Cape St Francis Resort

TRIPADVISOR NO. 1 OF 2 HOTELS

Owned by entrepreneur Fasie Malherbe (founder of Penny Pinchers), this predominantly thatched beachfront resort feels like a low-key, quaint village, enhanced by the fact that some of the dwellings are privately owned and permanently inhabited. It’s a real carefree holiday, with fabulous arranged activities (canal cruises, nature walks, excursions to Baviaanskloof and Addo) and daily housekeeping. While every unit has self-catering facilities, there is also a choice of two restaurants; the new Full Stop Café, and Joe Fish (famous for its butter-soft calamari), which overlooks a pool and play area – bliss for families with kids who love to swim. There are several accommodation categories, from tiny cottages sleeping two to luxury villas sleeping 12. Few have sea views, but the furthest cottages and apartments are no more than about 300 metres from the beach; some are even pet-friendly. Despite the size (the resort can sleep up to 480), service is personal and the atmosphere homely – locals frequent the pub as well as Sunday lunches, deservedly popular.

ROOM TIP The resort includes Seal Backpackers, a hostel in name only: no dorms, only en-suite cottages, of which my favourite were the newly renovated family units (sleep four; from R380 pp sharing B&B).

COST Apartments from R350 pp sharing. Cottages from R1 300 (sleeps six). Sea-facing villas from R5 200 (sleeps 10).

CONTACT 042-298-0054, capestfrancis.co.za