Gables Hermanus: Your Dream South African Getaway Awaits!
Gables Hermanus: My Unfiltered Take on This Coastal Gem (Brace Yourself, It's Good!)
Okay, so I just got back from Gables Hermanus, and let me tell you, my soul feels like it’s been sun-kissed and massaged into submission. Seriously. Hermanus itself is magic – crashing waves, playful whales (seasonal, of course, but still!), and air that smells like freedom. Gables? Well, it mostly lived up to the hype, but let's dive in, shall we? Because I'm not one for sugarcoating.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Honey!
Right off the bat, let’s talk accessibility. This is crucial for me, and while Gables tries, it's not exactly perfect. The website claims facilities for disabled guests, but I’d definitely call ahead and clarify. Getting around the property felt mostly doable, but I didn’t clock a proper wheelchair-accessible entrance to the restaurant. Accessibility rating: a hopeful 3 out of 5, but do your homework if you REALLY need it.
Getting Around: Wheels and Wings
- Airport Transfer: Yes! A lifesaver after that long flight. They were waiting, all smiles, and the ride was smooth.
- Car Park [Free of Charge]: Bonus! Always a welcome sight.
- Car Park [On-site]: Yep. Convenience is king.
- Car Power Charging Station: Didn't see it, but I wasn’t looking, so it might exist.
- Taxi Service: Readily available.
- Valet Parking: Nope, but not a dealbreaker.
- Bicycle Parking: I did see some, so I’ll give them a tick
- Elevator: Yep, important for us lazy folks with luggage.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (Mostly!)
This is where Gables shines, and I loved this. After the year we've had, cleanliness is KING.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Felt the difference. That clean, non-chemical smell? Chef’s kiss.
- Breakfast takeaway service: Excellent for rushed mornings. Grab-and-go perfection.
- Cashless payment service: Thank goodness! I'm all about minimizing contact.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: You could feel the effort.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere! A must-have.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Makes me feel better as a germophobe.
- Hygiene certification: Points for the effort.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Loved this. (Remember those buffets that felt like a Petri dish?!).
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: The staff were good with this.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Reassuring.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Another check in my good book.
- Safe dining setup: Made me feel safe eating and enjoying myself.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: A must.
- Shared stationery removed: Smart move.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They were on the ball.
- Sterilizing equipment: All good things.
- CCTV in common areas and outside property: Felt safe, and that's important.
- Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and Smoke detectors: Yes. Safety first.
- First aid kit: Good to have.
- Security [24-hour]: Peace of mind is priceless, right?
Rooms: My Little Sanctuary!
Let's talk about the rooms. I splurged on a sea-facing suite because, well, I deserved it. And IT WAS WORTH IT.
- Additional toilet: Always a plus.
- Air conditioning: Crucial – especially during that unexpected heatwave!
- Alarm clock: Yep.
- Bathrobes: Cozy! Perfect for lounging.
- Bathtub: Bliss. I soaked in that bathtub, feeling the stress melt away. And get this, they even had a…
- Bathroom phone: Never thought I'd need one, but it's fun!
- Blackout curtains: Slept like a baby (once I got over the jet lag).
- Closet: Plenty of space for all my unnecessary outfits.
- Coffee/tea maker; Complimentary tea: Essential!
- Daily housekeeping: Impeccable. My room was always spotless, and the staff were lovely.
- Desk and Laptop workspace: Useful when forced to do some work.
- Extra long bed: Important for tall people like me.
- Free bottled water: Hydration is key!
- Hair dryer: A necessity.
- High floor: Offered stunning views. (More on that later).
- In-room safe box: For my valuables.
- Internet access – LAN and Wifi (free): Worked flawlessly.
- Ironing facilities: Wrinkled clothes are a pet peeve.
- Linens: Luxurious and comfy.
- Mini bar: Well-stocked, but a bit pricey.
- Non-smoking: Yay!
- On-demand movies: Got cozy for a lazy night in!
- Private bathroom, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Toiletries, Towels: All top-notch.
- Reading light: Perfect for late-night bookworms.
- Refrigerator: Kept my wine chilled!
- Satellite/cable channels: Lots of choices, but I barely watched TV.
- Seating area, Sofa: Comfy and relaxing.
- Soundproofing: Peaceful.
- Telephone: Though I mainly use my phone for calls.
- Umbrella: Needed it only once.
- Visual alarm: A nice touch.
- Wake-up service: I'm still not sure I could get up on time without that.
- Window that opens: Fresh air!
The View. Oh, The View!
