It’s almost unnecessary to write this article. Blue Bay Lodge is one of those places that don’t need words to describe its beauty. The photos say it all. Driving through Saldanha it’s hard to believe that the place even exists. The road leading up to it feels industrial and barren. A sign points to Blue Bay Lodge and then, quite spectacularly, an oasis awaits.
An Oasis Awaits At Blue Bay Lodge On The Foodie Route
The tagline at Blue Bay Lodge is “Relaxation” and it’s easy to see why. It’s not much of a drive from Cape Town, but it offers everything you need for a truly peaceful getaway. We’re a lucky bunch in this city – we have so much on our doorstep. The best part about the lodge is that it’s built only meters above the beach, right in the heart of the quiet fishing village. We fell asleep to the sound of the crashing waves, and in the morning I opened the curtains to reveal the open sea out in front of us.
The lodge offers B&B or self-catering rooms to suit your needs. We were lucky enough to stay in the beautiful honeymoon suite which overlooks the ocean. Married for eleven years now, it made me want to renew my vows just to experience a wedding at the lodge. If you’re planning a wedding in the near future, this is a place I could not recommend enough. It’s also a photographer’s dream. Our room was picture perfect. We spent the evening drinking wine on the balcony as we watched the sun go down, and watching it rise in the morning with our coffee. If only all days could start and end off that way.
The lodge itself offers the following amenities: Tennis court, conference centre, swimming pool, braai area, boat launching access, restaurant, laundry service, beauty salon, bar and bird hide. There was an event taking place during our stay, so we chose to have dinner in our room (although we might have chosen to do this even if there wasn’t an event – the room was too beautiful to leave), and in the morning we were treated to a breakfast buffet with the rest of the guests. I highly recommend having a drink at the bar or sitting outside to enjoy the view. They have a wide variety of drinks on offer, including Darling Brew on tap, and the barman is very friendly. Speaking of friendly, I’d like to give a shout out to the lovely lady who served us during breakfast, Veronica. Thanks for going out of your way to make sure we were looked after despite the busy event that was taking place.
Want to get away? Pack your books and your camera, and make your way to Blue Bay Lodge in Saldanha Bay in the Cape West Coast, where quite literally an oasis awaits!
Make a trip out of it!
Do the #WestCoastTwist. Combine your Blue Bay Lodge stay with something on the West Coast Foodie Route. Pop into Club Mykonos for lunch at one of their many onsite restaurants, cocktails at Russells on the Port, or a lunch at one of the many restaurants in Paternoster. Visit www.westcoastway.co.za for more information on the best #westcoastway experiences. Here you’ll find five route ideas, each offering their own unique attractions!
Find Blue Bay Lodge on the West Coast Way Foodie Route
• Restaurant • Conference Centre • Lounge with a Fireplace • Play Area: Trampoline; Dam with ducks • Kiddies Menu • Pet-Friendly (Small Breeds) • Tennis Court • Satellite TV • WiFi • Swimming pool • Boat Launch Access
Where: Henry Wicht Avenue, Blouwaterbaai, Saldanha
Contact: +27 22 714 1177/8/9 | [email protected] | bluebaylodge.co.za
Written by Christine Bernard Photography by Warren Bernard
Photos by Warren Bernard (www.flatwhiteimages.com)
West Coast Way is Your Route To Nature
West Coast Way is your ultimate gateway to experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Cape West Coast of South Africa. As a premium tourism brand, we offer six uniquely themed trip plans that promise an unforgettable journey: Cape, Culture, Foodie, Tractor, Berg, and Wild.
Discover over 101 incredible things to see and do with West Coast Way:
Savour the delights of wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings. Indulge in authentic Weskus cuisine and the traditional braaivleis (barbecue). Feel the thrill of swinging into Citrusdal on a zipline or challenge yourself with Cederberg bouldering. Rejuvenate in natural warm pools and embark on serene cruises across lagoons and rivers. Explore the diverse landscapes of nature reserves and a National Park, or embark on exciting game drives. Hone your skills in archery and angling, or amp up the excitement with sandboarding and quad-biking. Enjoy horse riding, immerse yourself in the unique San culture, and experience the vibrant Riel dancing. For water sports enthusiasts, kite- and windsurfing, surfing, and kayaking trips await. Go beach hopping, learn about bees and whales, and delight in birdwatching in a twitcher’s paradise – all within South Africa’s renowned wildflower reserve.
For more information on the best places to visit on the West Coast, road tripping routes, hikes, tours, and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Follow us on on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn @WestCoastWaySA.West Coast Way is South Africa’s road trip with the most twists. South Africans and visitors can explore a unique collection of themed routes to do adventure-filled Cape West Coast self-drive trips or a West Coast Holiday. The new West Coast Way “basket” of free routes on offer include the West Coast Way Tractor Route, the West Coast Way Berg Route, the West Coast Way Foodie Route, the West Coast Way Cultural Route – as well as the newly launched West Coast Way Wild Route, all of which are designed to showcase the many attractions and activities that are already on offer on the Cape West Coast and inland areas – but may be unknown to many. For more information on West Coast Way’s #WestCoastTwist and the list of 101 Things to Do on the West Coast visit www.westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Connect with West Coast Way on Facebook and Twitter at WestCoastWaySA.