Crayfish Lodge
Hotel
Driving down the coastal road between Cape Town and the Garden Route, several gracious seaside towns line the way. One of these charming places is De Kelders, located at about half an hour from Hermanus, close to Gaansbai.
Walker Bay and De Kelters share a world-wide reputation for their superb chances of watching whales from the shore. From June through to November, watch the gentle giants from the comfort of your terrace or on a stroll along the picturesque coastal walking trail.
The overhanging, read more » rocky cliffs offer a natural vantage point and are just perfect for spotting the big mammals. On this stretch of the coast, the whales come so close to the shore that every lump on their peculiar heads is discernible and you might even be showered by the spout.
In this wonderful area, residing above a small, sand-beach bay, the luxurious Crayfish Lodge is located. The small boutique hotel is run by a friendly couple from Munich, Rainhard and Sandra. The Crayfish Lodge is their lifelong dream realised – fact that is apparent in every detail throughout the entire complex.
A design based on a successful mix of a luxurious ambience and unconditional cosiness, the interior is complemented by careful details with no artificial excessiveness spoiling the atmosphere. The Crayfish Lodge is an architectural masterpiece: light floods the rooms which radiate an airy style.
Next to the stylish ambience, the Crayfish Lodge infused by the welcoming and relaxed mood the owners Rainhard and Sandra spread. Their guest’s contentment is their ambition.
The Crayfish’s facilities include a generous lounge, a spacious veranda with a view of the ocean and a pool-terrace, perfect for enjoying a dip and a sunbath. In the winter months, the pool is heated so you can go for a swim all year round.
The mild summer nights are dedicated to barbeque parties on the terrace, the enticing smell of the sizzling meat wafting through the air. Usually the lodge does not offer lunch or dinner but exception are made on the guests’ request. In the vicinity of the hotel a large range of excellent restaurants offer their mouth-watering delicacies.
It will be a pleasure for Sandra and Rainhard to make a reservation for you and organise the transfer. The Crayfish’s bar is a highlight: in addition to a first-rate selection of wines, the bar offers draught beer, a rare case in South Africa.
Incidentally, the Crayfish Lodge was awarded four stars by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA), nevertheless the room facilities exceed the comfort of many five star hotels –the Crayfish Lodge is a true insider’s tip. Come and experience the Crayfish with Intosol … you will not be disappointed!
Living
The Crayfish Lodge offers its distinguished guests two Luxury Suites and three Superior Rooms, all with a stunning view of the ocean and a private terrace. The room’s facilities are highly luxurious
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and leave nothing to be desired.
The three Superior Rooms are located on the Lodge’s lower level, granting a direct access to the pool and sundeck or the beach via the private terrace. Of course, the view is spectacular nonetheless. The room’s facilities include a TV and an under floor heating system. The bathroom features a bathtub and / or a large shower.
Enquire about the room closest to the Crayfish Lodge’s pool if you fancy an early morning swim to start the day revitalised.
The Luxury Suites are accommodated on the hotel’s upper lever, the private terrace commanding a breathtaking view of the bay. The bathrooms are a work of art and deeply impressed the Intosol team on an inspection in September 2006. The elegant timber plank floor adds to the bathroom’s luxurious atmosphere.
Set into this enticing bathroom temple is a Jacuzzi and a spa shower. A double wash basin, bidet and a hair dryer complete the facilities. What a pleasure to soak in the Jacuzzi and dry oneself off with a heated, soft towel!
Your private terrace is the perfect retreat for a quite moment spent contemplating the Walker Bay and the endless Atlantic framed by mountains. It is the perfect spot to catch a glimpse of whales and dolphins playing in the bay or just to admire an African sunset.
Your entertainment is provided by a large TV with a DVD and satellite connection. The safe will guard your valuables. Breakfast is usually enjoyed in the company of the other guests at the large table in the hotel’s main room.
Great store is set by offering local produce and a large selection of delicacies is arranged beautifully on a buffet. Fresh fruit is always available.
On your advance request, it is also possible to lunch or dine at the Crayfish Lodge. It will be a pleasure for Intosol and the owners to arrange a private chef to tantalize your taste buds with personalised creations.
Activities
The Crayfish Lodge’s prime location directly above the sea makes it the ideal spot to watch whales. Walker Bay and De Kelders enjoy a reputation as one of the world’s best places to observe the enormous
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mammals from the coast.
From June through to November, watch the gentle giants from the comfort of your terrace or on a stroll along the picturesque coastal walking trail.
The overhanging, rocky cliffs offer a natural vantage point and are just perfect for spotting the big mammals. On this stretch of the coast, the whales come so close to the shore that every lump on their peculiar heads is discernible and you might even be showered by the spout.
What would a holiday at Walker Bay be without an encounter with the Great White Shark? A cruise to spot the legendary fish of prey is a must-do! The cruise will also afford you with sightings of the Great White’s favourite in-between snacks: penguins, seals, cormorants, and the always present seagulls may all be observed.
The cruises most commonly take you out to Dyer Island. The rocky outcrop is an ornithological nature reserve. Many species of seabirds have chosen the rock as a sanctuary from predators, among them a colony of more than 7000 Jackass Penguins.
The next island, Geyser Rock, is in turn inhabited by a permanent colony of thirty to forty thousand Cape Fur Seals and sea lions. The narrow channel between the two rocky snack dispensers is universally known as the White Shark Alley – one of the world’s premium locations to observe the Great White and meet it fact to face on a cage dive.
The local skippers offer a shark tour for every taste. Those who have more confidence in sturdy ship than thin steel bars can watch the Great White, which the crew will attract, from the safety of the deck. The other extreme of course, is an adrenaline pumping cage dive. Reckless divers can look the sharks in the eye!
Before making a booking, talk to our team to avoid disappointments. Some of our venturous team have personally tested a variety of cage dive companies and will gladly lend you their advice.
It is highly recommendable to participate in a half or full day excursion to explore the region focusing on the amazing Fynbos vegetation. Experience nature like you never have, for example, at the Grootbos Nature Reserve. The Walker Bay Fynbos is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom.
Proclaimed a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site on June, the 1st 2004, the Cape Floral Kingdom is the world’s smallest but nevertheless most diverse site of its type featuring an unparalleled abundance of species. It is home to no less than 6000 native plants, 15 species of mammals, 43 reptiles and 23 amphibians.
The most rewarding way to discover this natural paradise is mountain trekking. Exciting excursions ranging from easy strolls to strenuous hikes cater for every taste and physical condition.
Those who take pleasure in whacking a golf ball across beautifully designed greens will be thrilled to discover that two courses of international reputation (the Arabella Estate and Hermanus Golf Course) are located within a ten minutes drive.
Last but not least, the exciting option to explore the stunning region on horse back has to be mentioned. The Crayfish Lodge on the Garden Route, a combination promising a holiday rich in relaxing indulgence and diversion alike.
