Village & Life’s
Chairman’s Bucket List
HERMANUS
Chairman’s Bucket List
Hermanus Whale Festival Takes place in September in Hermanus Once a year Hermanus hosts one of the most well-known festivals in South Africa: The Hermanus Whale Festival celebrates the return of the mighty Southern Right Whale and also acts as a welcoming party to the new additions - the calves! An exciting pulse flows through the town centre and the whale crier bellows louder than usual. Expect exciting musical performances, craft stores and much more. This is a festival you do not want to miss. RECOMMENDATION: There is no better spot to watch the festivities than our own front lawn. Our annual “braai” takes place during the whale festival, so sit back, indulge in a glass of the region’s finest and enjoy a uniquely South African experience while watching the whales. (And the look of envy on the faces of passersby.)
Corner of Patterson and Main Road, Hermanus 028 313 0928
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www.whalefestival.co.za
Chairman’s Bucket List
Mariana’s Stanford There’s a lovable quirkiness to the menu of this Stanford institution. The dishes that flow from Mariana Esterhuizen’s small kitchen are homely and hearty. Ingredients are sourced locally or straight from her own herb and vegetable garden. Tuck into slow-roasted ‘skaap and dinges’, tender ‘oink neck’, a wonderfully light Gruyère soufflé, or her rightly famous chicken pie made from the most liberated of free-range birds. RECOMMENDATION: The menu changes with the seasons. Book a table and enjoy delightful country cooking where nothing will disappoint.
12 Du Toit Street, Stanford
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028 341 0272
Chairman’s Bucket List
Madre’s Kitchen Sir Robert Stanford Farm, 3 km outside of Stanford Madre’s Kitchen produces a delicious array of freshly prepared food for the soul. An ever-changing menu caters to all tastes and ages. To ensure that you are eating authentic and nourishing food, Madre works with the seasons, her beautiful vegetable garden, and what is freshly available at the market. She is also well known for her delicate pastries, biscuits, and homemade jams which are for sale at her restaurant. RECOMMENDATION: Go early and taste the estate’s wines in their tasting room before you settle down to enjoy a memorable lunch.
Sir Robert Stanford Farm, Stanford 021 341 0674
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www.madreskitchenstanford.co.za
Chairman’s Bucket List
Stanford All along the coast of Hermanus The picturesque village of Stanford is one of the Overberg’s gems. A mere 20 minutes drive from the hotel, it is fast becoming an ideal day trip getaway. There are many hiking trails to explore, wines to taste, and delicious delicacies on offer at the village’s eateries. Shop for collectables along the main street or visit the weekly Saturday morning market in the town center. RECOMMENDATION: Spend a lazy afternoon browsing through the many antique shops the town has to offer.
Chairman’s Bucket List
Grootbos 5km outside of Gansbaai Experience the perfect balance between contemporary cuisine and exquisite natural beauty. Enjoy a luncheon on the patio surrounded by the panoramic views of Walker Bay or book a romantic dinner in their dining hall. RECOMMENDATION: Arrive early for lunch and enjoy a glass of regional wine while soaking up the natural beauty.
Gansbaai
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028 384 8053 (weekdays)
| 028 384 8000 (weekends)
www.grootbos.com
Chairman’s Bucket List
Botrivier Hotel Located in Botrivier This place is jam-packed with character and history, making it the perfect spot if you are in the mood for a nostalgic experience. Sit on the “stoep” and watch the locals go about their daily lives - whether it’s bringing their pet sheep for a drink at the bar or filling up their “bakkie” with diesel. Botrivier Hotel promises to excite both young and old alike. RECOMMENDATION: Traditional Sunday lunch followed by a “lekker koppie boere troos oppi stoep”.
Hoof Way, Bot River, 7185 028 284 9640
| www.bothot.co.za
Chairman’s Bucket List
Creation Wines In Hemel-en-Aarde valley Creation Wines is situated in the heart of Hemel-en-Aarde valley. Visit them to experience their little piece of paradise and discover a destination with a difference. Vineyard and cellar tours, relaxed wine tasting, innovative food and wine pairings and an exquisite Fynbos garden are only some of the highlights Creation has to offer. RECOMMENDATION: Relax on the veranda and enjoy a glass of Creation Pinot Noir with your antipasto platter.
