After a long Western Cape winter, I’m all about those summer vibes! If you’re dreaming of an idyllic seaside escape with turquoise ocean views and beautiful beaches, the solution is simple – book your summer holiday at the Arniston Spa Hotel!

We recently took a trip down memory lane and revisited picturesque Arniston after about 18 years. Why it took this long is anyone’s guess. Suffice it to say, we enjoyed reacquainting ourselves with the seaside village and our blissful stay at Cape Country Routes’ luxurious 4-star Arniston Spa Hotel.

The scenic drive from Cape Town, meandering through the rolling hills of the Overberg, takes about 2h30m. But what is a road trip without a few stops along the way? Houw Hoek Farm Stall near Grabouw is a popular ‘padstal’ stop (farmstall) for delicious pies, fresh bread, snacks, local wine and other goodies. Quirky Napier Farmstall in Napier near Arniston offers everything from full breakfasts, sandwiches and local cuisine to goose eggs, Chappies bubblegum for R1 each and the most divine bacon and mushroom quiche!

Bredasdorp is the final stop before reaching Arniston on the coast. At the time we travelled, the road between Bredasdorp and Arniston was partially damaged due to heavy winter rains. They are working on fixing the road, so drive slowly and watch out for potholes and small sections where it may still be flooded.

Located beside the historic fishing village of Kassiesbaai, world-renowned Arniston Spa Hotel stands out like a proud beacon, welcoming travellers from near and far. Situated between two nature reserves, De Hoop Nature Reserve and De Mond Nature Reserve, staying at this popular hotel is just what the doctor ordered after a busy year, or anytime you want a break from routine.

Whether it’s a relaxing beach holiday or adventure you’re after, Arniston Spa Hotel, a proud Cape Country Routes member, is the perfect place to stay. It is the ideal base for beach and nature lovers, maritime history buffs, food and wine connoisseurs and those wanting an escape from busy city living.

Here are a few reasons why you should consider a stay at Arniston Spa Hotel.

ACCOMMODATION

The friendly team at Arniston Spa Hotel welcome families, friends and groups. Offering five room types to suit your budget and needs, our luxury sea facing suite (some have a fireplace) was spacious with a comfortable bed and modern amenities. The power shower and gorgeous bathtub constantly vied for my attention.

For me, the breathtaking ocean vistas and ever-changing sea and sky views from our private balcony stole the show, providing a tranquil space for reflection and whale watching. The attention to detail, from the welcome letter and complimentary sherry to eco-friendly Charlotte Rhys bathroom products and luxe linen, created a serene haven for our stay.

WINE & DINE

Let’s talk about food and beverages for a moment. With two fantastic restaurants on site, the world is your oyster when it comes to wining and dining. Your stay includes a breakfast buffet that is delectable and generous. Start your day with a selection of fresh fruit, cereal, yoghurt, flapjacks, cheeses, cold meats and pastries. Eggs are made to order with a delicious hot buffet spread. What sets it apart from an ordinary buffet is the fresh smoked salmon and bubbly – oh happy days!

The elegant Hotel Dining Room has gorgeous views of the ocean and serves an a la carte menu with an award-winning wine list, while the more casual Bistro Restaurant features an open-air deck with endless ocean views and a cocktail bar. The fishing village of Kassiesbaai provides the hotel with much of its catch, so you can savour fresh flavours of the ocean from oysters to sustainably caught fish.

TIME TO RELAX? OR BE ADVENTUROUS!

If it’s relaxation that you need, chill beside the pool with a good book and cocktail from the Bistro Bar or a healing pamper session at the Gingko Spa. A gentle stroll on the beach and exploring Kassiesbaai, a Grade One Heritage Site, are recommended.

Other activities include surfing, swimming in the ocean, building sandcastles or chilling on the beach watching the waves roll in. Complimentary bicycles are available to use during your stay at the Arniston Spa Hotel.

De Mond Nature Reserve and De Hoop Nature Reserve provide ample opportunities to explore marine life along the coastline, as well as inland with a variety of nature and wildlife experiences.

Arniston is one of the best land-based whale watching destinations in the world. Between May and October, mighty and majestic Southern Right Whales visit Arniston, using the sheltered waters as a whale nursery.

There are plenty of activities at the hotel to keep the kids entertained, including a dedicated kids’ club during school holidays.

Further afield, you can drive to L’Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa. Along the way, you’ll find wineries that boast cool-climate wines in South Africa’s youngest wine-growing region. I tasted a heavenly dry Rosé wine at Black Oystercatcher Wines. The friendly service and lovely setting made me wish we could stay for longer.

TAKE A HIKE TO WAENHUISKRANS CAVE

DYK? “Waenhuiskrans translated from Afrikaans means ‘wagon house cliff’ – a reference to the belief that it would be possible for a wagon and a full span of oxen to turn around inside the massive cave.”

Walk the cliffside coastal trail to the spectacular Waenhuiskrans Cave in De Mond Nature Reserve. Only accessible at low tide, the roughly 40-minute walk from the Arniston Spa Hotel is worth it for stunning ocean views and unspoiled nature.

The pristine coastline offers dreamy vistas along a well-marked trail, with pretty flora, hidden coves and dramatic cliffs – there are photo opportunities everywhere you look! You’ll need to walk down a limestone slope close to the sea cave. If the tide has already started coming into the cave, you can enter from the back via a narrow porthole. The mini scramble is worth it as the huge cave is impressive and awe-inspiring! We spent a good while admiring the grandeur and beauty of this natural marvel.

It’s a highly recommended experience, both the walk there and the cave itself. Take your time enjoying gorgeous ocean views, white sand beaches, and an abundance of marine life in the rock pools. You may even spot some whales during whale season.

I know that it won’t be another 18 years before we return to this spectacular seaside oasis. While two nights were great, I’d recommend a three or four night stay. Turn your dreams into reality and book your relaxing beach getaway at the Arniston Spa Hotel. You can thank me later!

Contact and Location

Address
1 Beach Road
Arniston

Contact
Tel: +27 28 445 9000

Email: info@arnistonhotel.com

Website: www.arnistonhotel.com

ABOUT CAPE COUNTRY ROUTES

Cape Country Routes (CCR) South Africa is a leading group of owner operated and managed accommodation and activity establishments – more than 20 privately owned hotels, lodges and guest houses – located on the scenic and historic routes in the Western and Eastern Cape. All carefully selected for their character, charm and romance, they offer the best accommodation and activity options to suit every taste and budget. Newly launched: Cape Country Routes Loyalty Program: Loyalty membership options for individuals/couples (R200 per annum) or families (R500 per annum) offer great discounts and value-adds with participating accommodation and activity providers. Sign up via https://loyalty.capecountryroutes.com/

DISCLOSURE: I was invited by Theresa Gibbon and Cape Country Routes to review Arniston Spa Hotel. The review is based on personal experience. Views and images are my own unless stated otherwise. Extras were settled directly.

Until the next adventure!

Yours in Travel, Food and Wine
xoxo