Roll on November – there’s a fantastic buzz around Port Elizabeth/ Gqeberha with the latest offering from the local family-owned Behold Collection of authentic tourism properties.
Our company, which conducts guided tours in the Cape Recife Nature Reserve, will be launching the first of several planned accommodation options within this protected reserve, in the form of an exclusive-use family villa.
The former two-storey historic military building has been tastefully converted into a well-appointed and modern two-bedroomed apartment that comfortably sleeps two couples or a family of four – children are welcome! Affording guests the unique opportunity to overnight within the reserve after closing hours, the Cape Recife Villa embraces its origins as part of one of the country’s oldest lighthouse complexes, established in 1849.
Luxuriously fitted with a modern bathroom, dining area and kitchen, the masterpiece of the property is the second-floor lounge with sweeping views over the breaking waves on the shores of Algoa Bay with its resident dolphins, porpoises, seasonal migrating whales, and sea birds. Here, in the bottlenose dolphin capital of the world, where penguins find sanctuary and SANCCOB bases its Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre, the natural beauty and diversity is nothing short of breath-taking.
With a cosy fireplace against the evening sea chill, and the sweeping rhythmic beams of the guarding lighthouse, the romance of this eyrie on the promontory is something really special. And to add to the glamour, a private butler /chef is in residence to attend to guests, prepare meals according to specific dietary requests and ensure that one’s stay is superb in every way.
The all-inclusive accommodation package includes a comprehensive guided tour of the lighthouse facilities and tales of the history and mysteries of these deceptive waters. Sunrise and sunset walks along the beach or dunes are part of this soul-enriching experience that brings one right up close to nature’s magic.
Cape Recife, a renowned birding destination, is open to the public from 07h00 – 19h00 daily, leaving guests alone to enjoy the after-hours peace and serenity of this natural paradise on the edge of the city, yet a million miles away from the fray.
*Accommodation opens 15 November 2022.
*A conservation levy applies to all visitors to the Nature Reserve including Villa guests
*Transfers to and from the regional airport are available at additional cost
