Experiences

The entire region is a Golfer’s Paradise offering 10 magical and first-class golf courses (15 – 35 minutes away) including ; Arabella Western Cape, Hermanus, Strand, Somerset West, Erinvale Golf Estate, De Zalze at Spier, Stellenbosch, Devonvale, Pearl Valley and Bosch-en Meer.

The hotel is situated in the heart of the Helderberg, boasting its own unique winelands, and close to the prestigious Vergelegen and Lourensford wine estates. The famous Stellenbosch Wine Route is 15 minutes away and for groups we can “bring the winelands to the hotel”, by arranging for local winemakers to do tastings in spectacular surroundings.

Gordon’s Bay has the most beautiful white sandy beaches, awarded Blue Flag status, that are safe for swimming and sunbathing. The hotel is situated right on the beach and within walking distance to the quaint & protected Bikini Beach.

Gordon’s Bay is well known for its water sport facilities and a wide range of activities can be accessed directly from the hotel’s marina. This includes jet skiing, boat trips, water skiing, and much more!

Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on a catamaran or motor yacht or for the more adventurous, go on a deep sea fishing or diving experience. Boats are docked on the hotel boardwalk, in a private marina, enabling easy access, and spectacular surroundings.

Gordon’s Bay offers visitors many horse riding opportunities, catering for beginners and experienced riders alike. There are several stud farms and riding schools situated along Sir Lowry Road in Gordon’s Bay, only minutes away from the hotel.

Stony Point, in Betty’s Bay, about 20 minutes from the hotel, has one, of only two, mainland African Penguin breeding colonies in South Africa. Take a stroll along the wooden walk-ways, and get a glimpse into the daily lives of these tuxedo’d little creatures.

Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, SA’s first proclaimed international biosphere, situated about 30 minutes from the hotel, is referred to as the heart of the Fynbos Kingdom with its 1600 fynbos species of which 150 are unique to this area! Harold Porter Botanical Gardens in Betty’s Bay is a showcase of the fynbos kingdom, with walks through spectacular gardens and hiking trails up deep, wooded kloofs where waterfalls splash into fern-fringed pools. Both these reserves are easy accessible from the hotel.

The popular Southey’s Vines Country Craft Market, held every last Sunday of the month in Somerset West is a tourist’s shopping paradise, and situated only 10km from the hotel. Kleinmond also offers visitors a unique pottery experience at the pottery factory in Harbour Road, about 30 minutes from the hotel. Again, the town of Hermanus offers no fewer than three to four weekly markets. Greater Hermanus boasts more artists and writers than does any other town in South Africa.

Gordon’s Bay is very popular for both road cycling and mountain biking. Cycle races and tri-athlons are regularly held on our doorstep. Sir Lowry’s Pass offers challenging training routes for avid cyclists, Clarence Drive a relatively flat scenic route, and the Kogelberg Biosphere offers superb mountain bike terrain.

Every year between July and October whales visit the waters of False Bay. Gordon’s Bay is the start of the whale route, and these gentle behemoths of the deep are frequently seen within the hotel’s bay. The route from Gordon’s Bay, Clarence Drive, takes you along a scenic whale route, to the resort town of Hermanus, approximately an hour’s drive away. Cliff walks meander through fynbos trails and often whales can be viewed a mere 10 metres from where you stand.

Surrounded by the Hottentots Holland mountain range, and within an easy proximity to the Helderberg Nature Reserve, there are ample hiking trails and routes around the hotel. From kloofing and rock climbing to casual nature walks, there’s something for everyone.