West Coast beach resort fit for family holidays

Tennis, playgrounds, cocktail bar and even a bird hide

Last updated: 30 November 2023

In a tranquil fishing village hidden down the West Coast is a 3-star resort and lodge on the bay’s edge, with winding beach walkways, beauty salon, and tennis courts. Plus elevated dining with panoramic ocean views, cocktail bar and self-catering cottages. 

Here’s 10 reasons why you should consider a stay at Blue Bay Lodge.

Play, relax, dine, drink right on the water’s edge. Image: Blue Bay Lodge 

EASY TRIP FROM CAPE TOWN  

It’s in Saldanha  – a relaxed two-hour cruise down the R27 with views of fynbos, sand dunes and the distant ocean on the horizon.  

Some rooms look onto the bright water and white sand that the West Coast is known for. Image: Blue Bay Lodge 

PANORAMIC OCEAN VIEWS   

Serving both guests and day visitors, the Blue Bay Café has floor-to-ceiling windows that show off the sparkling sea of the bay. 

The long windows that run along the side of the building create almost panoramic sea views. Image: Blue Bay Lodge

ELEVATED DINING

The menu offers progressive twists on classic dishes. Small plates include harissa roast aubergine with crispy chickpeas and lemon labneh; Mains do a sterling job of showing off the fresh seafood of the West Coast. 

Dine with friends or family at Blue Bay Café. Image: Blue Bay Lodge 

STAY B&B STYLE OR SELF-CATERING   

There are B&B rooms (garden or sea facing) and self-catering cottages next to the pool area and tennis courts. There’s also an executive suite with a patio overlooking the ocean. 

The self-catering cottages have a private braai area. Image: Blue Bay Lodge 

LOADS FOR KIDS TO DO

With the playground, jumping castle, trampoline, pools, tennis courts (you can rent rackets and balls at reception) and braai areas, there’s plenty of ways to keep busy on a family holiday just in the resort. 

There's loads for kids to do at this family beach resort. Image: Blue Bay Lodge 

FAIRY VILLAGE, GIRAFFES, SEAFOOD FEAST…    

Blue Bay Lodge is along the West Coast, which means there’s plenty of small towns with hidden gems to explore. Die Strandloper is a must-try experience. There’s also Buffelsfontein, a private game park with blue wildebeest and giraffes, or the Fairy and Pixie Village in Jacobsbaai. 

The West Coast is well known for its seafood (which you can taste fresh at Blue Bay Lodge). Image: Blue Bay Lodge 

NATURE TO EXPLORE 

There’s plenty of outdoor things to do, like a visit to the West Coast National Park, beach picnics, guided nature walks, bird watching and taking a drive to see the stunning flowers that cover the West Coast in spring. 

The resort even has a bird hide for spotting over 96 species indigenous to the West Coast. Image: Blue Bay Lodge 

EXPLORE THE BEACH  

It’s right on the beach with wooden walkways where you can sit and admire the view, as well as pathways down to the sand. 

Kids can spot ships from the shore. Image: Blue Bay Lodge

GATHER AT THE FIRE PIT 

The fire pit overlooking the bay, and conveniently located next to the cocktail bar, is ideal for a grapefruit margarita or cold beer. Or grab a pack of wood and settle in for a late night after dinner. 

Imagine having some sundowners here. Image: Blue Bay Lodge 

WEDDINGS, CONFERENCES & MORE   

There are two sea-facing conference rooms (which can take up to 90 and 45 people respectively). For weddings, there’s intimate ceremonies in the bougainvilla-dotted courtyard or on the beach and larger parties in the hall. 

Blue Bay Lodge offers various wedding venues, like outdoor ceremonies overlooking the beach. Image: Blue Bay Lodge

STAY AT BLUE BAY LODGE

Find Blue Bay Lodge: 48 Gracillaria Crescent, Blouwaterbaai, Saldanha
Book: Via the Blue Bay Lodge website or Nightsbridge
Cost: From R1 630 per night for a B&B room; from R3 150 for a two-bedroom cottage
Contact: reservations@bluebaylodge.co.za, 022 714 11 77 or via Blue Bay Lodge website

By Julia Rowley 

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EXPLORE CAPE TOWN & SURROUNDS 

Have prime family fun at the West Coast Air Show in Saldanha.  

Fresh roosterkoek and moerkoffie: that’s what you’ll find at this West Coast rustic padstal. 

See our list of free and cheap things to do with kids in Cape Town.

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