Notes from the host
Luxury Historic Villa in Best Position in Hermanus
Spectacular historic beach villa, recently refurbished and outdoor pool, Jacuzzi and barbecue area added. La Gratitude has the best location in Hermanus, being the closest house to Grotto beach in Voelklip. Yet the house enjoys splendid seclusion, being built on 3000 square meters of gently sloping grass rimmed by indigenous vegetation. Its generous proportions can sleep a maximum of 10 people comfortably.
It is seaside home of one of the Cape’s most historically prominent families, La Gratitude offers superb, understated luxury with unsurpassed, uninterrupted views across Walker Bay. Situated just steps away from both secluded coves and a 12 km stretch of pristine beach. The cliff path begins meters from the the house and follows the bay round to Hermanus village. The interior is designed in the simple luxurious elegance of a by-gone age. There is a thoroughly modern kitchen with all conveniences, as well as two sitting rooms, with Satellite TV, DVD, VCR, and music system. We have an installed an inverter, so lights and plugs stay on during loadshedding, when electricity supply is cut.
Activities: Watch whales breach from La Gratitude's balcony, or walk along the “cliff path” that begins in front of La Gratitude and follows the coast all into Hermanus village, or, in the opposite direction, walk along kilometres of pristine beaches to the lagoon and beyond. There is paragliding off the Olifantberg, vineyards tours that include sampling their wares, and shopping for art and crafts bargains in Market Square . Whatever your energy level, Hermanus offers it all in the sun and “champagne air”. Specific activities include:
ARTS and CRAFTS - numerous artist-owned art and craft studios and galleries
BEACHES - La Gratitude is situated above and looking out onto Hermanus’ most famous beach, Grotto Beach. As the coastline dotted with coves ends, so Grotto Beach begins, extending past the magnificent lagoon at the mouth of the Klein Rivier all the way to De Kelders. Other beaches include Voelklip, Kammabaai, and Langbaai.
BIRD WATCHING - an ornithologists dream with mountain, coastal, river and estuarine avian habitats
DE WET'S HUIS PHOTO MUSEUM - offers a extraordinary photographic documentation of the history and development of the town.
DOLPHINS - are often seen in the region. Species include the endemic Heavisides dolphin, Bottle nose dolphin and Common dolphins.
EXTREME SPORTS - hang-gliding, paragliding, mountain biking, powerboat racing
FERNKLOOF - in the saddle between Lemoenkop and Olifantsberg, Fernkloof Nature Reserve hosts one of the richest floral kingdoms in the world. It has 50 km of hiking trails and a mountain biking track
FESTIVALS - the Hawston Sea Festival (December) and the Food & Wine Fair (July)
FISHING - with the sea and lagoons full of galjoen, steenbras, kob, red Roman, silver fish, red stump nose, John Brown, and many more, Hermanus attracts fishermen from all over the country. In addition, the New Harbour is a working fishing harbour
FISH SHOP - buy fresh fish, live crayfish, oysters and other quality seafood direct from the sea in the New Harbour.
HIKING - On the fynbos-covered mountains, Fernkloof Reserve offers unparalleled beaches on a variety of walks above the town.
PAMPERING – Hermanus boasts all manner of spas and beauty salons that offer the very latest treatments all aimed at ensuring you relax and de-stress.
Passion Play is held in the Old Harbour every year
PERLEMOEN, ABALONE or VENUS EAR - Hermanus is regarded as the principal centre of the perlemoen industry
RESTAURANTS – Hermanus has a plethora of excellent restaurants that offer a delicious variety of local and international cuisine with stunning vistas.
Rock lobster eating and fishing tours
SHARK-cage diving with the Great White Shark in the cold Atlantic.
SHOPPING - charming boutiques, markets and shops
WATERSPORTS – windsurfing or water skiing on the lagoon, or diving, fishing and boating in the sea.
