We took a weekend to explore a section of the Cape West Coast to experience ‘Fifty Shades of Blue’ of the Cape West Coast on our 10th Wedding Anniversary. It could even have been more than fifty shades of blue… different blues of the sky, the ocean, the lagoons. All these different blues – changing with the time of day and the weather – can be yours throughout the year.
10th Wedding anniversaries can be celebrated in the traditional way: gifts in blue, tanzanite or tin. But we decided to leave the kids at ouma and oupa and instead the tank and head up the West Coast… Over our 2 Day Trip we explored:
Vygevallei in Yzerfontein ➡ Protea Hotel in Saldanha Bay ➡ Elite Charters in Langebaan ➡ West Coast National Park ➡ !Khwa ttu…
Our first stop was Vygevallei Farm Stall, Yzerfontein
Only +- 50 minutes from Cape Town on the R27, the wide open ocean of Yzerfontein on our left in a refreshing teal colour – our stomachs rumbled and we were ready to get out of the car to taste and smell the Cape West Coast!
Vygevallei Farm Stall and Wine House is found on the right-hand side across the way from Jakkelsfontein entrance. The bakery welcomed us with the smells homemade farm bread and their renowned delicious ostrich pies.
I had a farm breakfast and the hubbie had an omelette with all the trimmings. Just a note: don’t be in a hurry – as they say “good food takes time”. But it is worth it, the coffee is góód and the toast is made from farm bread.
There is ample seating place for a family getogether, the inside area has a fire place which will be perfect for cozy winter days, then there is a covered stoep that overlooks outside seating and a kiddies play area.
The Vygevallei Wine House on the outside of the farm stall stock the wines of the West Coast like Nuweland, Ormonde Private Cellar and Groote Post wines. Most importantly: wine tastings are FREE!
Next time we will bring the kids: huge spaces for them to run in, a play gym and a family of ducks greet them upon arrival!
Distance from Cape Town: 68km
Where: R27
Contact: +27 (0)74 138 1610 | [email protected]
We watched people arriving: locals, bikers and families – stopping for fuel at Vygevallei fuel station or popping into the farm stall for refreshments. Kids can play outside and feed the farm animals while parents sit outside and with cuppa watching them.
Protea Hotel by Marriott® Saldanha Bay
We arrived early and were welcomed and treated as VIPs by the friendly staff who take pride in treating all clients in this manner . As one of the hostesses walked us to the lounge she was told us how there is a family that has been staying at Protea Hotel by Marriott® Saldanha Bay for the past 20 years and she saw their kids grow up. Being a mom herself she and the other staff would often be hands-on and entertain the kids while mom and dad were having breakfast or take them to the Protea Hotel Kids entertainment area.
Distance from Cape Town: 149km
Where: R27, R399, Main Road Saldanha Bay
Contact: +27 22 714 1264 | www.proteahotels.com/Saldanhabay | [email protected]
THE lounge… there we were mesmerized by the view, a turquoise overdose immediately relaxed us, and we slouched down on one of the comfy couches to absorb the view. The only sounds you can hear from there is seagulls and the humming of a fishing boat in the distance.
The open stoep area provides a 260 degree view and on a clear day you can see Table Mountain from this unique vantage point.
We were booked in and in our honeymoon suite we had some light snacks waiting. The room has everything you need; coffee station, comfy lounge and a balcony. I had to catch up on some emails that Friday afternoon – not exactly romantic but the free WiFi made up for it.
View from our balcony where we could watch the full moon reflect on the water.
Accommodation:
Accommodation is luxurious and spacious with a homely atmosphere, comprising of 60 bedrooms, which only 4 rooms are street facing & 3 garden facing. All rooms have a private bathroom, remote controlled television, WiFi, air-conditioning, a telephone and hairdryer.
Entertainment at the Hotel:
A stunning swimming pool to cool off in and a 9 hole putt putt course on the hotel lawn. Alternatively, relax in front of the lounge fireplace and play board games while having hot chocolate.
Game room:
Foosball, table tennis, darts and kids play area for over 6 year olds – is available to all guests at no additional cost. Reception also has some board and card games for rainy days.
Protea Hotel by Marriott® Saldanha Bay Facilities:
• Accommodation • Child Friendly with Kids entertainment Area • Bar • Restaurant (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) • Swimming Pool • Wheelchair Accessibility (Rooms, Bedrooms & Bathrooms) • 3 Star Tourism Grading • Trip Advisor • Conference Facilities • Wedding and Function Venue • WI-FI • Air-conditioning • Satellite TV • Online Booking Facilities.
The Buffet Breakfast at Protea Hotel Saldanha Bay needs a special mention, the spread is fit for a queen. Seriously… anything and everything your heart desires. Banting, Vegan or Vegetarian friendly. Highly recommended!
Saldanha Bay surrounding attractions:
Andre the General Manager explained to us that most guests come here to relax and unwind – making the hotel their central point from, where they take road trips to the surrounding towns e.g. Jacobsbaai; Paternoster; West Coast Fossil Park; Langebaan; which are all under 25 minutes away. The West Coast Mall in Vredenburg is only 9 minutes from the hotel.
There are many majestic view points in the area, one of them being the two massive granite vertical rocks on the mountainside called Adam and Eve. On a clear day you can see Table Mountain from there.
The South African Military Academy, hosts the SAS Saldanha Nature Reserve and offers a network of mountain bike trails also used for hiking trails. This Reserve offers a display of wildflowers during late winter and spring while Southern Right Whales also visit the waters in and around the reserve. Many of the trails run right next to the sea and offer some bird watching and game viewing opportunities.
Saldanha is a holiday hotspot for water sport lovers as well as those who just want to unwind and the big bay is a favoured venue for regattas and sailors to test their skills.
In walking distance from the Protea Hotel is Hoedjeskoppie Nature Reserve. Located on a hill the 3 original fishermen’s’ cottages still stand, offering sweeping views of the surrounding, and as far as Table Mountain on a clear Day.
Linda Prezens, opened the tiny 3 room museum and shared lots of tales of the fishing industry of Saldanha and legendary late fishermen and skippers. She herself worked for Sea Harvest for 42 years and remember the days when the navy base hosted WW2. The 3 houses remaining on the hill are a reminder of the area called ‘Klippiesdorp’.
From the hotel we decided to walk to Sandstone Cafe & Lounge. A laid-back lounge with seating on the water’s edge, where they serve light lunches, and take great pride in their gourmet burgers, meat and seafood mains, and a few desserts to top it all off. They offer a variety of espresso coffees, properly brewed straight from the bean. In the evenings they attract a younger crowd with rocking one-man bands and from time to time host more well known artists such as Valiant Swart perform here.
In the next blog is our Langebaan Lagoon adventure and our stay at !Khwa ttu San Cultural and Educational Centre.
West Coast Way endeavour to bring you correct and factual information and advice on some of the best destinations, activities and events around the Cape West Coast. Please note we cannot be kept liable for incorrect information If you have spotted an error or omission, please email us. You participate at your own risk and we cannot accept liability for any injuries or claims that may arise.