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Address:
The Dunes Country House,
R330 Freeway,
St Francis Bay,
Eastern Cape,
South Africa

The Dunes Country House


4 STAR GUEST HOUSE IN ST FRANCIS BAY
EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

The Dunes Country House is a Colonial-style retreat situated in the stunning Eastern Cape town of St Francis Bay. The four-star establishment enjoys prime location, as it is not only on the South African coast but also along the world-renowned Garden Route.

In addition to The Dunes' being situated within walking distance of the beach, there are also nearby golf courses, shops and restaurants. A little further afield, guests can find Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant Park, the exclusive Shamwari Game Reserve and the surfer's paradise of Jeffrey's Bay.

The old-world charm is enhanced by the farmhouse feel of the guesthouse, achieved by reed ceilings, an extensive use of Oregon, a stone fireplace in the lounge, framed antique maps and the wide verandahs from which to watch the world pass by.

The lounge is a comfortable area in which guests can meet and exchange stories of their day's activities, or simply relax with a book. There is a dining room, which is used when meals are not being savoured on the ample verandah.

Children of all ages are welcome to accompany their parents to The Dunes, making it an ideal getaway for families. The garden is sizeable and the guesthouse is secluded, making it particularly safe for younger guests. In addition, it is suitable for honeymooning couples, singles or corporate guests.

The Dunes exudes a sense of utter relaxation, peace and quiet, and invites its guests to revel in this serenity.
Accommodation

Garden Rooms
Each of the rooms have been individually styled and furnished for a unique experience, even for regular guests. Warm tones that reflect the colours of the earth are used with Mahogany wood and interesting textiles.

The Garden Rooms have a private entrance and verandah, each overlooking the manicured gardens of the guesthouse. Standard amenities comprise a mini bar, television with satellite, direct-dial telephone, DVD player, CD player, ceiling fan, en-suite bathroom with a Victorian bath and separate shower, heated bathroom floors, two bathrobes and a hairdryer.

Services include laundry and a nightly turn-down facility.

The Cottage
The Cottage is free-standing and is great for families or up to four adults. The colours and textures used are in keeping with the rest of the rooms and the spacious verandah offers unrivalled views of the surrounding greenery. It has en-suite bathrooms with Victorian bathtubs and heated floors as well as a nightly turn-down service.

Bush Spa

Relaxation and serenity come first at The Dunes Country House. For this reason, the Bush Spa offers a range of revitalising and soothing therapies for weary guests. The fragrances used are inspired by the natural surrounds and are distinctly African in nature. A hot floral-infused foot spa is the start of every treatment as it prepares the body and relaxes the guest.

The Magical Moonlit Massage is a must. This is conducted by the glow of hurricane lamps at the end of a wooden walkway and alongside a log fire. As warmth and relaxation envelop the guest, they are assured that city stresses are a thing of the past and a good night's sleep awaits them.

Dining

Guests of The Dunes awake each morning to a hearty country-style breakfast. Should they require dinner, this may be arranged with hotel management. In this case, a delicious 3-course meal is served, perfectly rounded off by some of the local wines for which South Africa has become renowned.

Activities

The Dunes Country House offers several activities to ensure that guests are kept occupied during their stay in St Francis, South Africa. However, there is also an abundance of things to do and see in the surrounding area and along the Garden Route for visitors willing to travel further afield.

The swimming pool of the guest house is surrounded by loungers, canvas umbrellas and a covered area; a perfect way for families and couples to spend a balmy summer's day.

Nature lovers will delight in the various nature walks and reserves in the area. Vegetation in this area includes the unique fynbos variety as well as many other fascinating species. Guided walks can be arranged, during which guests learn much about the fauna and flora of the region, including its conservation. The dun fields are part of this excursion and boast many archaeological artefacts and remnants of the original San people that occupied the area thousands of years ago. Even the sand dunes host special vegetation with its own role in the complex ecosystem.

Avian enthusiasts need only stand on their verandah for some rewarding bird viewing. Over 100 species have been identified in this area alone. Some exciting varieties include the Crowned Plover and the Bokmakerie. Guests desiring an oasis of quiet while they lose themselves in the pages of a magazine or browse through DVD's are welcome to spend some time in the small library with its fireplace. Afternoon tea and scones is always a treat.

Frogging Safaris
The Frogging Safari is conducted in the Thula Moya Nature Reserve. Guests receive a torch, net, plastic bag and gum boots and set out during the sun's descent, when frogs begin to emerge from their hiding places. Thula Moya has several dams, home to a variety of interesting frog species.

As frogs of every colour and pattern call loudly in search of a mate, guests hunt for them so that they can catch and identify as many different kinds as possible.

Each frog that is caught is recorded and checked for signs of sickness or disease. This provides valuable information regarding the state of the water and environment and any possible action that needs to be taken. To date, 13 different species have been identified in this protected area.

Directions

Driving directions from Cape Town
  • Travel East on the N2, heading towards Knysna/Port Elizabeth.
  • Exit at Humansdorp/St. Francis Bay and turn right.
  • Continue all the way down, through Main Street (Humansdorp) to the very bottom of the road.
  • Turn left and follow the signs to St. Francis Bay along the R330.
  • Cross the Kromme River and continue straight through the traffic circle (round-about)
  • DO NOT turn off into St. Francis Bay village.
  • Travel for approximately 800m and then turn right at The Dunes signboard
  • Travel for 1.5km along the paved and then gravel road to our gate.
  • Follow the signs to reception.
Driving directions from Port Elizabeth
  • Travel West on the N2, heading towards Cape Town/Humansdorp.
  • Exit at Humansdorp/St. Francis Bay and turn left.
  • Continue all the way down, through Main Street (Humansdorp) to the very bottom of the road.
  • Turn left and follow the signs to St. Francis Bay along the R330.
  • Cross the Kromme River and continue straight through the traffic circle (round-about)
  • DO NOT turn off into St. Francis Bay village.
  • Travel for approximately 800m and then turn right at The Dunes signboard.
  • Travel for 1.5km along the paved and then gravel road to our gate.
  • Follow the signs to reception.