If we had to dream up the perfect South African escape, the Coot Club Cottages brings it to life in a secluded corner of Overberg. Flanked by the soaring Maanschynkop Mountains and Klein Rivier Lagoon, nature is an ever-present feature and the activities at Coot Club take full advantage of that. Look out for incredible birdlife on bike rides, walks and kayaking excursions, or scan the ocean for whales from the dunes or a boating safari. A cosy limestone cottage or contemporary boathouse will be your sanctuary, where the doors are often flung open to let the scent of fynbos in and evenings are spent together around the fire (or firepit).
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When they're not delivered to your door, casual lunches and family-style dinners are served in the ancient 'Spookhuis' (now know as the Clubhouse) or under the 400-year-old milkwoods - and there's usually a Walker Bay Chenin Blanc floating around too. About an hour before sunset, listen out for the ringing ship's bell, calling guests to gather for sundowners beside the lagoon, on the lawns or one of the lovely pools. (including an adults-only spot). If you're visiting in winter, the Clubhouse is warmed by a crackling fire. There's also a separate area upstairs for kids, full of books, games and activities to enjoy at all times of year.
Choose between the modern boathouses dotted along the shoreline, or a stone cottage amongst the milkwood trees on the lawn. In the boathouses, the decor is bright and stylish, with plenty of creamy textiles and light wood furnishings, plus well-equipped kitchens (you can self cater if you like) and spacious lounges and dining areas. The stone cottages are more traditional in decor, and all open onto a terrace (or upper-level deck) with a braai area and firepit, from which you can take in the mountain, garden or lagoon views. Coot Club is all about switching off, but Wi-Fi is available in the rooms if required.
On land, there are scenic bicycle and quad bike rides to enjoy, as well as walks into the acres of fynbos and forests and along the seemingly endless (and stunningly beautiful) Walker Bay beach. Stop for a dip or kayak in the lagoon, visit the nearby penguin sanctuary, or look for the marine 'Big 5' on a boat ride out to sea. Get to known the area's food scene, where top-tier chefs have been creating unique dishes - you could even join a local on a foraging expedition.
Their passion for conservation, from supporting the birdlife of the Klein River Estuary and counting the whales in Walker Bay's to analysing camera trap images - you could see caracal, leopard, porcupine and more.
Almost all wines served at Coot Club are from the Overberg region and the staff will happily arrange a bespoke tasting route for you.
The views range between rooms, so don't be shy to ask for a lagoon-facing spot if that's a deal-breaker.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
It’s famous for whale-watching, but the wine is also worth a taste in this laidback coastal town.
