How to Spot Southern Right Whales
Experience the thrill of spotting southern right whales along the Overberg coastline in South Africa.
With the gentle white noise of the waves crashing against the rocks all of 50 meters away and the occasional yelping of seabirds as background music, the luxury, self-catering villa of Whale Huys makes for a restorative and rejuvenating getaway. But while most people tend to think of coastal retreats as fair weather destinations, Whale Huys is as special in winter as it is in summer.
Here’s why!
When the weather outside is frightful, it’s gorgeous inside
No matter what’s going on outside, inside, Whale Huys it is beautiful…so beautiful, in fact, that it affects you. As you walk in, all eyes are drawn to the panoramic ocean view that occupies the entire northwest-facing side of the villa. The décor theme leans towards country chic, employing natural woods, earthy tones, and plenty of organic textures, and the overall effect is a feeling of integration with nature. The focus inside Whale Huys is on comfort and robust, generously proportioned furniture (without being inelegant) and not flashy, distracting, uber-modern furnishings. Who cares for those anyway when you have the entirety of Walker Bay and the majestic sweeping arm of the Cape peninsula to stare at?
Watch the Cape of Storms in action
Speaking of ocean views, Whale Huys’ prime positioning on the cliffs of De Kelders puts you front-and-centre to all the action when one of the Cape’s infamous bouts of bad weather smashes into the coastline. Don’t worry, though: you’re perfectly safe here! Sprawl out on one of Whalehuy’s comfortable couches or even on your bed and watch as rain pelts the peninsula and the ocean waves thunder against the coast. It’s high drama on the open seas and an awe-inspiring show to enjoy while warm, dry, and oh-so-comfortable.
Red wine, fireside
When night descends, crack open a bottle of red wine and light a fire, and enjoy the warmth of both. The open plan lounge area, with its enormous tan leather sofa and fireplace with plenty of wood, is the perfect destination for a lazy evening in. And if you get tired of “bosveldt TV” i.e. watching the fire, you can always watch DSTV or a movie.
A kitchen worthy of a Masterchef
Whale Huys has a fully kitted-out open plan kitchen with a stove-topped island looking out over a combined lounge and dining room. The appliance brands are high-end, like the four-plate induction SMEG stove, and the cupboards are packed with just about every utensil, tool, and vestibule you could require to whip up a Masterchef worthy meal for your friends and family. You know what this means? Home-cooked meals on those cold, wintery evenings when no one really wants to venture outside. And the gorgeous solid wood 8-seater dining room table is the best place to enjoy a social meal!
Beds you’ll struggle to escape from
It’s not just the comfortable white sheets and electric blankets that will thwart your attempts to rise on a cold winter’s morning; it’s the views! Every bedroom in Whale Huys has magnificent sea-facing views of the Cape Peninsula and Walker Bay. And with all that drama of a wintry day in the Cape happening safely outside, what could be better than cozying up in bed with a good book and cup of coffee?
The most convenient whale watching
At Whale Huys, all you need to do to whale watch is literally look out the window – any window. Every room in the house boasts spectacular views over Walker Bay, which is where Southern right whales come to breed every June to November. For a close-up appreciation of these bus-sized marine mammals, get comfortable on Whale Huys’ divine ocean-facing chaise lounge or set-up a telescope vigil in the little conservatory, the perfect spot for morning coffee and whale watching.
Friendly and family-friendly getaway
Being a four-bedroom villa with four-and-a-half bathrooms, Whale Huys is a luxury getaway experience made for sharing with friends and family. And while there is plenty to do in the area (nature appreciation, hiking trails, wine tasting, eating out, retail therapy, shark cage diving, and more) the winter’s colder weather comes as almost a blessing: compelling you to steep yourself in love and the luxury of this beautiful cliff-side villa.
For bookings and enquiries, please contact Whale Huys today!