My room (a high-floor suite, remember?) had a panoramic view of the ocean. The waves crashed, the seagulls squawked, and I swear, I could feel the salt spray on my face. I spent like, at least an hour every morning just staring out the window, sipping coffee. It was pure medicine. Seriously, if you can swing it, GO FOR THE VIEW!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food!
Now, the food. Okay, here's the deal. The food at Gables is good, not necessarily outstanding. But hey, you're in Hermanus – go explore the local restaurants!
- A la carte in restaurant: Yes!
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Available.
- Bar, Poolside bar: Handy for sundowners.
- Breakfast [buffet], Western breakfast: Decent selection - a little lacking in the fresh fruit department for my taste.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Good coffee, thankfully.
- Desserts, Salad, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant: All the usual suspects.
- International cuisine in restaurant: A little underwhelming.
- Restaurants: Mostly good.
- Room service [24-hour]: Excellent for lazy evenings.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Some options.
The Spa: My Personal Nirvana! (Or, How I Became a Pudding)
The highlight for me? The spa! I had a deep tissue massage that left me feeling like a limp noodle in the best possible way.
- Foot bath: Amazing before the massage.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage: The works!
- Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Sauna: The whole shebang. I melted into the experience.
- Pool with view: Another chance to drink in the views, this time whilst floating.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Didn't try them, but they looked well-equipped.
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Lovely for a dip.
Things To Do, Ways To Relax: Relaxation is Key!
Hermanus offers endless opportunities for relaxation!
- Poolside bar, Sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool: Perfect for those days when you don’t want to do anything.
- Babysitting service, Kids facilities: If I had kids, this would be perfect.
- Couple's room, Proposal spot: I can't wait for this.
- Terrace: Perfect for unwinding, day or night.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easy
- Air conditioning in public area: A relief in the summer heat.
- Business facilities (including Xerox/fax in the business center): All the professional stuff.
- Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Contactless check-in/out: Efficient and safe.
- Convenience store: Useful, even though I prefer to shop locally.
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your typical, pristine travel itinerary. This is going to be a messy, glorious, and probably slightly-too-honest adventure through The Gables in Hermanus, South Africa. Let’s see what happens…
The Gables & Beyond: A Hermanus Hodge-Podge (aka, My Brain Dump)
Days 1-2: Arrival Chaos & Whale-Watching Hopes (and Fears)
- Morning 1: Okay, so, the flight. Let’s just say it involved a screaming toddler, questionable airplane food, and my carry-on exploding in a cloud of travel-sized shampoo. But hey, we landed! And the drive to Hermanus? Breathtaking. Seriously. The scenery is like a postcard come to life, and the air smells…fresh. Almost too fresh. Like I'm going to have to breathe deeply here.
- Accommodation: The Gables. First impressions? Charming. Slightly…Victorian-y. Reminds me of my great-aunt Mildred, who was equally charming and also collected porcelain cats. I'm already obsessed with the view. Let's just pray there aren't any actual ghosts. Or, well, maybe just one friendly one?
- Afternoon 1: Right, first order of business: WHALE WATCHING! Or, at least, attempt to. Booked a boat tour. Currently oscillating between "OMG, whales!" and "OMG, seasickness." I’ve preemptively dosed myself with ginger…which tastes like sadness.
- The Whale Watching Fiasco (Part 1): Let's just say the sea wasn't cooperating. Huge swells, torrential rain. The captain, bless his salty soul, tried valiantly. The boat did everything but fly, (it was still a boat, of course,) but whales? Zilch. Nada. Zip. We got close to some seals, which was nice…but I’m here for the giants. Feeling a bit deflated and slightly damp.
- Evening 1: Comfort food is needed. Wandered into a local pub, "The Rock." Atmosphere was so cozy the walls sweated with friendliness. Ordered a burger. It was immense. I ate the whole thing. Zero regrets. Watched the rugby. Didn’t understand a thing, but the local cheers were infectious.
- Quirky Observation: The bartender had the most spectacular mustache. Like, handlebar-worthy. I'm considering dedicating the rest of the trip to mustache-related observations.
- Morning 2: Wake up with a mission. Whale-watching Attempt #2. Feeling optimistic. The sun is shining, the sky is azure, the air is crisp. Bring on the giants.
- The Whale-Watching Fiasco (Part 2): Okay, so it didn't rain this time. The sea was even angrier. We braved the waves. I spent most of the time clinging to a railing, praying to Neptune and simultaneously blaming my breakfast of coffee and a stale biscuit. And…wait for it…WE SAW THEM! Three Humpbacks! Breaching! Jumping! It was so amazing I almost threw up from the pure joy and then, also, the sea.
- Emotional Reaction: I cried. Actual, genuine, happy tears. It was…transcendent. The pure power and grace of those creatures is something I’ll never forget. And I immediately forgave the sea for its previous tantrum.
