No matter where you are on the continent, a trip to the Cape is always worth the time; especially to a little town called Arniston

With a long stretch of warm-water Indian Ocean coastline lazily waiting to be explored (and not a shopping centre in sight), Arniston offers up an undisturbed, uncluttered and unplugged break. Although it’s a popular getaway, it’s distinctly uncommercial – in fact, Time magazine described it as one of ‘The World’s Best Hideaways’ and yes, it’s a place you can easily feel anonymous, unhurried and off the hook.

Getting There

From Cape Town, you head to Caledon and turn right. Driving through the exquisite Overberg, also known as the whale Coast so look out for a glimpse of those awe-inspiring creatures, you then pass Bredasdorp and Napier before reaching a tiny fishing village right near Cape Agulhas, the southern most tip of Africa. A mere two hours drive through some of South Africa’s most beautiful scenery is all it takes.

Staying there

No doubt, even before you reach this quaint spot, you’ll be reassessing your life and your head will be buzzing with ways to permanently extract yourself from whatever rat race you’re escaping. There are a number of little hideaways to choose from, but we were privileged to stay at the Arniston Spa Hotel right on the beach. It has the authorative air of having been there for decades and certainly doesn’t have to try too hard as the skyline and expansive views do most of the work.

The hotel room was huge and refreshingly spacious with sliding doors to a balcony overlooking the beach. Even though you’re unlikely to want to plug yourself in, all the options are there – DSTV and a wireless connection. You’ll definitely enjoy the luxuriously appointed bathroom with its huge bath and shower, towel warmer and Charlotte Rhys cosmetics. You can choose to chill out on your own patio with a little something from the bar fridge, or saunter down to the pool deck or one of the two restaurants at the hotel.

Plentiful sea life means a restaurant offering of the freshest fish and oysters from nearby shores; served up in a delicious spread from the hotel restaurant where traditional South African cuisine is updated with innovations from renowned chefs. You can also order Pad Kos for picnics or the road home. Breakfast is a spread of traditional and healthy foods

Explore

Adjacent to the hotel is the still-operating traditional fishing village of Kassiesbaai, a unique village that’s been declared a South African National Monument. Kassiesbaai comprises a cluster of whitewashed thatched houses, home to a fishing village so quaint, it’ll definitely bring out your creative photography side. If there’s a catch on the go you can get fish straight from the boats, a small walk from the hotel.

Even with all that’s on offer, a highlight is waiting for low tide to walk along the beach. Rock pools, caves, shipwrecks, raptor colonies and dunes hold endless appeal.  Less than two kilometers away is the spectacular landmark Waenhuiskrans cave you can access at low tide. Longer walks will take you to Struis Point, Galjoengat and to the De Mond Nature Reserve.

There’s no shortage of things to do once you’ve shed your city-slicker patina. Activities include fishing from the shore or deep water options; mountain biking – you can hire bikes from the hotel and head off on an off-road track. There’s kite flying, swimming, snorkeling, hiking, bird watching, whale watching (May to November) and horse riding. Arniston is blessed with warm, shallow waters and safe bathing with body boards to hire.

For the Spa junkie you can head to the Ginkgo Spa for any kind of massage or treatment you might desire. It’s a sanctuary that promises to leave you totally relaxed and rejuvenated. If you want to fast track your relaxation experience take advantage of the Rasul – a steam chamber modeled on Turkish tradition.

For more information about The Arniston Spa Hotel and for booking enquiries log on to www.arnistonhotel.com.

THE PORTFOLIO COLLECTION

The team at Portfolio handpick – and personally visit – boutique hotels, b&bs, guesthouses, safari lodges, villas and country houses in tiny dorps, big cities and out in the bush. The collection is easy to browse through on their new, very user-friendly website portfoliocollection.com, or on app, as well as their famous printed guidebooks.
For personal help with selecting the place which best suits your travel style, contact res@porfoliocollection.com

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