Set on an exclusive stretch of coastline within the De Hoop Nature Reserve, Lekkerwater Beach Lodge offers a memorable coastal bolthole, with just seven luxury suites perched on fynbos-clad dunes overlooking a protected corner Indian Ocean.
From just about every corner of Lekkerwater the sea views are superb, with each suite boasting a private deck overlooking a six-kilometer stretch of private beach. The main lodge offers a cosy lounge, a convivial dining area and a wide terrace delivering yet more sea views. What’s more, it’s just three hours’ drive from Cape Town, and in the winter months offers some of the world’s best land-based whale-watching as Southern Right whales flock to these shores to mate and calve.
And in good news for local travellers, South African residents are being offered superb discounts, with up to 50 percent off the usual rack rates.
That means until August 20, 2024, you’ll pay just R3250 per person per night sharing (pppns)... with this being the height of whale season it’s an exceptional offer. That rate climbs slightly as the weather warms up, and from August 21 until December 19 you’ll pay R5100pppns. In the summer peak season, you can expect to pay the full nightly rack rate of R11 000pppns.
'The SA resident rates are fully inclusive from the moment one leaves one’s car at the car park,' says Lekkerwater founder Colin Bell. 'All accommodation, all meals, all local wines, beers, gins, teas, coffees etc are included.'
Also included is an array of daily activities, from guided shoreline excursions to hikes that delve deep into the fynbos of the region. In between, kick back on the deck with a pair of binoculars to scan the seas for whales, dolphins and seabirds. And did we mention the secluded wood-fired hot tub overlooking the ocean?
Hot tubs aside, although it may be winter right now is the best time to visit Lekkerwater, says Bell: 'It’s whale season and there are literally hundreds of whales in the De Hoop bay at any one time... Lekkerwater is not a traditional warm summer beach lodge where one goes to sit around drinking cocktails at the pool! Lekkerwater is all about stories, learning, fun and unique experiences which happen all year round, no matter what the weather is like.'
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