It’s all about the simplicity of the moon and the changing tides. The sun and the powdery sand. The pacifying sounds of the waves gently lapping around the ankles of the deck and the Knysna Loeries sweeping through the garden’s foliage. It’s all about the essence of succumbing to nature’s rituals at Tide’s Reach on Leisure Isle.
Where sun hats, sarongs and sun cream will be the signature attire for days on end. Barefoot and beautiful! Locks seasoned in salt, shoulders smothered in the sun’s rays and grins as wide as the lagoon that stretches out in front of you.
It’s all about arriving, settling and letting that magnificent view dictate the holiday mood for the duration of your stay. A blissful, mesmerising temperament around the clock.
Accommodating as many as ten of your beach holiday clan, Tide’s Reach generously extends itself across two properties that have been adjoined, specifically for those multigenerational gatherings. Those special getaways with the clan that revolve around the sea. Six bedrooms with plenty of living, lounging and entertaining spaces between the bungalows allow for all of the fun to unfold. Two kitchens and a long scullery ensure there’s always enough space to prepare the next feasting.
A gorgeous courtyard with a swimming pool is ideal for those that want to catch a few rays and cocoon themselves when the wind picks up. Enclosed seating areas around mammoth open fireplaces and cosy reading windows up the romance even more. With every space delivering on those breathtaking views. Letting that mood drift with inspiration, invigorated by the breeze.
Slow sunny, sandy days
In keeping with the sentiment of the surroundings, holidays spent at Tide’s Reach are deliciously laidback and delightfully slow. Mornings will kick off on your own clocks, depending on the tide, maybe a walk across the lagoon in the shallow waters. Or out on the boats, the boards, the bikes or just the long verandah, sipping and saluting the early rays. Perhaps a coffee and delicious hot breakfast bakes at East Head Café.
There’s also the famous île de païn. Shuffle your days up a bit for when you fancy a morning excursion to town. Everything else you need or want for will be at your beautiful holiday base. Time spent around the tables, sitting on the walls eating boerie rolls. Treasure hunting on the shoreline. Swimming and sunbathing of course. Games always on the go. Or reading from one of the secret little spots that are aplenty.
Whatever floats your boat – on it or just wading about in the water – this hideaway dishes it all up in abundance. Without any urgency or fancy frilly bits of pretence. It’s all about the simplicity of being beside the sea, with the people you love to make these memories with most.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie