The tiny seaside resort of Brenton on Sea is known for its endless stretch of beautiful beach, fabulous sunsets, and the endangered Brenton blue butterfly that can be found nowhere else in the world. It’s a quiet part of the Garden Route that attracts families looking for a relaxing seaside vacation away from the worries of everyday life.
This is why when we were invited to spend a few nights at the gorgeous Brenton Haven, located right on the headland at Brenton on Sea, we bundled together our one-year-old and headed up the coast for some rest, relaxation, and quality family time.
A peaceful retreat
Large parts of the Brenton area remain undeveloped, and always will remain so, due to the presence of the endangered Brenton Blue butterfly. This tiny endemic butterfly is the logo of the Brenton Haven hotel and it’s who we have to thank for the peaceful atmosphere that this spot exudes. This quiet part of the Garden Route hasn’t seen the mass development or influx of visitors that other towns in the area have experienced and so remains relatively unspoiled.
Brenton Haven itself is located right on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and the views here are an endless expanse of blue ocean. It’s the kind of place where you can be content just to sit on your balcony all day and watch the ocean fade through different shades of blue as you keep your eyes peeled for signs of a whale spouting or dolphins frolicking in the surf.
Where great views meet great food
However, those spectacular views would be nothing if not accompanied by some cocktails and delicious cuisine. While our room at Brenton Haven provided everything we needed to self cater we were also spoilt as just below us was the popular Butterfly Blu Restaurant. You’ll need to book ahead to secure your table at this stunning spot as it is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike.
The walls of the restaurant can be stacked back to create an indoor/outdoor feeling that makes the most of the location. And if the views don’t have you returning again and again, the cocktails sure will. These are best paired with one of the restaurant’s handcrafted Croatian pizzas.
Next door, the Indigo Deli is also well worth a visit with a great selection of sweet and savory tarts, cakes, quiches, bread, pies, and croissants, all lovingly made from scratch by the team on site. You’ll also find some great gifts to take home to those not lucky enough to join you on vacation.
A family affair
And while great views, amazing cocktails, and delicious food might be all you need for the makings of a great holiday, the area surrounding Brenton Haven is also full of activities you can enjoy as a family. You can go kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, or even kitesurfing on Knysna lagoon, enjoy trips out to sea on paddle cruisers, or sailing yachts, cycle or walk through the forests, or visit one of the animal sanctuaries in the surrounding area where you can get up close with monkeys, birds, and more.
But for us, the best activity of all was simply lazing at the pool, staring out over the fynbos dunes to the ocean beyond.
Because in the wise words of the artist Robert Wyland, “The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination, and brings eternal joy to the soul”…
