Ocean View House: A Tranquil Stay Between the 12 Apostles and the Sea

An inner-city experience without the hustle and bustle

When Ocean View House promises to be “your oasis by the sea”, it means it. 

Set in a luxurious 4 000㎡  garden among indigenous milkwoods, this Bakoven beauty offers the best of both worlds – walking distance to the famous Camps Bay beach and restaurants, but far enough away to lap up the peace and tranquillity of the salty seaside.

SITTING PRETTY IN QUIET COVER OF BAKOVEN
This family-run guesthouse in Bakoven is a stone’s throw from the water’s edge and occupies a prime position on Cape Town’s breathtaking Atlantic coast. So yes, ocean and mountain views are all part of this pretty package, but that’s only half of the luxury on offer. With park-like gardens set in and around large koi ponds and indigenous trees, the luxury accommodation and in-house spa only add to this relaxing, beachside experience. 

The 30 individually-decorated rooms are all flooded with natural light, and feature art from local artists, most notably the large-scale wildlife paintings of Ian Van Zyl. Distinctly South African textures are elegantly combined with earthy colours, luxurious comforts and contemporary finishes in all en-suite rooms. 

SPA-LIKE BATHROOMS AND PRIVATE JACUZZIS
Whether you’re in the Mother City for a family getaway or romantic escape, there are plenty of options – from the spacious classic, superior rooms, and private suites to the Panorama Apartments, which include a spa-like bathroom, fully-equipped kitchen and a large private balcony with a four-seater jacuzzi. 

No matter which space you choose, you can expect to find all the modern amenities, such as aircon, free wifi, flat-screen TVs with DSTV, a minibar and a daily turndown service.  

UNDER THE MILKWOOD TREES
The expansive property overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, while the majestic Twelve Apostles mountain range stretches out behind it. A collection of indigenous milkwood trees that have long past their centenary provide shade to the beautiful indigenous gardens. The largest of these beautifully gnarled trees are surrounded by a wooden deck, complete with loungers, table and chairs. 

A MOUNTAIN STREAM AND KOI FISH
Guests can enjoy their breakfast here or in the breakfast room, on the terrace next to the solar-heated pool. Every morning a large selection of fruit and berries are served, along with a choice of hot breakfasts, freshly prepared by the onsite chef. Light lunches are also on offer, giving you another reason to laze by the pool on those days when you need a break from all that busy sightseeing. 

Adding to this tranquillity is a stream that runs down from the mountain through the property, with several fish ponds that are home to a colourful cluster of koi (and maybe a frog or two). With the faint roar of the ocean mingling in with the chirps of the cicadas in the trees, it’s easy to forget how close you are to central Camps Bay (1.5km) and the city centre (15-minute drive).

BUZZING NIGHTLIFE CLOSE BY
The hotel does not serve evening meals, but there are plenty of trendy cafes, bars and restaurants that line the promenade opposite Camps Bay Beach, which is a short walk (or even shorter drive) away. Go for tapas and cocktails at The 41, seafood or sushi at the Codfather or a juicy steak at The Hussar Grill. Many places have DJs or live music performances a few nights a week.    

WIND DOWN WITH A SPA TREATMENT
For the weary traveller, or a couple’s timeout, the in-house spa offers a range of packages, from hot stone massages and body wraps to a two-hour jet lag treatment that will help you recover from that long trip with an invigorating massage and luxury facial. The customised spa experiences are all exclusively available to Ocean View House guests.

This type of luxury, which has had guests claim it as their “little piece of heaven”, has come with years of dedication. It’s 25 years to be exact since the founder built Ocean View House. His daughter Katrin Ludik and her husband Lambert continue the family tradition, making sure that it stays modern while maintaining its noble status. 

By Daryn Wood

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