Boutique Ocean Views

Perched majestically on the famous Hermanus cliff path, Boutique Ocean Views lives up to its name with unobstructed 180-degree panoramas across Walker Bay. This five-star accommodation sits just 400 meters from the town center, combining convenient access to restaurants and attractions with the tranquility of oceanfront living.

Location & Setting

The property occupies a prime position on Marine Drive in the Westcliff area, where waves break dramatically on the rocky shoreline below. This oceanfront location provides direct access to the Hermanus cliff path—arguably the world's finest land-based whale watching route—right from the front gate. The town center with its restaurants and shops is a short 5-minute stroll away.

What many visitors don't realize is the historical significance of the site. Dating back to the 1930s, the property was originally known as "Wendy's Cottage," named after a lone female whale that regularly visited the bay. This tradition continues today, as the guesthouse still honors the female Southern Right whales that return to Walker Bay with their calves between June and October.

Accommodation Experience

The boutique offers five luxury sea-facing bedrooms (Seagull, Strelitzia, Yellow Rose, Zebra and Kwagga), each featuring:

• Extra-length king-size beds (convertible to twins if needed)
• Private balconies with uninterrupted ocean views
• En-suite bathrooms with both bathtub and shower
• 55-inch smart TVs with streaming capabilities

While all rooms offer exceptional views, local tip: the Zebra and Strelitzia rooms are particularly favored for their positioning. Strelitzia is the largest at 54m² with a uniquely positioned bathroom that offers remarkable ocean views.

Standout Features

What distinguishes this property from others in Hermanus:

• Fully solar-powered - meaning no interruptions during load-shedding
• Heated oceanfront pool where guests can relax while watching marine activity
• Open-access bar policy (a true South African "kuier" spirit)
• Full breakfast featuring both international options and traditional South African specialties

Best Times to Visit

For whale enthusiasts, the optimal period is between late June and October, when Southern Right whales can be spotted directly from the rooms, balconies and common areas. September typically offers peak whale activity combined with milder spring weather.

The property offers a completely different experience during the summer months (December-February), when the focus shifts to enjoying the heated pool and exploring nearby beaches like Grotto Beach and Voêlklip Beach.

Local Experiences

Beyond whale watching, guests can enjoy:

• Wine tasting in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (many award-winning estates within 15 minutes' drive)
• Marine wildlife encounters including shark cage diving in nearby Gansbaai
• The penguin colony at Betty's Bay (less crowded than the more famous Boulders Beach)
• Numerous hiking trails through the Fernkloof Nature Reserve

A practical tip from locals: The cliff path can be walked in segments, with the section from Boutique Ocean Views to the Old Harbour (about 1.5km) offering the best combination of scenery and convenience, particularly for morning walks before breakfast.