Between a child in primary school and hubby’s full time job, long getaways aren’t always an option. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t ever take a few days off to say cheers to the big city and travel. In fact, a change of pace and scenery is sometimes just what one needs to rejuvenate and recharge. Well, that’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it! 😉
A favourite of mine is the #staycation. Heard of it? There are many interpretations of this 21st century word. For me, a staycation means going away for a night or two, either in one’s hometown or within about an hour’s drive of one’s home. A recently discovered gem in gorgeous Gordon’s Bay makes for a perfect staycation.
WHERE WE STAYED
Aurora Views is a mere one hour’s drive from the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan Cape Town. Perched on the slopes of the striking Hottentot’s Holland Mountains, the luxurious and modern Villa is enviably positioned along one of the highest roads in the area, providing breathtaking views of False Bay and the Helderberg Mountains.
Our family weekend getaway was off to a fabulous start with a warm welcome by an AirAgents representative. Lisa showed us around the Villa while explaining the facilities and amenities and telling us a bit more about the surrounding area. The Welcome Pack contained a bottle of local wine gifted to us by the owners, David and Sally Cole. As a wine lover, I appreciated this unexpected, lovely gesture. It’s the small, personal touches that go a long way.
The bright blue skies, glorious ocean and mountain views in every direction and the Villa itself made us feel right at home. So what can you expect from your stay at Aurora Views? Prepare to enter a world of style and luxury yet relaxed elegance at this exclusive and deluxe property. Featuring contemporary and classic design elements throughout with beautiful bedrooms and living spaces, you will soon want to extend your stay!
The main house is very spacious with natural light streaming in through the large windows and glass patio doors that showcase the exquisite views. There is a decent sized private garden in the front, as well as a garden in the back which is ideal for a barbeque and views of the Hottentots Holland Mountains.
The open plan living space features a large lounge with a flat screen TV leading onto an incredible outdoor terrace (more about this later), a fully equipped kitchen and elegant dining room. A scullery just off the main kitchen contains modern appliances such as a dishwasher, washing machine and microwave oven.
Accommodating 6 adults in 3 bedrooms in the main house, the self-contained cottage down below can accommodate a further 2 adults. In total, Aurora Views accommodates 8 guests which makes the Villa an ideal getaway for family and friends.
The bedrooms are chic and beautifully furnished with fine linen, air-conditioning for those balmy summer nights, plenty of closet space and large windows so that you can take in the amazing views from the luxury of your comfortable and cosy bed.
The spacious bathrooms are just as luxurious with underfloor heating and plush towels. The downstairs shared bathroom contains dual basins, a shower and a toilet, while the upstairs master bedroom with en-suite bathroom has a lovely bath and shower. The terrace views are awe-inspiring, so make sure you spend some time up there. Complimentary Wi-Fi and DSTV is available to guests, as well as secure onsite parking.
The privacy and tranquility that you experience at Aurora Views is second to none, while the large outdoor terraces were made for basking in the beauty of the ocean and mountain views. The terrace leading from the lounge area is the perfect spot to sip on a cool cocktail or two while watching the sun go down. And believe me; Gordon’s Bay’s famous sunsets are spectacular. It is such a treat to relax and enjoy al fresco dining under the stars.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN AND AROUND GORDON’S BAY
As tempting as it may be to remain at Aurora Views for your entire stay, you are spoilt for choice with many things to see and do in Gordon’s Bay and the surrounding area.
The quaint seaside village boasts not one, but two harbours. The original working harbour is still used by fishing boats and yachts and is also home to the Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club, National Sea Rescue Institute and the SA Navy. The new harbour situated in Harbour Island, is home to many charter boats and yachts, as well as the Gordon’s Bay Boat Angling Club. If you’re feeling peckish, you can dine at a variety of interesting restaurants at both harbours.
Gordon’s Bay is blessed with some of the best beaches in the Cape. Tucked away in the corner of the bay, you will find the beautiful Blue Flag Bikini Beach. Explore rock pools for interesting marine life, take a stroll along the shore or go for a swim in the shallow paddling areas. Be sure to bring along flip flops or water shoes as parts of the shallows are full of pebbles and rocks. The calm sea is much warmer here than on the Atlantic Coast.
Did you know? Gordon’s Bay was originally named “Fish Hoek”, many years before the town of the same name, located on the western side of False Bay, was founded. Evidence of this can be seen on the outside wall of the local Post Office.
There are a quite a few quaint shops lining Beach Road and perfect for strolling along if you fancy an ice-cream cone from Barry’s Ice-cream Shop or to buy some beach toys from the old-style gift shop Aladdin’s Cave. Book lovers will have a field day with second-hand treasures at Bikini Beach Books. One can easily lose yourself in the wonderful world of books for a few hours. Also, there is a Mercedes-Benz parked on the roof of the store so you really can’t miss it!
Clarence Drive is just on the other side of Gordon’s Bay and a drive along this world-famous coastal route is a must. This spectacular 21 kilometre drive that hugs the rugged coastline between the hamlet of Rooi Els and Gordon’s Bay will leave you speechless with its magnificent beauty. There are quite a few stops along the winding route that contains 77 bends, so stick to the speed limit. Besides, what’s the rush? Take your time at the designated stops to enjoy the sweeping vistas of the mighty ocean and majestic mountains. It is a truly unforgettable experience.
Pack your hiking boots and enjoy the spectacular views on the Danie Miller Hiking Trail. This fairly easy walk from Aurora Drive will take you to the landmark Gordon’s Bay anchor. FYI – The GB in the anchor doesn’t stand for Gordon’s Bay, but General Botha. The trail is approximately 7km, (90 minute walk) to the end and back again.
Wine and food connoisseurs are in for a treat with the Helderberg Wine Route which is within easy driving distance from the Villa and makes for a fantastic day trip. Morgenster Olive and Wine Estate, Waterkloof Wine Estate, Vergelegen Wine Estate and Idiom Wines are just some of the stellar wineries that you can visit. The Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine routes are also worth exploring, so make sure you book a long enough stay at Aurora Views!
Keep the little ones entertained and happy with a variety of kid-friendly activities and places to visit.
With a multitude of golf courses, nature reserves, adventure activities and so much more, Gordon’s Bay and the surrounding area truly has something to offer every visitor. And where better to base yourself then at the exclusive and welcoming Aurora Views? It’s the perfect place to stay while exploring this spectacular area of the Western Cape.
LOCATION
23 Aurora Drive
Gordon’s Bay
South Africa
RESERVATIONS
For enquiries and reservations at Aurora Views, click on one the links below.
www.holidayapartments.co.za
www.airbnb.co.uk
Yours in Travel, Food and Wine
xoxo
Please note – Thank you to Travel Opulent Box and Aurora Views for hosting my family and I. All views are my own and based on personal experiences. Images are my own unless otherwise stated.
