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Susanne and her husband Jürgen Schneider welcome you to share in their passion for the Cape Floral Kingdom, and its coastal paradise.
The couple has worked together in restaurants and hotels around the world for over 40 years where Jürgen gained notoriety as a Michelin chef.
Whale & Gin Spotter has been carefully placed with great care taken not to negatively impact the surroundings. Understated finishes and clean functional interior design combine to create a tranquil feel that feels part of nature. Being able to watch whales from the comfort of your bed and enjoy early morning coffee out on the deck with no traffic nearby, is a luxury in itself and one you will hold dear for life.
Apart from being hosts at Whale & Gin Spotter, Susanne and Jürgen are the proprietors of welcome Schneider's Cape Floral Kitchen just outside Gansbaai. The restaurant boasts showstopping views of Walker Bay from its perch on a fynbos-covered mountain. Chef Jürgen puts forth an eclectic mix of dishes to suit different palates and courses focus on seasonal ingredients, many of which are foraged from the surrounding area.
Susanne and Jürgen’s passion for hospitality beats like a strong heartbeat and even on days they aren’t at the restaurant, you will find them entertaining guests at their home in De Kelders.
Whale & Gin Spotter consists of five units, one of which is self-catering.
Beach House is a one-bedroom unit with a private deck overlooking the ocean. The unit can be booked on its own, or with the Beach House Double Room which has an interleading door.
There is a fully-equipped open-plan kitchenette, dining area and lounge with a sleeper couch and an indoor fireplace.
The bedroom has a King-size bed and the bathroom has a shower, basin and toilet.
Amenities:
(sleeps two)
The Beach House Double Room has a deck overlooking the ocean. The unit can be booked on its own, or with the Beach House which has an interleading door.
There is a Queen-size sleigh bed and a bathroom with a shower, basin and toilet.
(sleep two)
The three Fynbos Double Rooms have decks overlooking the ocean.
Each room has a Queen-size bed and a bathroom with a shower, basin and toilet.
The rates at Whale & Gin Spotter are as follows:
In-Season (31 October 2022 - 1 April 2023)
Beach House
Beach House Double
Fynbos 1,2 and 3
Explore, experience and enjoy the surrounding area when you stay at Whale & Gin Spotter.
There is an abundance of restaurants nearby to suit all tastes, and you can look forward to dining on fresh seafood and traditional South African fare. With this in mind, your hosts are proud to invite you to Schneider's Cape Floral Kitchen, just a short distance from Whale & Gin Spotter. Presented by Michelin chef Jürgen Schneider and his wife Suzanne, get ready for tastes of the African Cape enhanced with foraged ingredients indigenous to this unique part of the world. Find a full list of places to eat here.
The rugged coastline offers a combination of sheltered coves, hidden cliff pools, long stretches of sandy beaches and a lagoon resort. Whether you want to relax on a beach with a good book or do a bit of surfing, this stretch of the Atlantic has something for everyone. Take a look at beaches and tidal pools, here.
There are enough beach and fynbos hiking trails that lead to beaches and ancient Khoisan caves waiting to be discovered along the cliff paths to keep you busy if you enjoy walking and exploring. Find some great hiking opportunities, here.
The Atlantic Ocean and Walker Bay are home to whales and their calves each year from June until December. Whale & Gin Spotter provides outstanding land-based whale-watching opportunities and boat-based trips are available nearby. Book your guided whale-watching trip, here.
The chance to see the great white shark up close is coupled with an ocean safari to see the other members of the Marine Big 5 which include whales, dolphins, seals, penguins as well as various seabirds that are found in the area. Book your ocean adventure, here.
There is a beautiful 9-hole golf course, nestled between blankets of indigenous fynbos and the ocean. The course has a links-style layout, promising stunning sea views from most of the fairways. Prepare to tee off, here.
The Overberg is known globally for its award-winning wines and you are spoiled for choice when it comes to boutique wine estates, craft brewing companies and gin distilleries. Find tasting venues, here.
There are taxis and shuttles with experienced drivers that will cart you around Gansbaai and beyond so that you can sit back and enjoy your holiday to the fullest. Find a ride, here.
Whale & Gin Spotter is proud to be associated with Schneider's Cape Floral Kitchen, just outside Gansbaai.
Your hosts, Michelin chef Jürgen Schneider and his wife Suzanne, welcome you to a Cape African dining experience. Boasting showstopping views of Walker Bay from its perch on a fynbos-covered mountain the restaurant serves an eclectic mix of flavours to suit different palates and courses focus on seasonal ingredients, many of which are foraged from the surrounding area. Be prepared to be introduced to the unique flavours of dune spinach, wild sage, buchu and seaweed coupled with traditional favourites.
Schneider's Cape Floral Kitchen has seating arrangements for 26 inside and 12 outside on the veranda, is fully licensed with a fabulous wine list focused on the area's top varieties, and is available for private functions. Read more, here.
“We stayed at the Whale & Gin Spotter during whale season and we were not disappointed. The property is beautifully designed with great attention to detail and you have a direct view of Walker Bay where the whales cavort from the accommodation. The communication before our arrival went smoothly. Susanne booked us a whale-watching trip and gave us a free accommodation upgrade. The breakfast was excellent. We lacked for nothing. Of course, there was also free gin so the name says it all.” Eric Flach
“Whale & Gin Spotter offers lovely accommodation with breathtaking views and great hosts!” Gabi Scherer
“Everything about staying at Whale & Gin Spotter was outstanding, and beyond our expectations. The location overlooking the ocean is unbeatable and the little eco-house we stayed in is incredibly beautiful and clean. It was also very warm and cosy (it was winter in South Africa when we visited). Susanne, our host, was extremely nice and provided us with the most amazing breakfast we could have imagined. And not only that, but while we were having a relaxing breakfast on the porch, a whale came to visit us right in front of the house! We just wish we had had more time to enjoy the place but we will be back for a longer stay as soon as we can. Highly recommended!” Allen & Paola.