- Afternoon 2: Strolled along the cliff path, still buzzing from the whale sighting. The path is beautiful, well-kept, with benches for resting. Met a local dog named "Brucey Bonus," who seemed very pleased with my existence. Took a million photos. Probably need to delete half of them.
- Evening 2: Had dinner at a fancy restaurant. Food was delicious; the wine list was overwhelming. Got slightly tipsy and declared to the waiter that Hermanus was "the most beautiful place on Earth." I might have exaggerated. But only slightly.
Days 3-4: Food, Wine, and a Deep Dive into Obsession
- Morning 3: Okay, time to get serious about the local delicacies. This is my jam! Went to the Hermanus Country Market. Heaven. Fresh produce, artisanal cheeses (yes!), and the most delicious biltong I've ever tasted. Bought way too much. My luggage is going to weigh a ton.
- Quirky Observation: The market had a dog-run. Seriously. Dogs were running free, getting their cuddles in, and generally living their best lives. Hermanus is officially dog-friendly. I'm in love.
- Afternoon 3: Wine tasting! Booked a tour of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The wine is supposed to be incredible. Am feeling slightly guilty about the indulgence. But then again, who am I to deny myself? Especially with views like this?
- The Wine Experience: Okay, the wine IS incredible. But more than the wine? The views. The rolling vineyards, the mountains in the distance, the sunshine…it was like being in a painting. Developed an unhealthy obsession with Pinot Noir. May have bought a case. Don't judge me.
- Evening 3: Seafood dinner at "Bistro 13." Freshly caught fish, perfectly cooked, and a view of the ocean. This life is pretty perfect. (Except for the nagging worry about my rapidly expanding credit card debt).
- Morning 4: Doubling down. I need more. More wine, more views, more…everything. Headed back to the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Decided I needed a new hobby. "Wine connoisseur" it is!
- The Deep Dive: Spent the morning talking to the wine makers. Asking questions. Pretending to understand the technical jargon. Found myself getting deeply invested in the history of the valley. It was a bit of a rabbit hole, and I loved every minute of it. (Even the part where I almost spilled a whole glass of red on myself.)
- Afternoon 4: Wandered through the art galleries in town. There is a surprisingly vibrant art scene. Found a painting I loved, but it way out of my budget. Sigh. Maybe next trip.
- Evening 4: Back at The Gables. Reading a book on the veranda, listening to the waves crash. Feeling very still. Very content. Very…sunburnt. Definitely need to reapply sunscreen.
Day 5: The Sad Farewell & The Promise of Return
- Morning 5: Sad face. Packing. Saying goodbye to this place, which has wormed its way in my heart in a way I didn't think possible. The Gables seems less like my great-aunt Mildred and more like a warm hug.
- Emotional Reaction: It's hard to leave. Really hard. I want to stay. I want to live here. I'm seriously considering faking a medical emergency to extend my stay. (Just kidding…maybe).
- Afternoon 5: The drive back to the airport. Looking at the ocean. Wishing I'd had more time.
- Quirky Observation: Realized I'd forgotten to buy souvenirs. Ended up buying a whale-shaped bottle opener from a dusty souvenir shop. It’s hideous. I love it.
- Evening 5: On the plane. Thinking about the whales, the wine, the mustaches, the doggies. Already planning my return.
- Messy Ending: This trip was a beautiful mess. Just like life, I guess. And I wouldn't have had it any other way. Hermanus, you've stolen a piece of my heart. I'll be back, I promise. And next time, I'm bringing a bigger suitcase for the biltong.
Gables Hermanus: So, You're Thinking About Going? Let's Talk... (and I'll be Honest!)
Okay, Spill the Beans: Is Hermanus *Really* Worth the Hype? (Like, Actually?)
Alright, alright, fine. Hermanus. Whale haven. Stunning scenery. Yeah, it's pretty darn good. Look, I'm not gonna lie, I've had some *moments* there... the kind where you want to pinch yourself to check if you're dreaming. But it's not all sunshine and roses.
Here's the deal: Yes, the whales are SPECTACULAR. Seeing those giants breach? Forget Netflix, that's the real show. But you have to go at the right time (whale season – roughly June to November) or you’ll just be looking at…well, the ocean. Which is nice, but not as thrilling as, you know, a freaking humpback leaping out of the water! And even during whale season, it's not guaranteed. I remember one trip where we sat for hours on the cliff path, wind whipping our faces, and saw…nothing. Nada. Zero. My then-boyfriend (now-husband, thank goodness) swore he saw a tiny fin. I think he was hallucinating from the cold and disappointment. Still, that trip... the air just smells different, you know? Like salt and possibility. Even with the whale-less disappointment, it got me.
