At the coast, life is traditionally lived according to tides, winds and seasons. At Casa Isla, on Leisure Isle, it’s still that way – so no two days are ever the same. When you throw open the shutters first thing in the morning and gaze across the lagoon, you’ll quickly know if it’s a good day for canoeing, cycling, walking or just chilling on the deck. Maybe it’s a perfect day for a dip in the pool or volleyball on the lawn. The possibilities of what to do and see and experience are virtually endless in Knysna. It’s a place of freedom and following whims and fancies, a real holiday for the soul.

Check the tides and if they’re low, consider a wander all the way around Leisure Isle. Walk across the lagoon on the sand, and maybe stop in at East Head Café for coffee and breakfast – or calamari for lunch washed down by a Mojito. Or grab your binoculars and watch water birds at the end of the causeway. A game of tennis is another option without leaving the island, or take an amble in the indigenous gardens of beautiful Steenbok Park, right in front of Casa Isla. The boat harbour is just a walk away too, as well as two little beaches sans waves that small children will enjoy. What’s so special here is that there’s something for everyone, either on the island or in the surrounds – no matter what your interest or choice of adventure.

Casa Isla is that kind of house too, suited to all families and generations. It’s an authentic beach house that’s both comfortable and beautiful, lived in and loved. The four en-suite bedrooms and big open living space are eclectically decorated with pieces collected, inherited and remodelled to create a relaxed living space for good holidays to happen easily. Washed walls create cosiness – as does the central fireplace in the living area. Everything about the house is spacious and easy, made absolutely effortless by the presence of Patricia. She’s the live-in housekeeper who ensures your stay is a true holiday. Patricia doesn’t cook but she preps, cleans and runs the house like a dream. She is the trump card at Casa Isla.

After a day out, when you return home the lit lanterns will beckon you for a sundowner at the garden bar. Sip a pink gin and watch the setting sun paint changing colours on the lagoon. Then conjure a family supper to enjoy on the veranda, or dine on freshly shucked oysters in town – and there are endless other options in a smorgasbord of restaurants. Knysna has so many layers and so much natural beauty, there likely won’t be time to do everything. But that’s ok, because you can always come back again soon.

What we love

• The collage of family photos transformed into wall paper in a bedroom
• The incredible mountain biking routes through the forest – along with beautiful walks, hikes and swims in streams and under waterfalls
• That there is something for everyone to do, regardless of age and interest
• Personally created ceramic pieces in the bathrooms and bedrooms
• The outside shower stall under a tree

Need to know

• Bicycles, canoes and tennis racquets are available for use, along with picnic equipment
• If you bring your boat, you can hire the mooring at the harbour
• There are plenty of games and boardgames for kids to play
• Patricia the housekeeper is always in residence to keep the house in order – just let her know your needs and plans