South Africa - Places To Stay

St Francis Bay - This exclusive family-managed 4 star and FTTSA accredited retreat is located in the small coastal town of St Francis Bay. The Dunes is set on a 600 hectare conservancy surrounded by beautiful indigenous gardens, and only minutes away from beaches and restaurants. The guest house is reminiscent of an old Cape farmhouse with spacious verandas, reed ceilings and old Oregon doors and windows. Accommodation is offered in comfortable bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Each room has a private veranda overlooking the gardens. The main area consists of an elegant lounge with a cosy fireplace.

The Dunes offers light lunches and a 3-course set dinner on request. All meals are prepared with a distinctive Eastern Cape flair with only the freshest ingredients used. A light room service menu is also available in the evenings. All meals are served in either in the dining room or outside on the veranda overlooking the gardens.

St Francis Bay

St Francis Bay is approx 1 hours drive from Port Elizabeth. Directions are available on request.

6 Garden Suites and 1 Family Cottage
*The rates below are based on the Garden Suites

£76 per person sharing Low Season (May-Aug)
£86 per person sharing High Season (Jan-Apr)
£94 per person sharing High Season (Oct-Dec)

Breakfast, afternoon tea & scones and use of facilities

Children of all ages are welcome. The Dunes has baby cots and high seats available, as well as baby sitting service and special dining times for the little ones.

Visit nearby beaches, guided and self-guided nature walks, bird-watching, frog safaris, star gazing, dolphin & whale watching (in season), river & canal cruises, horse riding, day trips to nearby Game Reserves.

The Dunes (FTTSA accredited) empower local people by creating jobs and opportunities that are a result of their tourism business. Wherever possible they buy local goods and support small entrepreneurial enterprises. For example they support local organic farmers by purchasing eggs and other fresh seasonal produce.

They invest in their staff's well-being through a HIV/Aids awareness & education programme, provide safe & fair working conditions and have a comprehensive hospitality mentoring programme. They have also gifted a small section of land and seedlings to a previously disadvantaged local with the view for Henry to create a vegetable garden that will be fertilized by the worm tea. The harvest will supply organically home grown produce for The Dunes kitchen.

The Dunes installed a vermicomposter (worm farm) for all the organic waste from the kitchen and recycle glass, paper and plastics. Their alien species eradication programme provides the firewood required by both the country house and bush spa. They have also started to install solar geysers to conserve energy and minimize their carbon footprint.

The Dunes are also committed to the preservation of the natural environment and are actively involved in an Alien Eradication Programme focusing on alien trees, such as Rooikranz and Port Jackson. The removal of alien trees helps to slow depletion of ground water resources and restore watertable to its natural level. Alien removal has already revitalized the wetland that runs through the property and since a number of frog species and other wildlife, that are on the endangered list, have been spotted.

Frog species worldwide are in serious decline, and the preservation of the St. Francis wetland is providing safe habitat and protection for the endangered Sand Toad. Guests staying at The Dunes can purchase a beaded frog, lovingly handcrafted by a group of local ladies. The proceeds from the sales go towards continuing the wetland restoration efforts and supporting the ladies who crafted them.

Cash in South African Rand is accepted. All major credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) and bank transfer are also accepted.

Bush Spa - Indulge yourself in one of the Bush Spa body therapies designed to bring you to a state of pure, organic inspired, body bliss. The fragrance induced from wild flowers, the African bush, a native boma and a log fire are their greatest inspirations. From 30 mins Bucha Back, Neck & Shoulder Massages to a full hour Magical Moonlit massage, the Bush Spa offers truly original spa experiences!