It’s hard to put into words what the waters of the West Coast’s lagoon does to one’s pulse. It has a way of soothing your nervous system, softening your stance, and setting the wheels into as slow a motion as possible. That eternal canvas of blue, sharpened around the edges by the verdant fynbos landscape. Speckled with vibrant Namaqualand daisies in spring. Frequented by flamingos all year round, and lit up like a glass dance floor when the full moon rises. Langebaan knows how to pacify, retune our inner instruments and play with us as we pander to the powers of the nature that surrounds.
Adding to all of the beauty of this magnificent location in the Western Cape, Lagoon Lookout overlooks the turquoise waters like a yacht, anchored along the shoreline. An authentically-styled, laidback beach bungalow. Serving you and your travelling companions a generous slice of understated lagoon luxury, with a dash of Mediterranean charm. This four-bedroomed hideaway – with its whitewashed walls, blue detailing, original mosaic tiling, lavender rows, bougainvillea bushes and miniature olive trees – channels just the right amount of Greek island daydreaming.
Sans the flight! Floating above that beautiful body of blue evokes every kind of holiday you and the clan are seeking. Clever, wind-sheltered courtyards – all three of them – the perfect swimming pool, open-plan living, dining and reclining spaces, a fabulous kitchen and pizza oven, upper and lower decks, and even an infrared sauna. When you’re not out in nature, star-fishing on the sand or paddling about in the water, there’s foosball, table tennis, a satellite tv and plenty of reading spots. There’s also a lovely area for yoga – with mats provided – adjacent the sauna that also delivers magnificent views across the lagoon. But as it is, when we go up the West Coast, the real adventure awaits outside.
Langebaan’s first beach abode
Lagoon Lookout is only a two-minute walk down the original, sandy main road in front of the property to Shark Bay Beach. For those that love a bit of kite-surfing, you’ll be in heaven here. The famous old yacht club and family-friendly Sandy Bay is only a minute’s walk away. And the natural wonder of the awe-inspiring West Coast National Park is under three minutes. With the property comes the loan of four bicycles, two SUPs, a kayak and all of the cliff paths that are yours for exploring.
You’ll have immediate access to long nature walks, all of the wildlife you’ll meet along the way, and the kind of sunsets that demand an applause. All year round. What’s also so lovely about Langebaan is the safe, friendly neighbourhood, bordered by a greenbelt nature reserve where the kids can freely roam.
You can join them of course, out on the water and along the trails. But there will be those moments when you choose to sun yourselves beside the pool, or in one of the courtyards. Get going on the pizza preparations or cocktail making. Or perhaps simply sit upstairs, beside the tall window, on the chaise longue, deep in a novel. That’s the beauty of this place. It can be every man for himself when it comes to the daily itinerary. Tending to what that holiday pulse wants. Letting the water dictate your decisions; to swim or not to swim. To snooze or not to snooze. The answer will find you when nature’s rhythm allows.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie