❤️ In a previous feature, we showcased some of the most stunning beachside holiday homes, perfectly capturing the essence of coastal living. Now, we invite you on a journey to South Africa’s holiday havens that are quite literally “On The Rocks.”
🐳 Perched atop rugged cliffs and rocky outcrops, these extraordinary South African hotels and holiday homes offer breathtaking vistas and a unique fusion of nature’s raw beauty with architectural brilliance.
🏖️ Picture waking up to the symphony of waves crashing on the rocks below, the invigorating salty breeze, and panoramic views stretching endlessly. These homes are not merely places to stay—they are immersive experiences.
🌄 Nestled in some of the most picturesque and dramatic landscapes, each destination promises an unparalleled connection to the natural surroundings.
⭐ Whether it’s contemporary designs that harmonize with the rocky terrain or rustic abodes exuding charm and character, these holiday homes epitomize luxury and exclusivity. Their dramatic cliffside positioning only amplifies their allure, making them ideal retreats for those seeking both adventure and tranquility.
🦅 Our curated selection of “On The Rocks” holidays showcases some of the finest South Africa has to offer, ensuring your next getaway is nothing short of extraordinary.
🐬 Prepare to be inspired by these stunning retreats that combine spectacular views, unique locations, and exceptional comfort. Join us as we explore these incredible properties that redefine the concept of holiday living.
Holiday homes and venues on the rocks
Nestled in some of the most picturesque and dramatic landscapes, each “on the rocks” venue promises an unparalleled connection with the natural surroundings.
On the Rocks in WESTERN CAPE
Whale Huys Luxury Oceanfront Eco Villa in De Kelders
Where two oceans meet and about as close to paradise as you can get. Perched on the oceans edge, Whale Huys has beautiful unobstructed sea views from all living areas, dining areas and bedrooms.
Fall asleep and wake to the sound of the waves gently lapping at the rocks below. Each bedroom opens out onto its own sea front balcony.
The uninterrupted panoramic views of Walker Bay and the surrounding mountain range extend up to Hangklip and even the Cape of Good Hope on a clear day.
Villa On The Rocks in Llandudno
The most beautiful beach villa in Cape Town – Llandudno beach being one of Cape Town’s most beautiful beaches. Situated on Llandudno beach with the ocean breaking below this magnificent 5 bedroom double storey villa in Llandudno, Cape Town.
The Villa has the perfect position and elevation surpassing any place in Cape Town. 5 minute walk along a coastal foot path to the beach.
The Villa sleeps 10 guests in 4 bedrooms with 4 bathrooms, On The Rocks!
Villa Vista in Bettys Bay
Step into the sweet serenity of this classic two storey beach villa for an unforgettable beachside stay. Villa Vista Holiday Home in Bettys Bay has an open plan design and neutral tones throughout the property allowing you to ease into relaxation mode.
The villa sleeps 8 guests in 4 bedrooms with 4 bathrooms.
Leading out from the living area, through glass sliding doors is a gorgeous wrap-around-deck with the most breathtaking ocean views from every direction, On The Rocks!.
Blueberry Villa in St Helena Bay
Built high on the mountainside and offering spectacular views, guests can soak in the scenery from the large and spacious balcony, complete with an outdoor dining table and braai facilities.
The house is bathed in natural light, with large windows and fold-up glass doors showcasing the magnificent Atlantic Ocean.
The villa sleeps 6 guests in 3 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms.
The Orchard Cottage in Prince Alfred Hamlet
The Orchard Cottage at Glendonald offers guests the ideal weekend getaway in the most beautiful valley in the Western Cape, set in amongst the orchards and only 5 minutes from the Olifants River. The house sleeps 8 guests in 4 bedrooms with 4 bathrooms.
The living area has sliding doors opening to a large patio, which has a covered section with outdoor dining furniture, outdoor seating and a built-in braai.
There is also a dipping pool in the stream next to the cottage. Outside there is a KolKol wood fired hot tub.
