The Ultimate Secret Holiday Spot in South Africa

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There are places that appear on the list of every traveler thinking of visiting South Africa. Cape Town’s Table Mountain, the Kruger’s wild landscapes, the Cape Winelands’ rolling vineyards, and the Garden Route’s adventurous coastal towns.

And then there’s Arniston.

Without trying to sound overly clichéd, this quiet, unspoiled gem is very much a well-kept secret. I’m ashamed to say I only visited very recently, having been born and bred nearby my entire life.

Tucked along the coast of the Western Cape, just two and a half hours from Cape Town, this fishing village is the kind of place that whispers rather than shouts.

Where Time Slows Down

Driving into Arniston, you quickly realize this isn’t a town built for crowds. There are no high-rise resorts or bustling tourist hubs. There’s not even a high street adorned with knick-knack-filled stores or trendy eateries.

It’s just white-washed fishermen’s cottages, quiet residential roads, and the sound of the ocean.

Arriving here feels like stepping into a simpler time, where the biggest decision you’ll make all day is what time to head down to the beach to make the most of the tides.

This kind of stillness is a rare find. While much of South Africa’s coastline has been developed for tourism, Arniston has remained authentic and untouched.

A Coastline of Hidden Wonders

That’s not to say there’s nothing to discover here. The coastline isn’t just about sandy beaches. There are rugged cliffs, secret caves, and rock pools that get revealed as the ocean ebbs and flows.

The most famous of these natural wonders is Waenhuiskrans Cave, a vast sea cavern hidden beneath the cliffs.

Accessible only at low tide, it requires a scramble over rocky terrain, but the reward is a unique seaside spot with a wide mouth framing the turquoise ocean beyond. The journey to reach it is half the adventure.

Near the cave, the beaches of Arniston stretch, offering everything from quiet tidal pools for swimming to windswept dunes perfect for running up and down.

Unlike South Africa’s busier coastal destinations, you’ll often find yourself completely alone on these shores, with only the whisper of the waves and the occasional seagull for company.

History also comes alive in Kassiesbaai, a National Heritage Site that stands as one of South Africa’s best-preserved fishing villages. Walking or biking (the Arniston Spa Hotel offers free bicycles for guests) through Kassiesbaai feels like stepping into another era.

Chalk-white cottages, fishermen mending their nets, and a community that has existed for generations. Unlike many heritage sites that feel curated for tourists, Kassiesbaai is lived-in and real, making it an essential part of any visit to Arniston.

Stop to indulge in a takeaway fish and chips, an ice lolly, a seaside plate of calamari and chips, or browse the handmade items in the local craft shop and simply enjoy a place lost in time.

Where Authenticity Meets Luxury

For those lucky enough to stumble upon Arniston, there’s only one place to stay – the Arniston Spa Hotel. Perched right on the shoreline, this luxurious yet unpretentious retreat is the perfect complement to the area’s quiet beauty.

Waking up here means gazing out at endless ocean views, with large windows and balconies that invite the sea breeze in. A protected pool area also offers a respite from the afternoon coastal winds and the baking South African sun.

The hotel’s Ginkgo Spa offers a place to relax with coastal-inspired therapies while a pop-up Kids Club in the hotel’s conference room keeps little ones entertained with a number of curated activities during school holidays.

However, it’s the dining experiences at Arniston Spa Hotel that will make you never want to leave.

Whether it’s a plate of perfectly grilled line fish or a steaming bowl of Thai-style curry, every meal is complemented by the views outside floor-to-ceiling glass windows in the Dining Room.

Next door, on the terrace of the Bistro Restaurant, more casual cuisine, such as pizzas and burgers, complement cocktails for lunch.

While the included breakfast may just be South Africa’s best-kept secret in itself, brimming with everything from cold cuts to cheeses, local fruits, scones, pancakes, freshly-made eggs, and even complimentary bubbly to kickstart your day.

As part of Cape Country Routes‘ selection of owner-run hotels, Arniston Spa Hotel also upholds a commitment to authentic hospitality with a strong connection to culture and nature.

It’s all about blending luxury and local charm and being true to the spirit of South Africa’s most unique and scenic road trip destinations.

Why Arniston Remains a Secret Worth Keeping

In a world where so few places remain untouched, Arniston is a rare gift. A destination that hasn’t been overtaken by commercialism or crowds.

Days here start with lazy breakfasts overlooking the ocean, followed by long beach walks, spontaneous swims, and afternoon naps poolside. Evenings are about wine at sunset, the sound of laughter over dinner, and early nights in.

There’s no rush here, no long lines or overbooked excursions. Just the opportunity to wander, breathe, and be present. It’s a place that still belongs to the sea, the fishermen, the history woven into its sands.

But the beauty of Arniston isn’t just in its landscapes or its history, it’s in the feeling you carry with you when you leave. A sense of stillness, wonder, and the quiet realization that you’ve found something truly special.

So, if you’re looking for a place that feels like your own private slice of the South African coast, a place where nature and luxury intertwine effortlessly, then Arniston, and the Arniston Spa Hotel, is waiting for you.

Just don’t tell too many people. Some secrets are worth keeping.

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Janine Avery was born and bred in Cape Town, South Africa, and says there is nowhere she would rather call home. She is a lover of all things nature and loves to explore new places, enjoying any form of travel from basic tenting to lazing in luxury lodges. She also loves to dabble in digital marketing, spreading messages on social media, and taking audiences on a journey through her travel stories.

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