Located in Bakoven, on the Atlantic Seaboard, beneath Table Mountain’s Twelve Apostles and between sheltered turquoise coves, Summer Rose is a tranquil beach hideaway.
Stretching along the curves of Camps Bay, Bakoven is one of those dreamy seaside destinations that positions itself well within the hub of the happenings, yet stealthily secludes itself from the chatter. Bakoven is where the discerning beach-goers retreat to, where the action is as riveting as it is serene. Where bonny beach bungalows – both old and young – settle themselves down narrow lanes and cobbled footpaths, overlooking the boulders that break the ocean’s waves. Where friends and families enjoy water sports, or gather under their brollies enjoying the calmer, tepid waters of Bali, Beta, and Bakoven beaches, for hours and hours on end.
Slightly removed from the hullabaloo of Bakoven beach, no more than a five-minute walk from the water’s edge, looking up towards the mountain, lion’s head, and out over the eternal canvas of blue, Summer Rose invites you into a placid existence where two worlds meet. Where contemporary comforts, vast open spaces of light, refined lines, and vibrant colour, meet the Majorelle gardens of Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakesh. An inspired influence that’s evident in the riad – in the tiles, the textiles, the prints, and pieces of furnishings that have been sourced and collected by the owner’s worldly excursions.
Set on two levels of wonderful, open spaces all maximising on the views of the ocean and the mountain, this hideaway reveals its story in its sentimental statements on style. On how healthy it is to live a life that’s inspirited by freedom. The contemporary African and South American artwork tells another poignant story of community; blending all of the spaces together with their conversation. The beautiful three ensuite bedrooms all beckon you into their spaces with a luxurious understatement. Not that you’ll be sending more than the necessary hours in the bedrooms.
Between the mountains and the sea
You’ll rise with your brew and watch the sun climb the back of the mountain, peaking the tips and landing on the waves in front. A few early morning laps in the pool or perhaps a short meander down to the beach for a brave Atlantic dip. The seals and gulls will greet you with their dawn enthusiasm.
A lovely brunch around the table with all of the doors and shutters open, as Ali Farka Touré’s tunes, waft out with the sea air, joining the cackles from the beach-goers below.
Perhaps a hike into the mountain or a visit to a marketplace. Lunch on the main strip or a coastal drive along the Twelve Apostles. Whatever’s on the cards for the day, you and your family will mix it up with Summer Rose’s ongoing sentiments of living well as free as one can be.
You’ll return to the bungalow, which cocoons you from the outside world yet whisks you out with the views simultaneously. An evening spent watching the sunset, feasting around the table, listening to the waves and the wonderful, happy shrills from your favourite people. Some might fancy a spot of TV before reclining, whilst others will drift off with that holiday novel that’s remarkably reminiscent of the paradise that’s unfolding at Summer Rose.
If Summer Rose is unavailable to book, browse our other Perfect Hideaways along the Atlantic Seaboard.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie
Edited by Dawn Kennedy