The seven rooms at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge are positioned along six kilometres of pristine white sand. Our dream was for the spectacular vistas to take centre stage and each is fronted by floor-to-ceiling glass windows that overlook the Indian Ocean and marine life ahead. Each is positioned perfectly for a unique view over the surroundings, and small verandas outside provide the perfect spot to soak up the magic. Inside, the rooms take inspiration from the natural beauty of the reserve and are earthy and comfortable. A wood-burning stove takes away the chill in the winter mornings and evenings and each has an ensuite bathroom with amenities.

At the main area, expect the same fabulous views and a wraparound deck from which to enjoy them from. An interactive, open kitchen is at the heart of the lodge and guests will dine, family-style, at the indoor tables or outside, feet-in-the-sand style, on the beach.

An interactive, open kitchen is at the heart of the space and you’ll either dine at the long tables here, family-style, or outside, feet-in-the-sand style, on the beach, accompanied only by lanterns and the crashing of the waves. During a stay at Lekkerwater, guests will be able to enjoy an interactive dining experience in the open kitchen which will offer guests some hearty and delicious food, with ingredients sourced locally.

Lekkerwater Beach Lodge is a genuine, year-round destination. There is something special happening at any time of year and its privacy along 5km of pristine and well-protected coastline, combined with its extraordinary location, makes it one off the planet’s best coastal retreats. It’s not surprising that Time Magazine selected the lodge as one of the world’s top 100 must-visit destinations!

During our summer months (November to April), the days are long, sunny and warm and the blue skies stretch as far as the eye can see. It is a wonderful time to swim at low tides, stroll on the beach and in the hills – and enjoy the long, lazy summer evenings.

The winter season brings the first whales that usually begin to arrive in the bay in front of Lekkerwater in late May or June. The whale watching season can stretch all the way to November, but the best months are considered to be August, September and October, when there can be anything from 300 to 1100 whales present in the De Hoop Bay. It is over this period that some of the best whale viewing happens from between one’s toes from the comfort of your bed. The winter days are shorter and perhaps a little cooler, but this certainly doesn’t detract from the activities and experience on offer – and nothing a jacket can’t fix!

Marine life (including inquisitive octopuses) in the intertidal zone of the Marine Protected Area is ever present and time spent watching dolphins from the verandas is magical. Walks along the rolling, fynbos-covered hills and ravines are always interesting, and eland are often spotted, as are bontebok and ostrich. This is one of the few places on the planet where fresh leopard tracks are sometimes seen on the beaches. Another highlight is a visit to one of the many caves in the area with shell middens and other evidence of our early ancestors. There are also a number of birding highlights including the chance to spot blue crane, South Africa’s national bird, and the Western Cape’s only thriving Cape Vulture colony in the cliffs of the Potberg mountains.