Hemel en Aarde Road, Hermanus 028 212 1107
| www.creationwines.com
Chairman’s Bucket List
Moggs Country Cookhouse Located in the heart of the Hemel-en-Aarde valley At the foot of the Babylonstoren Mountain in the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde valley lies Mogg’s Country Cookhouse. This gem of a restaurant is worth the extra ten minute journey - especially since there are no less than five notable wine estates en route! Housed in an old farm labourer’s cottage, the décor is warm and rustic with a large stone fireplace, pine ceilings, wooden tables, logstyle chairs, an array of paintings, embroidered pictures, and pottery courtesy of Jenny’s talented family. RECOMMENDATION: Go on a winter’s day and enjoy a glass of red wine with oxtail around one of their crackling fire places. This is when you will realise: life is good!
Hemel and Aarde Valley, Hermanus 076 314 0671
| www.moggscookhouse.com
Chairman’s Bucket List
Lizette’s Kitchen Located in Voëlklip This beautiful historical farmhouse set on 1900sqm of land sits at the entrance to the Voëlklip residential district of Hermanus and dates back to the 1930’s. Following years of neglect, the building was been lovingly restored and converted into a restaurant and bar. With its original wooden floors, exposed timber beams and two open fireplaces, Lizette’s Kitchen has a contemporary sense of old meets new. Scenic mountain views from the outside deck and beautiful sunsets on Summer evenings make this the perfect place for afternoon sundowners and relaxed dinners. RECOMMENDATION: Have the lamb koftas to start with and then indulge in the classic chicken tom yum soup.
20 on 8th Street, Voelklip, Hermanus 028 314 0308
| www.lizetteskitchen.com
Chairman’s Bucket List
Romantiques Situated in the heart of Hermanus village Every now and then you find a cute shop that is just a little different from its competitors; Romantiques Bygones and Collectables is such a store. Just relocated to 14 Aberdeen Street in Hermanus, Romantiques Bygones and Collectables is full of surprises like old Africana books and military equipment, uniforms. Personal accessories, a big display of Coca Cola memorabilia, fine porcelain, farming equipment, tools, toys, model trains, garden implements can all be found here. Owned by a group of friends, who each have their own niche in antique collectables, a visit to Romatiques is a delight for the senses. RECOMMENDATION: Watch a classic movie in their traditional movie theater.
14 Aberdeen Street, Hermanus
| 076 312 4226
Chairman’s Bucket List
Grotto beach Situated in Voëlklip Grotto beach stretches for kilometres making it ideal for those wanting to take a long walk with the dogs. A restaurant, play park and facilities make this a favourite amongst the holiday makers. Braai facilities and ample parking can also be found at Grotto beach. RECOMMENDATION: Take a sunrise stroll along the beach and don’t forget to pack your picnic basket.
OSCARS
Chairman’s Bucket List
Oskars Delicatessen Situated in the heart of Hermanus village Situated above the Old Harbour and in the heart of the village, Oskars Delicatessen is a quirky coffee shop and lunch venue. Oskars has a comfortable open plan interior with details like mismatching vintage hanging lights and other delightful goodies. RECOMMENDATION: Try their famous homemade lamb pie and flush it down with one of their signature milk shakes.
5 Harbour Road, Hermanus
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076 313 0629
Chairman’s Bucket List
The Book Cottage Situated in the heart of Hermanus village The Book Cottage is an independent bookshop that was opened 14 years ago by the late Sue McNaught. This quaint little bookshop stocks a comprehensive range of books and an extensive selection of titles by South African authors as well as books about local history and attractions. The Book Cottage also stocks the usual accompaniments such as cards, maps, diaries, and journals. In short: everything you need! RECOMMENDATION: Buy the morning paper and enjoy it over a “cuppa” at Oskars right next door.
10 Harbour Road, Hermanus 076 313 0834
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www.bookcottage.co.za
Chairman’s Bucket List
Greyton 40 minutes outside of Hermanus A short drive out of Hermanus you’ll find Greyton, a picturesque village at the foot of the majestic Riviersonderend mountain range. Mighty oak trees, original thatched cottages, leafy lanes and breathtaking mountain views form the backdrop of this country gem that will enchant and delight. Greyton is best explored on foot or bicycle – preferably with a basket up front. The scenery is fabulous, the coffee shops tempting and the locals friendly. RECOMMENDATION: Go for a day trip and explore the town and its surroundings on horseback.
028 254 9564/9414
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www.greytontourism.com
Chairman’s Bucket List
Hemel-en-Aarde valley 10 Minutes outside Hermanus The Hemel-en-Aarde valley offers an unforgettable wine experience in the Overberg area. Wines produced in this region are unique to South Africa and are similar to wines from Northern France due to the area’s cool sea breeze and clay soil. Two of the most popular wines are Chardonnay and an exceptional Pinot Noir. With its magnificent mountains and breathtaking views, the unique Hemel-en-Aarde valley offers award-winning wine cellars, restaurants and picnic sites – perfect for the whole family. RECOMMENDATION: Make a day trip out of it and visit the wine farms in the valley.
Chairman’s Bucket List CLIFF PATH
Cliff path trail All along the coast of Hermanus The cliff path runs right past the hotel and is a ‘must do’ in our books. A two hour stroll along what is known as one of the most “exciting” coasts in South Africa is good for any soul. In whale season the calves like to show off their new jumping skills to all the spectators and the cliff path becomes the front row seat to see this. RECOMMENDATION: Walk from the hotel to the new Harbour to enjoy some good old fish and chips at Quay Side Cabin - arguably the best in the Cape!
Chairman’s Bucket List
FERNKLOOF
Fernkloof nature reserve In Hermanus Fernkloof Nature Reserve covers 1800 ha in the Kleinrivier Mountains above Hermanus and ranges in altitude from sea level to 842 m. In late 1957, the Reserve was proclaimed by the Provincial Council of the Cape. It protects coastal fynbos and a small patch of evergreen forest. There is no other place on earth where so many different species can be seen growing in such close proximity to each other. In Fernkloof 1474 species have thus far been collected and identified. RECOMMENDATION: Take a hike along one of the trails Fernkloof has to offer and do not forget to pack a picnic.
Hermanus 028 313 0819
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www.fernkloof.com
CAPE TOWN
Chairman’s Bucket List
HERMANUS
The Chairman’s route to Hermanus Start in Cape Town and end in Hermanus Leave Cape Town around midday, travel on the N1 to Franschhoek, drive through Franschhoek and take the Van Der Stel Pass and pass Theewaterskloofdam. Then drive through the Hemel-en-Aarde valley turn and follow it down into Hermanus. CHAIRMANS RECCOMENDATION: Stop for a lazy lunch in Franschhoek followed by a wine tasting in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley.
CAPE TOWN
Chairman’s Bucket List
HERMANUS
The Chairman’s route back to Cape Town Start in Hermanus and end in Cape Town Leave Cape Town around midday, travel on the N1 to Franschhoek, drive through Franschhoek and take the Van Der Stel Pass and pass Theewaterskloofdam. Then drive through the Hemel-en-Aarde valley turn and follow it down into Hermanus. CHAIRMANS RECCOMENDATION: Stop for a lazy lunch in Franschhoek followed by a wine tasting in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley.
Chairman’s Bucket List
Hemingway’s Bookshop Situated in the heart of the Hermanus village A treasure trove for bibliophiles was opened at Hemingway’s Bookshop in July 1999. From its humble beginnings in the South African seaside town of Hermanus, this bookshop has grown into a book emporium carrying a wide array of literary genres. Its owners, Noel and Beth Hunt share a passion for fine books. Beth is the author of HERMANUS, a coffee table book published in 2008. RECOMMENDATION: Spend a morning browsing through the endless selection of unusual and often out-of-print books at Hemingway’s.
Warrington Place, Harbour Road, Hermanus 028 312 2739
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www.hemingwaysbooks.co.za