A coastal break at Shelley Point Hotel, Spa and Country Club

For those who think there’s not much on the Cape West Coast after Saldanha Bay, Shelley Point Hotel, Spa and Country Club comes as a surprise.

Even non-golfers will be happy there. Start the day with a 50-minute session in the hydro spa, going from shower to sauna and steam room and ending with a relaxing soak in a spa bath. Follow this with a full English breakfast served in the Sao Gabrielle restaurant, which has panoramic windows overlooking a rimless pool and nine-hole golf course.

If playing golf isn’t for you, a spin in one of the golf carts can take you to Golden Mile Beach, where surfers enjoy the big swell and oystercatchers hang around the ebb. I wasn’t lucky enough to see dolphins playing, but apparently it’s not uncommon to catch a glimpse of them.

You don’t have to leave the Shelley Point private village for activities because there’s also a gym, two tennis courts, lawn bowls, a wellness centre and hair salon. Close to the hotel, there is a variety of hiking trails and water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing and kitesurfing. For babies and toddlers, there’s a playground and supervised indoor entertainment area. The older kids have their own space with movies, board games, TV games, football and pool tables. Childminding services are available on request.

There are 42 en suite rooms with a choice of ground floor studio or mezzanine suites, or one of two private garden suites, all with elegantly decorated lounging areas and kitchenettes. There’s secure underground parking, a swimming pool, golf shop, boutique, coffee shop and pool bar.

When you depart, you’ll discover another service: your newly washed car, courtesy of the hotel.

$$ to $$$ Rates are from R670 a person, including breakfast, a nine-hole round of golf and 50-minute hydro session. Peak season rates (December to January) are from R850 a person.

Tel 022-742-1394, e-mail reservations@shelleypointhotel.co.za, web www.shelleypointhotel.co.za.