With fynbos, white sand and the Indian Ocean to enjoy, it’s small wonder they make the windows big here at Morukuru Beach Lodge. What’s not to like about being surrounded by such beautiful views, made all the more captivating by some of the best whale watching opportunities you’ll get from dry land anywhere in the world.

You’ll need to book a stay between June and November for peak whale season, but there’s plenty to enjoy all year round here on the Garden Route.

The accommodation

Located on the coast of the De Hoop Nature Reserve, a World Heritage site just a three hour drive from Cape Town, this solar-powered lodge is off-grid, but right on Koppie Alleen beach, hence those enviable Indian Ocean views.

There are 5 suites, 4 looking out over the ocean, the other taking in the dunes. All have private balconies and accommodate two guests, save for the two ocean view family suites that sleep 4. There’s the option to book the entire lodge for a group of up to 14 guests, otherwise you can reserve one of the suites and share the facilities with other guests.

Those large windows aren’t the only distinctive feature of your accommodation. Each suite is designed to reflect the colours of the surroundings, that’s why you’ll find chiefly sun yellow, sea blue and sandy light oak furnishings and fittings.

All bedrooms have kingsize beds with the two family suites featuring a second bedroom with twins. All beds rate as very comfortable thanks to the quality of the mattresses and bedding. And the bathrooms are kingsize too – bigger than many hotel rooms so you have plenty of space to enjoy a rain shower or soak in the free standing bath tub.

The amenities

The lodge is big on offering things for everyone to do, so much so that you may find you don’t leave it much during your stay, other than to go on a guided exploration of the local area. Just a few steps from your suite, you can enjoy the heated swimming pool, hot-tub, rooftop terrace and fire pit to yourselves if you’re making an exclusive booking, or share them with fellow guests if not.

Family friendly

Younger guests will feel the warmth of the welcome as soon as they arrive, receiving a special kids’ rucksack from the Morukuru Beach Lodge team. During your stay, children can take part in on-site baking sessions, play board games or the PlayStation, and take their pick from the DVD collection.

Parents – you can book babysitting services if you want a little time to yourselves. Or if you want to enjoy family fun times, there’s an impressive list of activities to choose from. Sandboarding or snorkelling anyone? How about a day hiking or cycling the local trails? Or something a bit more slow-paced, like a spa treatment, bird watching or a private picnic?

On the menu

Food wise, the Bites Beach Café is open to everyone during the day with tables inside and out at which buffet breakfasts, casual meals and drinks can be enjoyed. Evenings see the place become an exclusive restaurant for Beach Lodge guests. Whatever’s on the dinner menu (and it’s three-course fine dining here every night) locally sourced ingredients are bound to be included.