Whalesong Lodge in De Kelders
Whalesong Lodge, a small intimate boutique lodge perched on top of the rugged De Kelders Cliffs overlooking the picturesque Walker Bay with the coastline stretching from the white sand dunes of “Die Plaat” past Hermanus all the way to Cape Point.
The small boutique hotel sleeps 10 guests in 5 en-suite suites.
Breakfast is lovingly prepared and served in an informal surrounding and with a stunning view over Walker Bay.
Asteroidea in Paternoster
Located in Paternoster, Asteroidea is an unusually positioned beach house in that it is built on or around a big rock or boulder. Boasting direct beach access, the house sleeps six guests in three bedrooms.
There are outside braai facilities and an inside fireplace.
The house has beautiful views from the living area, kitchen and patio.
Villa The Cherry in Gansbaai
Villa the Cherry is a luxury, 5-Star seafront retreat in a unique location and an architectural delight that is featured in many international magazines. It is located right on the cliff with unspoilt views over the ocean and adjacent to Walker Bay Nature Reserve.
The villa sleeps 6 guests in 3 ensuite bedrooms. Villa the Cherry offers a unique whale view during your stay in the whale season between September and November.
Atlantic 62 in Yzerfontein
With breath-taking views over the Atlantic, Dassen Island and Table Mountain in the distance, Atlantic 62 is a modern, beautifully styled villa for eight, which lies on a cliff-top within Yzerfontein’s safe nature conservation area.
It is the perfect getaway destination for families or a group of friends looking forward to an extension of their social lives and well-deserved breakaway.
The penthouse sleeps 8 guests in 4 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms.
Blue View on Silverstrand in Betty’s Bay
Blueview on Silversand is a luxury holiday home on a seafront location in the quaint town of Betty’s Bay.
Situated a stone’s throw away from the ocean, the beach sand glitters in silver, providing a picture-perfect backdrop visible from almost every corner of the house.
A step out of the front door and walk across the front garden takes you to coastal rock pools and further onto the beautiful swimming beach of Silversands.
On the rocks in the GARDEN ROUTE
On The Rocks in Eersterivier
On the Rocks at Eersterivier is a comfortable house with wonderful views, nestled in the heart of the Tsitsikamma region. Covering a total area of 380 sqm, this self-catering property offers a blend of natural beauty and comfort, perfect for leisure and relaxation.
The open-plan living area seamlessly merges with the outdoor terrace, providing breath-taking views of the ocean and the nearby beach.
The house sleeps 10 guest in 5 bedrooms with 5 bathrooms.
Brenton On The Rocks Guesthouse
Brenton on the Rocks offers accommodation in a magnificent location on the cliffs of Brenton-on-Sea and boasts 180 degree views of the Indian Ocean.
The Guest House offers luxurious holiday accommodation where each room or suite is equipped with its own small kitchenette, balcony, DStv and Wi-Fi.
Cliff House 26 in Knysna
Situated above the world famous Knysna Heads, on the Eastern Headland, Cliff House is a graceful home offering accommodation in Knysna with unsurpassed views of the rolling blue Indian Ocean.
The house sleeps 8 adults and 4 kids in 4 bedrooms with 4 bathrooms.
The patio has a swimming pool, braai facilities, pizza oven boule court and a Jacuzzi. The patio overlooks the Indian Ocean and the Heads.
Storms River Mouth Rest Camp
The Garden Route National Park stretches some 5km to sea, protecting a wonderland of inter-tidal life, reef and deep-sea fish.
This is the place to experience dolphins frolicking in the surf and to watch the southern right whales coming close to shore to breed.
The Rest Camp offers a variety of options. The cottages, cabins and chalets each have their own kitchen where as the forest huts share communal facilities. Please note this is rustic accommodation – nothing fancy here!
Fynbos Ridge Golf Estate in Eersterivier
Perched against the backdrop of the majestic Tsitsikamma mountains, the estate keeps a watchful eye over spectacular rocky inlets, breathtaking coves and sea-side cliffs.
Join us at the restaurant for breakfast, lunch, a sundowner with friends.
