KNYSNA Breakwaters Haven

I spent three nights at Breakwater Haven and found it quiet and beautiful, a nice spot to relax. I’d had some doubts after reading reviews, but was pleasantly surprised once there and enjoyed my stay. Eddy, the housekeeper, was kind and helpful throughout, always smiling. The sea views are worth the walk to the private beach. It took about 10 minutes down and 15 back up, with stairs that need a bit of fitness. Parking fits around 4-5 cars. I’d pick a sea-view room, and for a big family, one sea-view apartment plus a standard one seems like a good option. After booking, I was sent a long PDF of rules and policies to complete and sign. Check-in could be simpler. Everything else was great.

The clean linen and towels and the nice view were about the only bright spots. We couldn’t wait to leave and get back on the road, and wouldn’t recommend 25 Fairlead on Pezula Golf Estate. The photos made it look larger and more luxurious than it was. The place felt neglected. Floors were sticky and slippery, the curtains were full of holes, and the notices were just A4 laminated sheets stuck to doors or the fridge with prestik. There were four of us but only three outdoor chairs. The kitchen had no drying cloth, the freezer’s ice tray was empty, and there were no welcoming touches. Bulbs were out, dust sat in clumps along the master bathroom skirting, the fan was dirty and rusty, walls had holes, and the deck was peeling badly. Cheap artwork and basic decor added to the used, cheap feel. Communication from the host was appalling. We dealt with three or four different people just to confirm who would let us in, how to get the keys, and the exact location and room. We had to find staff on site when arriving and leaving, and could hear them through the walls at night. The TV stopped working partway through our stay when the Netflix subscription stopped, and its equipment was hanging precariously.

The Sea Shore unit was an awful experience for me and my family. It was very hot, with no fan or air conditioning, and we couldn't open the windows because spiders would come in. Parking was unfavourable too. There was no privacy. We paid for a private deck, but other people came to use it. The walls were drywall, so every sound carried, and the en-suite bathroom had no door, which was extremely uncomfortable. The housekeeper's room was next to the unit, and when I walked by with her door open, I saw her sitting on the toilet. We were also shocked to arrive and find a woman cleaning our room in skimpy sleepwear. Please steer clear of this place.

The sea views from our room and private deck were breathtaking, and the check-in was smooth. Breakwaters Haven is in a desirable, secure golf estate, and the location felt safe. But the steep cliff stairs to the beautiful private beach are challenging, really only suited to young, athletic people. Our four-night stay had a few problems: there was no cleaning service, which was inconvenient and unsanitary, and the shared parking area didn't have enough space for the guests. Wi-Fi kept dropping out, and without air conditioning the unit got uncomfortably warm, especially at night. The owners' dogs barked constantly, which made it hard to relax on the private deck.