Freephone an expert 01306 744 656

Send Enquiry
Opening Times
Monday
10am - 6pm
Tuesday
10am - 6pm
Wednesday
10am - 6pm
Thursday
10am - 6pm
Friday
10am - 6pm
Saturday
10am - 2pm
Sunday
Closed

Call 01306 744 656 or

For other destinations and types of holiday, visit Kuoni
For other destinations and types of holiday, visit Kuoni 

Things to do in South Africa

Stay in the world’s whale-watching capital at Abalone Guest Lodge

You can even spot whales from your balcony and hear them splashing and snorting water at night when you’re lying in bed…

By Dijana Smal
Manager of Abalone Guest Lodge

Enjoy ocean views and whale sightings at Abalone Guest Lodge, which has a prime clifftop location in Hermanus, the world’s whale watching capital. Originally a family home, the four-star lodge is set between the town centre and blue flag beaches of Hermanus. Our garden has a gate that opens onto the Scenic Cliff Path which leads to Siever’s Point, a top whale watching and engagement spot. You can even see whales from the balcony of your room and hear them splashing and snorting water at night when you’re lying in bed.

Abalone is a historic property that almost completely burned down in a fire in 1965. When the current owner rebuilt and revamped it, they realised it had the potential to be a beautiful guest house. The original owner – whose relatives are regular visitors – lost a lot of art in the fire so I’m glad that we now showcase work from local artists in the lodge, including a Dylan Lewis garden sculpture. Then, of course, you have the sweeping ocean and mountain views outside; our patio is the perfect place to enjoy our breakfast buffet.

All of our en-suite rooms have balconies, seven of them face the sea and two overlook the garden and mountains. The décor has a natural beach feel with light woods, floor-to-ceiling windows, artwork and hand-picked furniture. Our most luxurious rooms feature standalone tubs that, thanks to the glass room dividers, look out to the ocean. There’s also a pool and wellness centre with a personal trainer, gym, sauna and a therapist who can offer in-room treatments with the doors open and an ocean breeze.

Abalone really sells itself. When guests walk through our gates they look out over our gardens, decorated with colourful fynbos and birds, and out to the ocean.  The views are really the highlight. Guests love the homely environment, we greet them by name and they leave as friends. Many visitors return or extend their stay because they love it so much; besides whale watching there’s plenty to do including shark-cage diving, vineyard tours and visiting the Ferncliff Nature Reserve.

Categories

  • History
  • Places to stay
  • Scenery
  • Unwind
  • Wildlife

Available in these itineraries…

Alfred & Dijana Smal

A life-long Overberg resident, Dijana Smal loves to share her beautiful home region with travellers. She studied international travel and tourism in Cape Town before working in a variety of guest houses in the region. Dijana joined Shell Lodges 12 years ago and now manages five of their properties, including Abalone Guest House.
Dijana Smal, Manager of Abalone Guest Lodge

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Laura, who's travelled extensively in South Africa. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - ex banker who can show you the hottest foodie spots in Cape Town, the award-winning young sommelier who can introduce you to Stellenbosch's finest wines and the walking safari ranger who can guide you to the best game.

Freephone an expert 01306 744 656

Subscribe to Newsletter

Let us inspire you with holiday ideas, exclusive event invites and travel offers from our network of contacts around the world.