Fynbos Ridge is located alongside the Fynbos Golf Estate. The accommodation is situated on a cliff top overlooking the ocean…
The Fernery Lodge & Chalets in Storms River
Imagine sitting above a 30-metre waterfall, with breathtaking views of a river gorge and the wild Indian Ocean.
This is the setting of The Fernery Lodge & Chalets.
It is hard to decide whether to admire the incredible surroundings from the Lodge’s deck area with the swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and gym, or to enjoy it from any one of the six deluxe suites.
Whaleshaven 14 in Keurboomstrand
Whaleshaven 14 is a self catering villa found on Keurbooms beach offering spectacular views. From here you can walk the green belt over the dune and straight onto the beach.
From the villa, you walk through the fynbos over the dune and directly on the beach. Keurbooms beach is ideal for long walks, relaxing, and enjoying the dolphins and whales occasionally seen.
Simply furnished and with older finishes, the view and location are the highlights of this villa.
On the rocks in the EASTERN CAPE
Prana Beach House in Chintsa
Prana Beach House is a refined retreat for those seeking relaxation and celebration. Ideal for family getaways or intimate gatherings, the Beach House offers accommodation in Cintsa that boasts breathtaking ocean views and a haven for memorable moments.
The house is a simple 5 minute walk from the beach. It sleeps eight adults and four children.
Completing the experience, a private pool, and expansive outdoor decks with panoramic views offer the perfect atmosphere for special times and memories.
Morgan Bay Hotel in Morgans Bay
Established in 1946, this newly renovated, third-generation, family-run hotel is situated between majestic cliffs and a mile-long stretch of unspoilt beach.
Known affectionately to many as ‘Morgs’, the Morgan Bay Hotel is a favourite family holiday destination and a choice venue for many weddings and conferences.
The Edge Mountain Retreat in Hogsback
From the edge of the cliff, which runs along the side of the property, there are spectacular views of surrounding mountains and a deep gorge with beautiful, unspoilt indigenous forest and fascinating swirling mists and cloud formations.
The Edge has a range of comfortable self-catering cottages (some perched on the edge of the cliff) and bed-and-breakfast rooms, and a restaurant on site.
Choose “Heaven’s above” or “Over The Edge” for that on-the-rocks, up-in-the-clouds vibe.
Tenahead Mountain Lodge in Rhodes
Tenahead Mountain Lodge is situated very remotely, near the little town of Rhodes in the Eastern Cape. Nestled along the border of Lesotho, this 5-star country house is situated 2500m above sea level, earning it the title of “Highest Mountain Lodge in South Africa”.
The 7 en-suite bedrooms provide the ultimate in comfort.
A cosy fireplace will keep you warm, while the view from the large bedroom window will leave you feeling like you are one with the mountains. You’ll even be spoilt to these views from the bathroom.
On the rocks in KWAZULU-NATAL
Blue Marlin Hotel in Scottsburgh
Situated up on a hill in the lovely town of Scottburgh, with stunning views of the Indian Ocean, The Blue Marlin Hotel has become a favourite family holiday destination for both local, national and international travellers.
Rooms can include a Continental or full English breakfast, lunch and dinner in our Lighthouse restaurant.
We also provide room service for your convenience.
Madwaleni River Lodge near Dundee
Madwaleni River Lodge is located on the Babanango Game Reserve offering an ultra-luxury lodge situated in the heart of Zululand, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
The lodge is nestled into the banks of the iconic White Umfolozi River offering guests spectacular views of the rolling valleys and wilderness area.
The Gorge Private Game Lodge & Spa in Oribi Gorge
Referred to as the “photographer’s and nature lover’s paradise”, it has been carefully positioned to afford guests access to 5000ha of Oribi Flats prime land in the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, one of the most spectacular natural wonders of our diverse country.
The opulent, eco-friendly design of the spacious villas boasts double volume glass, offering guests panoramic views of the magnificent Oribi Gorge canyon.
⚠️ Availability alert: Please book early to secure a spot if you want to experience any of these On The Rocks Properties! These venues, hotels and homes are very popular and are usually booked up well in advance, especially for the peak holiday seasons.
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