Best hotels in Hermanus

Fynbos gardens fringe stylish Garden Lodge, whose stone, timber and thatch buildings blend beautifully with their surroundings. Once inside, you're struck by the warmth of the staff and drawn to the views across the fynbos to the whale-watching haven of Walker Bay. Grootbos has carved a niche in the upmarket eco-lodge sector by specialising in the Cape's fynbos and faunal biodiversity. There are 760-plus species of plants here, along with a large variety of birds, and the nearby marine life includes dolphins, whales and sharks. Take peaceful strolls, visit pretty villages and taste local wines and farm produce. Pure pleasure!

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).

At Africa's southern tip, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet in a churning embrace, is a coastline edged with ancient mountains and rolling hills of fynbos. And that's the sight that greets visitors to the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, a 2500-hectare preserve of unsullied milkwood trees and indigenous flora, with sweeping views across Walker Bay. Grootbos Villa is one of three places to stay in the reserve. Completely private, its six elegant suites sleep up to 12 guests. So if you're looking for a family getaway that offers unadulterated luxury, with your own guide, chef and butler, you've found it!

Tucked into 140 hectares of undulating fynbos on the banks of the Klein River Lagoon, Perivoli is a sleek, ultra-modern villa that somehow feels entirely at home in one of South Africa's most biodiverse landscapes. Designed to hug the terrain with its wave-like roofline mirroring the distant mountains, the exclusive-use property accommodates up to eight guests across four individually styled bedrooms – ideal for families or groups of friends looking for a private slice of the Western Cape. With a dedicated chef, nature guide, butler and 4x4 safari vehicle at your disposal, days unfold at your own pace: kayaking on the lagoon, whale watching from the beach, or simply doing nothing at all.

As sleek, stylish and eminently cool as a James Bond villain’s hideaway, Birkenhead House is the ultimate Cape escape. Perched high on a cliff just outside Hermanus, the country’s whale-watching hotspot, this boutique bolthole is just the ticket if you’re looking for a tranquil escape away from Cape Town’s hustle. The view from the terrace will leave you speechless, and from June to November, breaching Southern right whales are thrown in for free. And if you can drag your eyes away from the scenery, feast them on Liz Biden’s stunning modern minimalist interiors, guaranteed to make you feel like the ultimate Bond girl….

This intimate lodge sits on the edge of a crystal clear lagoon, nestled between the magnificent Overberg Mountains, and the famous whale coast near Hermanus in the Western Cape. Here you will unwind and relax to the sights and sounds of nature at its very best. Secluded luxurious suites offer breath-taking views and there are so many ways to enjoy the spectacular surroundings - from boat cruises and guided nature walks to kayaking, E-biking and whale watching. Mosaic delights with its friendly warmth, sumptuous cuisine and one of the best sunsets along the Garden Route.

With the foothills of the Olifantsberg Mountains in the rear view mirror and the picturesque Walker Bay laid out before you, Harbour House Hotel is truly winning in the scenery stakes. The hotel itself is made up of three buildings; the original Manor House, the New Wing studios and, just across the road, Harbour Square, which has its own rooftop pool. When you tire of gazing at the view, Hermanus offers everything from scenic walks to antique shopping. It's also one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world and, if you're visiting between June and October, you can enjoy the benefits straight from the terrace at Harbour House.