| Everyone knows this legendary grand old dame,
an icon nestling at the foot of the spectacular Cape Hangklip.
She was built in 1939 just before the 2nd World War and over
many years witnessed many a story and holds many secrets.
Many people has fond memories of her and was saddened to
see her fall in neglect and ill repair to the point of close
destruction and bad reputation.
By sheer fluke the Roux brothers and owner
took on the huge task to save her and nurse her back to her
rightful place as one of the last old coastal hotels of yesteryear
still in existence.
A conscious decision was made to resist the idea of creating
another smart , luxury boutique hotel of which there are so
many which normally demand high rates from city slickers as
its main clientèle.
The choice was made to retain the innocence, simplicity and
honesty of the long gone era of the typical Transkei Hotels.
With this in mind we created a homely warm and cozy atmosphere
for the average income and more adventurous individuals.
The upgrading will be a ongoing process but we are happy
to state that she is now fully operational and privileged
to have Max and André Roux at the helm.
André is a renowned international chef with a CV that
has rattled Old Lady Hangklip. He has declined many lucrative
offers to entice him with top 5 star establishments in Europe.
|
André resisted in favor of this remote
area. He says that the decision was not difficult to make
as the challenge and lifestyle was the deciding factor to
embark on this adventure.
Then we have Plankies, the late
night bar with jolls, dances, parties and fun filled Karaoke
evenings into the early hours of the morning which has given
meaning to our bumper stickers “Hangklip Rocks”!
What we have found to work unbelievably well is where friends
put a group together of 10 to 15 couples and basically book
up most rooms and chalets and have chef André prepare
a menu for the group.
This new trend is gaining popularity and has become an affordable
group getaway as no one’s homes make such a great venue
as the Hangklip.
You arrive early Friday evening after work, get together
in the bar in front of the fire and spend Saturday visiting
the village shops, art studios, the penguin colony or take
walks at the Porter Botanical Gardens in Betty’s Bay
- discover the pristine beaches, the beautiful walk to the
Lighthouse, fishing, boating, return back Saturday night,
have a braai, and party into the night - breakfast on Sunday
and then return home on a spectacular drive.
Once you have experienced the fun filled affordable getaway
you will be back for more, bringing new friends. You don’t
have to wait for summer as this is a wonderful all year round
experience. |
