LUXURY SEA FACING APARTMENTS + SEAFRONT PENTHOUSE
Hermanus is a modern cosmopolitan seaside town with a charming fishing village atmosphere. Visitors are awed by the scenic beauty of Hermanus which is cradled between towering mountains and the vast Atlantic ocean. Bay Haven is situated in the picturesque heart of the village and within easy access of the old harbour which is the culturally rich focal point of Hermanus’ fishing heritage. The Village Square with its waterfront piazza and amphitheatre offers a range of upmarket restaurants, coffee houses, clothing boutiques, banking facilities, hair salons, and speciality shops. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or sundowners with a breathtaking view of Walker Bay on all sides. As the best land based whale watching destination in the world, Hermanus has southern right whales providing eco-friendly entertainment from the coastal cliff path or from the comfort of the apartment.
Festivals and markets
Hermanus is fast becoming an art destination of note with dozens of art galleries showing a tantalising selection of work to suit all tastes. The weekend Fisherman’s Village Craft Market in the centre of town has a vibrant atmosphere with a range of African beaded wirework items, curios and an assortment of unusual finds. Fresh organic produce, a marimba band and stalls offering a wide variety of high quality handcrafted items are on offer at the very popular Fernkloof Farmer’s Market in the Fernkloof nature reserve. The reserve, with its fragrant fynbos, abundant birdlife, champagne air and breathtaking view, is paradise for those who enjoy hiking through the mountains. There are graded walks to suit all levels of fitness as well as wheelchair friendly routes. Hermanuspietersfontein’s Saturday market is the place to buy good wine and fabulous food presented with a touch of class and sophistication in the courtyard of their state-of-the-art cellar. The eco-friendly annual Whale Festival which attracts thousands of visitors to Hermanus each September, is a cornerstone event highlighting the best that the Cape Whale Coast has to offer.
Adventure
Shark cage diving and surface viewing with specialist operators launching from Kleinbaai harbour will get your adrenalin pumping as you come face to face with Gansbaai’s great white sharks. Boat based whale watching cruises which leave from the new Hermanus harbour will bring you within splashing distance of Walker Bay’s southern right whales which visit our shores between May and December each year. View the great mammals of the deep from the air on one of African Wings’ whale safaris. Join a Kayaking tour and see Hermanus and the whales from a fresh perspective. Shore based Jackass penguins can be viewed at Stony Point in Betty’s Bay and African penguins can be viewed on a cruise to Dyer Island and at Quion Point. Sand boarding on the Silversands dunes is for real thrill seekers and paragliding from the mountain tops above Hermanus on a clear still day will take your breath away. Quad biking through the vineyards, corporate paintball challenges, and horse trails on the beach or through Hemel-en-Aarde farm meadows are available for active adventure seekers. Mountain Bike enthusiasts have several challenging informal routes to choose from with a number of organised races through the valley and vineyards being staged regularly.
Leisure
The prestigious Hermanus Golf Club is a short 2km drive from Bay Haven and the Arabella Golf Club at the Western Cape Hotel and Spa about 30 km from Hermanus, offers exclusive facilities for discerning golfers. The Hemel-en-Aarde valley Wine Wander offers wine connoisseurs a taste from the finest wine estates and cellars in the Overstrand. From Bouchard Finlayson to Hamilton Russell vineyards and Sumaridge estate and Creation wines, the wine route will thrill and inspire collectors of fine wines. Fly fishing is available at four dams in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley as well as at the Klein River Lagoon and Bot River Lagoon. Hermanus has numerous beaches along its coastline. Grotto beach in Voelklip has internationally recognised Blue Flag statues which ensures safe, hygienic facilities. Whether you enjoy Italian bistro style food, fine French cuisine, seafood bursting with flavour, gourmet dishes served with Greek flair and Mediterranean passion, or a simple take-away pizza, Hermanus has restaurants in the centre of town and tucked away in cosy suburb streets which will tempt your taste-buds. Stylish and vibrant cocktail bars provide evening entertainment otherwise book a sunset cruise to end off a glorious day.
