After a 90 minute drive from Cape Town, we reached the beautiful, winding Whale Coast. The anticipation of arriving at the 5-star Schulphoek Seafront Guesthouse mounted with every crashing wave and gull call from above.

Picturing an elegant lounge and steaming coffee awaiting us, we weren’t disappointed upon arrival. Petro, the chic manageress, greeted us with open arms and a warm smile, ushering us into the stately establishment to enjoy a cappuccino and a chat.

Petro regaled us with tales of what Hermanus had to offer, with suggestions to visit the farmers markets (the one behind the SPA and Total petrol station is simply the best!), and go wine tasting in the Hemel-and-Aarde valley. Petro also suggested we drive to the Walker Bay cliffs where you can meet the world’s only official whale crier, and often spot whales in the ocean below.

There would be plenty to keep us occupied for the weekend including, if we dared, going shark cage diving in Gansbaai! This recommendation came from a lovely French couple who joined us in the lounge, having just returned from meeting some Great White Sharks in the icy waters. “It was something I would never have considered doing, until we were persuaded to try it last night – and I did love it!” said Selene as her partner, Julian, smiled beside her. Petro winked and remained silent on the matter, though I’m certain she had a hand in convincing them.

After a cheery reminder of “wine tasting at 6pm followed by supper at 7pm”, we were left to explore the guest house. Room after beautiful room was viewed, and we loved how each had a unique, personalized touch to give it its own character.

The vegetable garden is a lush, green oasis with tomatoes, fennel, lettuce, and a thriving passion-fruit plant bearing tasty looking produce. All produce is free from chemicals, GMO, and fertilizer.

The soft fragrance of lavender wafts throughout the inner courtyard which is encompassed by flowers and bushes. The outdoor tables set here are a great place to unwind in summer. You could easily spend a lazy day basking by the secluded pool area. Massages from Bernice, a local therapist and owner of Peace and Quiet – Hermanus, can be done in the adjacent pool cabana.

What you should know:

Meals

Meals are served in the communal guest lounge / dining area from 08h00 – 10h00 and again at 19h00 – 22h00. Mannes, Petro’s husband and resident chef, whips up the most magical treats, and supper was one of the highlights of our trip!

–          Breakfast consists of a starter of freshly squeezed orange juice and organic yoghurt served with a side spoon of muesli. This is followed by a hot breakfast done to order (bacon, eggs, and fresh homemade farm bread), and served with high-quality plunger coffee.

–          Enjoy the complimentary dinner on the first night of your stay, until January 2015. Though dinner varies nightly, you can always expect seasonal produce from the garden, meat cooked to perfection, a decadent dessert, and a perfect wine pairing.

–          With a wine cellar fully stocked with an impressive variety of over 12,000 international and local wines, wine aficionados will be eager to try some of the aged wines, including several bottles that are over 20 years old!

–          If you’re here for a special occasion, ask to have your meals served in the private wine cellar or on the ocean-facing patio to add to the romance.

Rooms

–          The ungraded Crayfish Cottage is equipped for up to 6 guests and is ideal for a small group of friends or family looking to enjoy a weekend getaway in Hermanus. It’s fully equipped with a lovely kitchen, dining and lounge area, and 3 immaculate bedrooms. The built-in braai on the patio showcases the ocean across the road, and you have easy access to the Vermont Onrus Sandbaai (VOS) coastal trail.

–          Wall heaters in the rooms are turned on before guests arrive during winter, so rooms are warm and cosy when you enter.

–          Expect to discover fresh lavender stalks on your pillows daily. These are left by the friendly cleaners who have put things to rights while you were out exploring (including folding pyjamas and grouping any items that were left lying around).

Sustainability

Apart from the vegetable garden, Schulphoek employs many sustainable and eco-friendly touches, from solar heaters and rainwater harvesting, to composting all organic waste.

–          They avidly support local low-footprint farmers.

–          Any fish served at Schulphoek comes from SASSI Green list line-caught fish.

–          Schulphoek benefits the community by hiring local staff members and subsidizing first-generation education for the children of the staff.

Area

–          Sandbaai is not as built up as Hermanus, and you will drive through an semi-industrial area before reaching the coastal suburb section. Don’t let this alarm you as Schulphoek and the coastal suburbs are incredibly safe.

–          The Vermont Onrus Sandbaai (VOS) coastal path starts (or ends, depending where you begin) just outside of Schulphoek. This trail passes through indigenous coastal brush and veld ending at Onrus beach.

–          The nearest restaurants are located in Onrus and Hermanus, so booking supper at Schulphoek is usually advised.

If you’re looking for a coastal accommodation to celebrate an anniversary, honeymoon, or indulgent weekend away with friends, pick Schulphoek Seafront Guest House and you won’t be disappointed.

Let us know in the comments below what you think of Schulphoek!