Martine and René are absolutely wonderful hosts. From the moment we arrived until we left, they made sure we enjoyed our stay. We visited Hout Bay to research my family history. By the time we arrived René has done his own homework and already had a stack of information waiting for us. This absolutely blew us away! To say these folks embrace South Africa would be an absolute understatement; they love being hosts and telling people everything they can about their area. It is rare to find such positive and happy people. Each morning they would listen to what our plans were and then give suggestions (btw the hike was not Mickey-Mouse easy 😊). My birthday also happened to be during our stay and the morning of, they had birthday flags hung on the porch of the cottage. What a surprise! It is these small things that not only make them great caring hosts, but exceptional hosts.
Location, location, location, accessible in all directions (Hout Bay, Clifton, Kirstenbosch etc.) and absolutely safe (with security). The view to the mountains and beyond is absolutely mind-blowing. As far as the cottage goes, it has everything you possibly could need (including wine if you run out)!
When our kids saw the tortoises, we knew they were sold on the place as well. Of course, having bunk beds in the cottage loft was a bonus (we could hear them talking until late into the night). This cottage literally has nature backing up to it and the birdlife is astounding.
Having traveled in SA for a few weeks prior and then arriving and having super-fast (and free!) highspeed internet access was a wonderful surprise.
I know we plan to visit Hout Bay again in a few years and what is wonderful is that we know exactly where we will be staying next time. Not only did we meet great people, we left as friends.
Thank you, Martine and René, not saying good bye, just saying “see you later”. Keep doing what you’re doing and don’t change a thing!
Heinrich and Hannalie Trautman
North Carolina, USA (originally from Hout Bay)