Ocean Eleven

Sitting pretty on the famous cliffs of Hermanus, Ocean Eleven is an intimate seaside retreat with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and Walker Bay coastline. Renowned for its miles of sandy white beaches, exhilarating hikes along cliff-hugging paths – and excellent ‘land-based’ whale watching (you can often see whales from your suite!), the quaint coastal village of Hermanus is an easy 90-minute drive from Cape Town.

Embracing its old-world charm and colonial-style architecture, the main house at Ocean Eleven has been beautifully restored – yet without losing any of its timeless features such as the original high ceilings, tall windows and teak floors. Each of the ten beautifully appointed rooms not only boasts breathtaking sea views but also exudes an impeccable sense of style – capturing the elegance of a bygone era. Indulgent pleasures include the finest cotton percale linen, mini bars and heated towel rails. Large traditional French doors spill out from the breakfast room onto the pool deck where breakfast is served in the summer.

Every day during the whale season (June to mid-December), the local whale crier, sporting a jolly giant Bavarian hat, calls in the arrival of each new whale by blowing on his kelp horn – a sight and ‘sound’ – not to be missed! Another local favourite is Bientang’s Cave on the shores of Walker Bay –from here you can watch the whales breach right out of the sea, whilst savouring fresh oysters from the tidal pool just below the restaurant.

The pristine beaches, charming village shops, great variety of restaurants, winding cliff paths and nearby nature reserve – all of which are nestled between an incandescent mountain range and the spectacular Atlantic Ocean – make Ocean Eleven an irresistible coastal sanctuary!