De Hoop - Opstel Otter Suites

Situated near the main reception area in what was once a farmer's sheep shearing shed is the delightful and cosy Fig Tree Restaurant. Overnight and day visitors can sit back in the wooden dining chairs and enjoy a number of yummy dishes off of the à la carte breakfast and lunch menu, or the set dinner menu. Or order a lovely picnic and head to the beach or the vlei for a meal with a view.

Awakening after a peaceful night's sleep in the large, king-sized bed, looking past the mosquito net and out the window at the view of the surrounding greenery and the water's edge, is bliss. And after a morning stretch – or yoga outside in the early light of day – there is nothing better than a warm bath and the first cup of coffee beside the vlei to get the day started. The suites are secluded and very restful.

Enjoy a guided boat cruise on the vlei, but don't forget your binoculars and camera as you might spot otters and porcupines along with plenty of birds. Walk along the beach, eyeing the horizon as you go, and you may well see a whale breaching out of the water. Seeing one is amazing but visitors here have seen 60 in a single day – that's almost unheard of anywhere else in the world.