Crayfish Lodge Sea & Country Guest House

We wished we could stay longer. The owners are gracious and welcoming, and the room feels like complete luxury, with a private balcony looking out over the water. In a quiet residential area, this little boutique guest house sits in a remarkable spot just above southern Africa’s rocky coastline, with its own small sandy beach. There are lovely paths along the water for walks.

The Crayfish Lodge makes a great base for a few days, whether you’re a couple or a small group. It’s in De Kelders on the Whale Coast, a quieter alternative to Hermanus, which is still only 35 minutes away by car. Nearby activities include the long cliff walk to the caves. We loved how spacious and comfortable the rooms were, with huge bathrooms for a shower or bath. Each room has its own terrace and an unrestricted 180-degree view across the sea and beach, with the Cape in the distance. The views from the room terraces stretch west toward the Cape, making for beautiful sunsets. The owners have put a lot of love and attention into the lodge. There are five rooms and a large shared breakfast and living area where guests can mingle or have their own space. Service is super friendly and attentive. Alongside an excellent wine selection, the bar offers Gin and Grappa tastings. Golfers might enjoy the Hermanus course, a lovely 27-hole course with plenty of wildlife, including turtles, deer and birds, as well as lots of trees. The course was in very nice shape, with well-maintained greens at a good speed. The slope rating is moderate, so it makes for an easy round in a beautiful setting. For a world where golf courses can be overpriced, this one is excellent value for money.

Sandra was a hospitable host who took time to share things to do and information about the area. The breakfasts were delicious, too. Crayfish Lodge has beautiful, modern rooms and a stunning location with spectacular views. All around, it was an excellent stay.

We only managed one night on our way back to Capetown, and wished we could have stayed longer. Our room was luxurious, with beautiful views. Sandra was a pleasure to deal with, gave us tips on where to eat, and made delicious toasties before our early morning kayak the next day. Definitely recommend.