Chapman’s Peak Drive offers some of South Africa’s most spellbinding views. One sublime spot is the lookout point nearest to Noordhoek, which presents the full majesty of the wide beach bending south towards Kommetjie. Just below the road, tucked away in an ancient milk wood forest, lies Monkey Valley. The style is thatched log cabin with fine views from the main lodge’s restaurant. Here you’ll find swimming pools, a sauna and a kids’ playground to entertain them while you soak up the views. The rooms are hidden in the forest, many with balconies poking above the trees to take advantage of the jaw-dropping scenery. Best is the resort’s Crowned Eagle Lodge, set in the property’s highest corner. It has eight rooms, its own private pool, dining room and kitchen. The baths have picture windows offering the sweep of the beach far below.
Monkey Valley. Image: Justin Fox.
In the early morning and late afternoon, soft light plays across the lagoon, beach and ocean. Horses gallop along the shore, flamingos wade in the shallows, while walkers and their dogs amble for kilometres along the pristine sands, all the way to the rusting remains of the steamship Kakapo (wrecked in 1900), or even as far as Kommetjie.
View of Noordhoek Beach from Monkey Valley. Image: Justin Fox.
Do it
Sleepy Hollow Stables can take you riding on the beach, arguably producing the most scenic thrills for horse lovers anywhere in Cape Town (R580 per person) or you might meander up Chapman’s Peak Drive. There are various lodging options, full board or self-catering. The premier suites in double-storey Crowned Eagle Lodge have the best views, and cost from R1,700. Sea-facing rooms are from R1,350 B&B (sleep two adults, one child) and self-catering cottages from R2,350 (sleep six). 0217891391
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