Where barefoot luxury meets untamed coastline in De Hoop Nature Reserve
Curated by Jenny’s Travel
Location: De Hoop Nature Reserve, Western Cape
Style: Eco-conscious coastal lodge with front-row views of the Indian Ocean
Perfect for: Whale watchers, honeymooners, solo travellers, nature lovers, slow travellers
The Backstory: Where Time and Tide Heal Everything
Sometimes, the best places are the ones that take a little effort to reach. We first discovered Lekkerwater Beach Lodge while looking for something different — a detox from constant movement, a pause between safari and city, and something rooted in nature.
We didn’t find just a lodge. We found a story. Once the private retreat of a South African president, Lekkerwater (which translates to “good water”) has been transformed into one of the most soulful stays in the country, where luxury comes not from excess, but from intention, beauty, and stillness.
And as we sat around a fire on the beach, waves crashing below and stars tumbling across the sky, we knew this was a place to return to again and again.
The Setting: Wild Beauty in Every Direction
De Hoop Nature Reserve is often called “the best coastal reserve you’ve never heard of.” Home to fynbos, sand dunes, limestone cliffs, and over 260 bird species, it’s also one of the best land-based whale-watching spots on Earth.
Perched on a bluff above a six-kilometre stretch of pristine beach, Lekkerwater offers seven glass-fronted rooms, each with uninterrupted views of the sea. There are no crowds, no cities, no fences. Just raw, wild, honest beauty.
The Accommodation: Light-Filled, Low-Impact, Luxurious
Each suite is a masterclass in eco-friendly design: light wood, floor-to-ceiling glass, natural textures, and furnishings that complement the landscape. Every room opens directly onto a private deck where you can watch dolphins ride the waves — or, in season, southern right whales breach close to shore.
Included with your stay:
- All meals, drinks (including local wines), and snacks
- Two guided experiences daily (nature walks, fynbos talks, tide pool explorations)
- Beach bonfires and storytelling evenings
- Stargazing sessions and spontaneous whale sightings
- Daily sundowners with a view that will spoil you for life
The Experience: Back to Nature, Forward in Spirit
At Lekkerwater, days follow nature’s rhythm. You wake to the sound of the ocean, sip coffee as the sun rises over the dunes, and join expert guides on foot through one of the richest floral kingdoms on Earth.
You might explore limestone rock pools teeming with marine life, discover ancient middens left by early coastal dwellers, or hike along the clifftops with views that take your breath away. There are no vehicles here — the safari is done on foot, at your pace, with nature as the guide.
Afternoons are for reading, sketching, napping, or simply watching the sea change colour. Come evening, everyone gathers for dinner at the long table — sharing stories, laughter, and fresh, local dishes that celebrate simplicity and flavour.
The Experience: Back to Nature, Forward in Spirit
Meals are a highlight. Breakfasts are bright and wholesome; lunches are light and often picnic-style; and dinners are full of coastal flair — think grilled line fish, farm-fresh vegetables, and handmade desserts. The dining experience is communal, but relaxed.
Jenny’s Tip: There’s something deeply special about sipping a glass of South African wine while watching whales breach metres from the table. It’s theatre of the best kind — and no front-row seat could compete.
The Extras: For Soulful Travellers
- Seasonal whale watching: Peak sightings between July and November
- Malaria-free zone: Perfect for families or first-time visitors
- Honeymoon heaven: Ideal add-on to safari or Winelands trips
- Limited WiFi: Intentional disconnection, deep reconnection
Why Book with Jenny’s Travel?
Because places like this are meant to be part of something bigger, and we’ll help you build the perfect trip around Lekkerwater. Pair it with a few nights in Cape Town, the Cederberg, or the Garden Route. Let us handle the transfers, permits, park entry, and romantic extras.
- Self-drive or road transfer options from Cape Town
- Pre- and post-stay add-ons (Winelands, safari, coast)
- Honeymoon packages with personalised touches
- Wellness and retreat options for private groups or solo travellers
Final Word
Lekkerwater doesn’t just offer views. It offers perspective. It’s where time slows, tides soothe, and the modern world fades away — replaced by the sound of surf, the scent of salt, and the simple joy of being. Whether you stay three nights or seven, you’ll carry this coastline with you long after the sand is gone from your shoes.
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