is a dream destination, dream hostess and dream breakfast. I look forward to returning soon!”
Each room has everything you could possibly need, including a hair dryer, air conditioner, bar fridge, tea, coffee, Digital Satellite Television (DSTV), Wi-Fi and a stunning en-suite bathroom. Each room is different, and each is exquisite. Rooms 1 and 2 are suitable for guests in wheelchairs.
Breakfast is a bright and cheerful affair with beautifully set tables, offering both a continental- and English breakfast to choose from. For dinner, discuss your preferences with Annatjie, and she will refer you to the best option.
You might meet Mariane Maree too, as she likes to come and greet the guests. Mariane is the general manager overseeing the whole operation. She has been there since August 2015 and has loved every minute, assisted by a team of very capable staff.
Guests include people from all over the world with many guests returning, some booking their next visit before they even leave. Difficult guests? Annatjie says she can count them on one hand… Speaks volumes!
Disclaimer: My stay at the Hermanus Boutique Guest House was fully sponsored by the Guest House in return for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own and not dictated by the Guest House or any of its affiliates.
FOR RESERVATIONS:
Hermanus Boutique Guest House
reservations@hermanusguesthouse.co.za
9 Marine Drive, Hermanus, Western Cape, 7200, South Africa
Tel local: 028 313 1433
Tel Intl: +27 28 313 1433
Or book via one of your favourite hotel booking websites: booking.com, agoda.com, hotels.com, tripadvisor.com, and other fine booking sites.
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OTHER LINKS:
Burgundy Restaurant, Hermanus
Village Life: Hermanus
This review appears in the July 2016 issue of Globerovers Magazine.
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