Ahoy, seaside mateys
Hovering above Clifton 4th Beach, along the Atlantic Seaboard, secluded from the Cape Town crowds, yet close enough to touch the tide, Luna del Mar is a charming bungalow, for dreamy seaside escapes.
Spending time at Luna del Mar feels rather like taking up residence in a particularly elegant sandcastle. It’s so close to the shoreline, it feels as if you’re emerging from the sand, just before the tide reaches you. The salty sea air wafting its signature scent across every surface. And even though the area hums with its renowned Atlantic Seaboard bustle, the house remains deliciously discreet. Tucked between its neighbours like a well-kept Clifton secret.
As if you’re captain of your own ship, the main entrance guides you through a timber tunnel into the open-plan spaces, where living, cooking, dining, and reclining areas drift into one another. The L-shaped couch insists you surrender to it. Out onto the deck, where the beach below performs its daily theatre. Volleyball players leaping like startled gazelles, as devoted swimmers slice the chill of the waves. Seals will be bobbing with enviable nonchalance, and if you’re lucky, a passing pod of dolphins conducting their own breakfast meeting will be skimming the surf.
From the deck, Lion’s Head chaperones your morning brews and afternoon drinks. With the sea to one side, and the cliffs to the other, one could easily imagine being afloat on the Mediterranean. Were it not for the South African soul shimmering through everything that this bungalow embodies. The warmth, the rhythm, and the laidback approach to beach life.
The interiors err on the side of timelessness. Locally sourced and crafted pieces, solid timber bones, furnishings with a sense of narrative, and homemade soaps and touches that feel more curated than purchased. It’s all pleasantly new, freshly renovated, but anchored by heritage features that retain the home’s evolution over the decades. Not forgetting where it’s come from.
Timber, tides and tranquillity
A small stairway leads down to the pool terrace where two ensuite bedrooms benefit from the salty breeze and the gentle percussion of waves. An old olive tree casts a dappled canopy over the pool, offering shade without denying you the thrill of being in the thick of Cape Town’s seaside temperament. You can hear the shrills of happy beachgoers below, yet feel perfectly removed from it all, too.
You and your chosen travelling companions will rise with the first light. Doors and shutters open to the waves. You’ll venture out onto the sand for an early morning stroll. A quick dip with the other cold water plungers, a rinse under the outdoor shower, then another hot brew on the deck. A slow morning of doing whatever tickles your fancy around the bungalow, then off for an adventure along the Southern Peninsula. Stopping off at the quaint seaside hamlets, or the Constantia winelands for some world-class wines and fine feasting.
Late afternoons will be spent back at Luna del Mar. Around the pool and the table on the deck, toasting to the sun as it sets. A quick saunter down the pathways that lead to The Cove’s, Bungalow, for a casual seafood spread or just an evening drink. Whatever floats your boat, you’re on holiday in one of Cape Town’s most sublime spots. The time is yours to barefoot those strides, toss those loose locks and flitter between the sea, the sun, the moon and the stars, as you so choose. As captains of your own free-sailing ships.
What we love!
- Spending time on the deck watching the light creep around Lion’s Head in the morning, letting the day gradually begin.
- Preparing a delicious spread that you’ll enjoy al fresco, with all of the doors open to the seaside elements, indulging in the holiday humour and all of the lovely things that ensue.
- Though this luxury beach accommodation is ideally suited to four people, it is set over two spacious levels with lots of natural light flooding through the open spaces. Plenty of areas to relax, enjoy the views of Lion’s Head, the beach and the ocean.
- The fact that Clifton has its own microclimate – almost. When the south-easter winds perform their tempestuous gusts around the town, Clifton is remarkably sheltered. The sunrises (behind lion’s head) and sunsets are truly magical.
What you need to know…
- Luna del Mar is no more than a 10-minute drive from the V&A Waterfront, the large shopping and convenience stores of Sea Point or Camps Bay. Perhaps a visit to the Oranjezicht farmers market if it’s the weekend.
- For evening meals or drinks, you can always walk along the footpaths to The Bungalow. It’s only a 3-minute walk away from the property and offers magnificent views.
- The residential area of Clifton is home to some lovely residents, who cherish the calm, tranquil sounds coming from the sea. Please respect the wishes of the neighbours and keep your noise levels down, so as not to disturb the peace and nature. They also take great pride in it being a Blue Flag beach, keeping it clean and pristine every day.
- The Glen Country Club is a spectacular place to go and whack a ball around the court, for all tennis enthusiasts. You’ll need to arrange the booking prior to play, but the courts are only a short walk away from the bungalow and deliver the most spectacular views of the mountain and ocean.
- Even though Clifton 4th beach is regarded as a family destination, the bungalow is not entirely family friendly as it does not cater to small children. It is ideal for couples or family members that wish to stay in close proximity to others that might be residing in the area. There are a steps to navigate so this should be taken into account.
- If Luna del Mar is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses in Clifton.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie