3 Best Hotels in Hermanus, The Western Cape and Winelands

A 30-minute drive from Hermanus, this luxury lodging sits on 2,500 acres overlooking Walker Bay. Privacy is paramount in the soothing suites, which have fireplaces, sunken bathtubs, and private sundecks opening onto mountains as far as the eye can see. Rates include breakfast, three-course lunch, and a six-course dinner, plus activities such as horseback riding and trips to a nearby coastal cave. Children will delight in the playground, petting zoo, and treasure hunts at the reserve.

If whale-watching is on your agenda, you’re unlikely to come across a better spot than this boutique hotel. It has a magnificent location overlooking Walker Bay, where southern right and humpback whales breach just beyond the perpetual line of surfers. On the spacious stone patio, you can lounge on one of the wicker chaises while gazing at the view. The rooms are classic and spacious, peppered with colorful furnishings. The on-site restaurant is open to non-guests as long as you book ahead, meaning you can enjoy this outrageously beautiful view even if you don't stay over.

One of the southern hemisphere's most spectacular seaside properties, The Marine has an incomparable clifftop setting. Perched on the cliffs overlooking Walker Bay, the sumptuously decorated rooms provide whale-watchers with grandstand views over the ocean. All rooms keep you toasty with underfloor heating, and some have private balconies. The two restaurants tempt you with sophisticated menus. The Marine is surprisingly child-friendly.