Verdict: Yeah, it’s worth the hype *if* you manage your expectations and don’t mind a little wind (and a lot of potential whale-related heartbreak!).
What's the Best Time to Visit Hermanus? (Besides, you know, Whale Season – Duh!)
Okay, so, whale season is prime time. Obvious, right? But everyone else seems to know this, so expect crowds. Think… shoulder-to-shoulder on the cliff path. And the restaurants? Forget it. Bookings are essential, and you might be eating your beloved calamari at like, 4 pm.
But here's a dirty little secret: the shoulder seasons (May/June and September/October) are pretty great too. You still get a decent chance of seeing whales, and the weather is generally milder than the dead of winter. Plus, you might actually be able to *walk* along the cliff path without feeling like you're in a sardine can. I went in early June once, and even though the whales weren't in full force, we still saw a few, and the peace and quiet were *divine*. Did I mention the restaurants? They were actually easy to get into! And that feeling? Like you've found a secret treasure.
Then, well, there's summer. Gorgeous weather, but also jammed. You're trading whales for sunshine and the potential for, you know, getting squished at the beach. And the wind. Oh, the wind! Sometimes it blows so hard you'll feel like you're flying away. But still, you can't deny the magic of a balmy summer evening with a glass of wine, watching the sunset. Just be prepared for crowds. Really, really prepare.
My Take: My personal fave? September/October. Whale potential, fewer crowds, and that feeling of spring in the air… ahhh. But seriously, book everything *way* in advance, whatever you choose.
How Do I Get to Hermanus? (And Should I Drive?)
Driving is *definitely* the way to go. The drive from Cape Town is beautiful – honestly, the scenery along the coastal road is half the fun! You'll pass through charming little towns, vineyards, and stunning coastal views. Think rolling hills, turquoise water… it's Instagram gold. I remember one time, we stopped at a roadside stall and bought some fresh, juicy peaches. Pure bliss. And the freedom! You can stop anywhere you want, whenever you want.
Public transport? Well, it’s an option, but it’s slow, and you'll miss out on all the good stuff. And taxis? Expensive. Unless you're utterly terrified of driving on the "wrong" side of the road (which I kinda was, at first!), rent a car. Just, be prepared for the traffic on the way back. It can get brutal. I once spent four hours in bumper-to-bumper traffic after a long weekend. Four hours, people! I thought I'd lose my mind. Seriously, allow extra time for the return journey, especially on Sundays.
Decision Time: Drive. Just breathe, and take it slow. And maybe pack some audiobooks to keep you sane in the traffic... trust me on this one.
What's the Food Scene Like in Hermanus? (And Where Should I Eat... Now!)
Okay, the food in Hermanus is… good. It's not gourmet, Michelin-star stuff, but there are some gems. Seafood is, of course, a must. You're right on the coast! Fresh fish, calamari, prawns… It's practically a religion.
Recommendations:
- Bientang's Cave: Okay, so it's cliché and touristy, yes. But eating in a cave? With the waves crashing nearby? Pretty frickin' amazing. I’ve had some truly special meals there. The seafood is fine, the atmosphere is what you’re paying for. Book *way* in advance!
- Fick's: Awesome location, right on the water. Great for cocktails and casual meals. Perfect for watching the sunset. Get the fish and chips.
- The Wine Glass: For something a bit more fancy, this is your spot. Amazing wine selection, as you'd expect. You can easily blow your entire budget here, but it's worth it for a special occasion. Prepare for the crowds, though.
- Dutchies: Very laid back and a bit more casual. Great for a burger or a pizza.
My experience: Okay, so there was this time, trying to get into Bientang's Cave. My phone died. No reservation. I showed up, looking all disheveled (wind, remember?). I *begged* for a table and got lucky! It was a perfect evening, a stunning sunset, and the whole experience, despite the initial chaos, it was just… magical. See, sometimes the mess is part of the fun!
Pro Tip: Don't just eat at the restaurants! Grab some fresh bread and cheese (and maybe some biltong) at a local deli and have a picnic on the beach. Bliss!
What Should I *Actually* Do in Hermanus (Besides Whale Watching)?
Okay, yes, whale watching is the main event. But Hermanus has more to offer than just blubber and breaches (although those are pretty awesome!).
Here's the rundown:
- The Cliff Path: Walk it. Just do it. It's the heart and soul of Hermanus. Easy walking, stunning views, and you'll spot whales (Best Hotels BlogThe Gables Hermanus South Africa
The Gables Hermanus South Africa
