It was cold, the sea was rough but I just had to do it. I closed my eyes, blocked my nose and dipped under the surf! There’s no better feeling than just letting go … surrounded by nature and not another person in sight. My wet hair tickled my face as I ran out of the choppy, grey waves and back along the beach to my towel. I was smiling, my teeth were chattering – I hadn’t felt so liberated in a long time.
If you had asked me where my favourite romantic destination in South Africa was a few weeks ago, I’d have probably recommended a luxury lodge in the heart of the Lowveld. Then I came across Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve just outside Port Alfred. It’s a private 1000 hectare bush and beach destination. The seven kilometers of beach are exclusively yours to play with, even if the water is a bit chilly, and the vast plains are filled with free roaming game.
I was lucky enough to visit Oceana Beach on a road trip back to Cape Town with my boyfriend, Jon. We were greeted by the manager, Hennie, and shown to our room. It was one of four Ocean Suites with sweeping 180-degree views across the coastline and a wrap-around wooden deck. The enormous, glass sliding doors rolled away into the wall and we were left feeling part of the expansive nature.
The room was built with romance in mind: a huge four-poster bed, his and hers bathrooms, a bath overlooking the ocean, a shower leading onto the deck, a lounge and a flat screen TV that electronically slid back into a cabinet so as not to obstruct your view. It is tastefully decorated with subtle hints of Africa. Our ‘Kudu Room’ had a masterpiece Kudu chandelier made from wrought iron. I think what Jon liked the most was the Fair Trade Puro hot chocolate at our coffee station (they kept replenishing the stock!).
Oceana ticked all our boxes – it is not only a feast for your eyes but for your tummy too. Thank goodness there was a gym and enough time to schedule a few sessions. The food was scrumptious and we definitely shouldn’t have eaten so much but we just couldn’t help it. The dining experience was as culinary affair and the staff were friendly and helpful.
Due to the miserable weather we only went on one game drive which didn’t bother us in the slightest. Oceana isn’t necessarily about the game viewing; it’s about the experience as a whole. It’s about taking a slow drive out in the veld, bumbling along, taking notice of some of the smaller delights found in the Eastern Cape bush. There certainly is plentiful game on the property – they have a few white rhinos, a handsome herd of sable antelope, buffalo, giraffe and black impala, amongst others.
It’s also about making use of the seven kilometers of private beach. Jon and I were driven down to a private deck perched above the dunes which overlooked the ocean. On arrival there was a little day bag packed with beach towels and a few mineral waters – every detail was thought of. We spent hours exploring the dunes, then walked down to the sea and eventually drifted off into dreamland on the day sala. Another couple decided that they’d catch dinner for the menu that night and went surf fishing with one of the experienced guides. The kitchen rustled up a delicious angel fish dish for our last night, fresh from the sea!
How do I rate Oceana? Well, it is now my most romantic destination in South Africa. It’s the best kept secret on the East Coast of South Africa and an absolute must for honeymooners travelling in South Africa.
Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve
Why I’d recommend it:
It’s private, intimate and you can’t fault the service, yet the staff are never in your face. The quality of food is up there amongst the top lodges in Southern Africa – kudos to the chefs. The mixed berry and white chocolate mousse served with black cherry compote is my best ever!
The thatch suites are far enough from each other so you have space to ‘breathe’. There were other guests around but we hardly saw them – the suites are so luxurious that you don’t want to leave them.
My best bits:
The staff set up a private dinner in our suite on our last night – a great idea for honeymooners and couples. Our guide also took us to a baby sable antelope in a boma that they’ll try to introduce to the herd in a few months time. His name was ‘Bokkie’ and he had an equally adorable Nguni calf as his play mate. We also loved the personalised notes found on our bed each night and on arrival. The handmade cards informed us of the following day’s weather and wished us a good night’s sleep.
Activities and facilities:
Beach and dune walks, rock and surf fishing, game drives, Petangue (a form of bowls), five hole putting green, Texas pitching washers, games room, home theatre, star gazing, boma, library, lounge, bar, spa and rock pool.
Accommodation:
Oceana has four Ocean Suites, three Lodge Suites and a three bedroomed private Ocean House.
Contact:
Tel 083-616-0605, [email protected], www.oceanareserve.com
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