An hour after leaving Cape Town’s traffic lights and coffee queues, you could be standing on a balcony watching fishing boats doodle across a sheet of impossibly blue water.
Right on the edge of one of the world’s largest natural bays, Saldanha Bay Hotel offers the West Coast at its most agreeable. Its views certainly have enough elbow room to humble the sky.
Rooms for couples, families, solo guests and business travellers are comfortable and welcoming. So, time to kick off your shoes, open the curtains and immediately forget what day it is.
For those who like a little movement between meals and sunsets, plot your next masterstroke on the giant outdoor chess board, settle old scores on the putt-putt course, or unleash your competitive streak in the games room. The saltwater pool glistens invitingly beneath the West Coast sun, while the gym caters for those still clinging to their fitness resolutions. Better yet, at Seabreeze Spa, soothing treatments conspire to leave you walking on air.
Then there’s the matter of food. Occupying a prime position on the water’s edge, the Mussel Cracker Restaurant offers generously portioned West Coast favourites: fresh and unfailingly satisfying.
When evening drifts in, Jacobs Anchorage Bar & Lounge takes over. Order something cold. Watch the bay change colour and nod thoughtfully at passing vessels.
Saldanha Bay Hotel, consider us checked in.
Rates: R1600 – R2000 B&B pn; Book: 022 7141264; 33 Main Rd, Saldanha
