A hop, skip and a jump to Hout Bay

Having lived in Cape Town for most of life, particularly in the leafy southern suburbs, I am no stranger to Hout Bay. With a vibrant community that is a true melting pot of many cultures, Hout Bay is famous for its fantastic mountain walks, big wave surfing, seals, fishing and all things to do with the sea! However, somehow its all-too-often overlooked by tourists who visit the Cape and I can’t figure out why. Ideally placed between two of Cape Town’s most scenic drives and within spitting distance of the Constantia Winelands and Kirstenbosch, it is, in my opinion, one of the best places for travellers to stay while still maintaining a truly authentic atmosphere.

That is why when I was recently invited to spend a night in Hout Bay at the Riverside Boutique Hotel, I jumped at the opportunity! A sleepy sheepdog sat on the veranda of the old Cape Dutch farmstead and welcomed me to my home away from home. And that is exactly what it was. My new fluffy friend was just one of seven pooches who welcomed me to the hotel, immediately making me feel relaxed and comfortable.

hout-bay

Venturing into the warm interior of the property, well-loved carpets and overstuffed furniture added to the feeling that somehow I had just gone to stay with a friend, or a long lost gran, rather than at a hotel!

From the comfort of my plush abode, I looked out onto 5 acres of sprawling gardens, home to no less than three swimming pools, while the dogs sat in the warmth of the setting sun!

hout-bay-riverside-hotel

And with a full weekend booked including market visits, beer tasting, seal snorkelling, sailing and even an e-bike ride along the coast, I knew I had found a place I could call home at the end of the day… I only wished I had time to linger longer…


Leave a Reply