Our stay for the night was the five-star grey manor-style guesthouse at 11 Westcliff Road – hence the name Ocean Eleven. From the moment you enter the check-in desk you’ll hear about the wonders of the seaside walk, which is highly recommended during the daylight – just slip through the white fence and walk toward the rocky cliffs to find the start of the promenade.
If it’s a nighttime walk you’re after, skip the Cliffside climb as you’ll feel perfectly safe slipping out on Westcliff Road using the gate remote. Roads are quiet and it’s a pleasant 12-minute walk into town to all the restaurants.
There’s strong Wi-Fi throughout the grounds and the well-equipped rooms are bright and airy, decorated in cool neutral shades. There’s a ceiling fan, wall-mounted TV and soothingly padded headboard above the comfortable bed, decked with plush blankets to ward off the ocean breeze that bursts through the double glass doors from the sea just beyond the balcony.
The large bathroom features both a bathtub and shower, but following the recent water shortage there are signs to conserve water so resist the tub at all costs.
The best part is the private balcony deck, with deep Adirondack-style chairs to sit in and gaze at the view beyond. Rooms include an honesty bar fridge and snack stand, so you can get munching as soon as you’ve dropped off your bags at sighed at the relaxing sights.
Breakfast is included in your stay at Ocean Eleven, as well as complimentary snacks available in the main lounge area – there’s also a bookshelf with must-reads if the deck chairs around the icy pool call your name, and ‘whale art’ on sale if you’re looking to pick up a souvenir of your stay.
Breakfast was another highlight, featuring a strong bodum of coffee per person – there’s also a variety of teas, juices and even ginger shots on offer. Start with the buffet of lovely cold meats, cheeses and crackers; as well as individual pots of yoghurt and cut fruits, like granadilla, raspberry and pineapple; as well as a range of cereals to get your taste buds ready for the hot breakfast options. There’s even pancake stand behind the muffins and toasts, with jars of honey, jam, and even Nutella to smear on top.
From the speciality menu, we highly recommend the shakshuka and ‘mush mush’ topped with poached eggs, though ‘as-you-like-it’ omelettes as well as the traditional full English breakfast, eggs Benedict and French toast with sweet and savoury options are also available. Enjoy breakfast at your leisure as the sweeping landscape views are quite something, and keep the ‘life in the slow lane’ vibe strong once you’ve checked out by heading for another beach walk to soak up all the sights of Hermanus. It truly is a wine-lover’s whale-watching haven.
Leigh Andrews was a guest of Ocean Eleven Guest House. Book your Ocean Eleven accommodation on their website and follow their FacebookTwitter and Instagram updates!
