TIME’s Greatest Places: Lekkerwater Beach Lodge at De Hoop

Pru Allison
October 15, 2019

Lekkerwater Beach Lodge at De Hoop only opened this year, but it’s already garnered an enviable reputation as the place to stay for a beachfront break in South Africa – a reputation that was cemented in spectacular fashion when TIME named Lekkerwater as one of the World’s 100 Greatest Places.

The six kilometre stretch of pristine golden sand and endless turquoise ocean that teems with marine life including dolphins and whales (at the right time of year), makes Lekkerwater an idyllic escape. But it’s not only the dramatic seascape that each of the rooms soaks up that makes this such a special spot. Behind the lodge is the kaleidoscope of the Cape Floral Kingdom in all its wonder. Amongst the glorious flora amble species such as Cape Mountain zebra, bonkebok, rhebok, eland, and even leopard and caracal. What makes this abundance of life even more impressive is the fact that it’s just over a three hour drive from Cape Town.

The lodge is approached by an elegant staircase that flows down past the pool and into the main area. The windows frame the ocean outside like the priceless work of art that it is. There’s more artwork at the head of the dining table in the form of a timeline of the lodge. Indeed, the history of the place is fascinating. Lekkerwater served as ‘Camp David’ for F. W. de Klerk, and it was while here that he learned he’d been awarded the Nobel Prize. The dining table runs between the open kitchen and enormous windows, and at the far end of the space is a seating area around an elegant fireplace. To the front of the area is an outside deck with ample seating for those keen to sit, drink in and hand, and watch the waves as they crash over the rockpools.

There are seven spacious rooms here, each of which boasts floor to ceiling glass through which to look out across the coast below – the view interrupted only by your private verandah. Each room has an open plan layout which serves to emphasise the view, and features such as wood burning stoves make it feel like home.

So we are undeniably proud of Lekkerwater and her many, many charms, and were honoured when TIME agreed that this is one of the Greatest Places in the World.

The TIME list focuses on places that travellers aspire to visit, and editors, industry experts and correspondents around the globe contribute nominations. These nominations are then evaluated based on principle factors that include quality, originality, sustainability, innovation and influence.

Here’s a snippet of what they had to say about Lekkerwater:

“Up to 16 guests arrive at the lodge at the same time, share family meals cooked with local ingredients, and take part in activities like exploring tidal pools, hiking and whale watching. While the lodge’s communal atmosphere is reminiscent of summer camp, the sleeping quarters are anything but.”

We couldn’t be more delighted that Lekkerwater made the cut. Have you experienced her for yourself yet?