Morukuru Beach Lodge: Ocean View Family Suite

Seemingly at the edge of the world, this five-star sanctuary on the famed Whale Coast has been voted ‘South Africa’s Leading Beach Hotel’ at the World Travel Awards for four consecutive years (2020-2023), and has been in the Top 10 of the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for five consecutive years (since 2019). And no wonder; this uber-luxurious, fully off-grid lodge occupies a sliver of pristine coastline characterised by towering white dunes, limestone cliffs, vibrant fynbos, fascinating rock pools and an endless stretch of Indian Ocean.

Morukuru exquisitely delivers all the luxury trappings while keeping its eco-footprint feather-light. Five immense suites reflect nature’s tranquil palette in chic, modern, serene spaces. Floor-to-ceiling doors open onto a balcony; the limestone-clad designer bathroom has touch-sensitive taps and an oversized showerhead. A daybed and lounge area make it hard to leave your suite, plus there’s a rooftop deck with a firepit, and a courtyard with a pool and hot tub. If you do go anywhere, we recommend easing into the day with a guided marine walk, relaxed fynbos stroll or nature drive in the reserve.

The lodge provides all the explorer’s gear you’ll need – snorkels, masks, water shoes, wetsuits, sandboards, mountain bikes, ponchos, gumboots, and beach umbrellas… Needless to say, the food is superb (quite a feat for this remote neck of the woods). Gourmet canapés on the each at sunset? No problem. With G&Ts three ways? With pleasure.

Guests who are keen to give back and get involved in Morukuru’s conservation work can opt for the ‘Coastal Conservation with a Purpose’ package, which includes a behind-the-scenes visit of the Turtle Conservation Centre at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town.

THE LODGINGS

Each of the two Ocean View Family Suites can comfortably accommodate two adults and two children under 16 years old, sharing.

Indoor living

• Chic, modern space with a king-size bed
• Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open onto a narrow private balcony
• Sea-facing daybed/children’s bed
• Cosy fireplace and lounge area
• Limestone-clad bathroom with touch-sensitive taps, an oversized shower head and a tub to soak in.

Outdoor living

• Private balcony with outdoor seating from which to soak up the exquisite natural beauty.
• Courtyard with swimming pool, hot tub and sun loungers
• Outdoor sunken lounge with fire pit
• Bar and lounge area, rooftop terrace and deck with a firepit

Catering

• Communal tea-and-coffee nooks decked with everything you need to enjoy the perfect cuppa: rusks, biscuits, and a cosy dune-facing nook with a well-stocked bookshelf and comfy chairs.
• Dining area serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Bites Beach Café is open for drinks and casual meals daily between 10am and 4pm, and in the evenings exclusively for Morukuru Family De Hoop guests.

THINGS TO DO

• Guided marine walks along the beach at low tide
• Protected rock pools for swimming and snorkelling
• Whale watching between July and November
• Guided fynbos experience
• Nature trail walks
• Mountain-biking
• Game viewing – see herds of eland, bontebok and Cape mountain zebras
• Sandboarding – adventure gear and sundowners included
• Picnics on the beach
• Birdwatching