ROAD TRIP
me snapping photos of tiled tortoises around every corner. Sedgefield isn’ t just pretty. It’ s a love letter written in ceramic tiles. toward Gericke’ s Point, discovering nocturnal sea creatures and learning about marine life in a way that felt part science lesson, part enchanted fairytale. Judy has that rare gift; she makes you fall in love with the ocean all over again. By the time we got back, the night had wrapped around us like a soft blanket. I slept like a log, a very content log.
FYNBOS ON SEA: LUXURY ABOVE THE LAKE
Then came the Simbavati Fynbos on Sea, perched above the Swartvlei estuary and the Sedgefield lagoon. I’ ll be honest, this place is what happens when nature and indulgence have a love child. The view? Breathtaking. The spa? Even better. A back-and-neck massage later, I was basically melted butter on a treatment table. And, because balance is everything, we followed it with a steak lunch so good I considered proposing to the chef. I don’ t know what they marinate it in, but I’ d like to bathe in it.
BEACH-CABIN LIVING AND THE BURGER OF DREAMS
That night, we checked into our PiliPili Beach accommodation, where“ beachfront” actually means your room is practically winking at the ocean. It was rustic and cozy, with just the right amount of boho chaos. Dinner was at Kahunas, home of the best burger I’ ve had in 2025: a glorious tower of chicken, cheese, and sauce that could cure heartbreak. It’ s the kind of burger that makes you forget your diet – well, I did, anyway.
MOONLIGHT MEANDER Just when I thought the trip had peaked, the Moonlight Meander happened. Picture this: Swartvlei Beach, moonlight glinting on the waves, and a group of strangers following the legendary Judy Dixon, who knows every secret the shoreline keeps. We wandered along the sand
RAIN, ROYALTY, AND PRAWNS – WELCOME TO KNYSNA
The rain came, the next morning. But the moment we reached Knysna, we refused to let a few raindrops ruin our plans. Enter Jonas Gidwa, our local guide, who drives like a pro and narrates like David Attenborough’ s cousin. He whisked us off to Noetzie Beach, where we found the famous stone castles. Ancient, historic, and totally giving“ modern royalty with good Wi-Fi” vibes, I half expected a " knight of the realm " to appear and offer me a craft gin. Lunch was at The Drydock Restaurant, where I ordered
22 | SUMMER 2025 / 26 • rovesa. co. za