Hidden havens of the Hessequa

The Hessequa is a region between the Breede and Gourits rivers in the Southern Cape. We've hand-picked eight great places to stay in nature reserves, on rocky coastlines and along the rivers – far from the mad crowds on the main beaches – where you can wash off under an outdoor shower and fall asleep to the sound of the waves.

- JAC KRITZINGER

WITSAND

BY THE SEA

Little Paradise

This laid-back beach house overlooks the Breede River estuary and Cape Infanta in the distance. It’s right on the main beach, but the dunes shelter you on both sides and hide you from the neighbouring houses. When you sit in the living area on the top floor, the dunes feel close enough to touch.

Indeed, the sand nearly swallowed the house in 2015 and the roof collapsed under the weight. The house has since been fully restored and there's a dune rehabilitation project in place to prevent it from happening again.

Little Paradise has a long history that goes back further than the advance of sand. The place was first known as Opstalletjie. Built in 1930, it was one of the first residences in the fledgeling trading town, serving as a stable and storage space for an ox-wagon.

These days, it’s a no-frills double-storey with four double bedrooms downstairs and three bathrooms, one of which is en suite. The top floor — with big windows looking out from a spacious open-plan kitchen, living area and indoor braai - is the place to hang out. Look for whales in the bay if you visit between August and October.

If you want to stretch your legs, walk through the dunes from the back stoep and you're on the beach.

Little Paradise has WiFi, a smart TV and DStv. It's also pet-friendly, but note that the property is not fenced.

Where? 16 Galjoen Street

Rates: Low season R2 000 per night; peak season R4 500 per night.

Contact: 082 576 1541; little-paradise.co.za

VERMAAKLIKHEID

15 KM FROM THE SEA