Welcome to Whale Watchers!

Let me tell you a story about Muizenberg. A while ago, the Empire Cinema complex was a desolate place – empty and falling apart. The once vibrant beach area became a ghost town at night because people were scared to walk around due to the rise in crime. But then, something amazing happened. The locals decided to take back their neighborhood.

They rolled up their sleeves and got to work. They repainted their shops, kicked out the troublemakers, demolished eyesores, and restored historical buildings. One of those buildings is the Empire Cinema complex, which has now been transformed into trendy residential apartments with underground parking, as well as restaurants, coffee shops, and retail stores.

I recently stayed in one of those trendy apartments owned by Whale Watchers over the weekend. Let me tell you, I was blown away. The apartment was immaculate, and the view? Oh my goodness, it was breathtaking! Plus, being surrounded by the surfing culture was an incredible experience. I could watch the surfers from my balcony or the comfort of my bedroom, without having to put on a wetsuit and risk getting water up my nose. Now, I should mention that I’ve tried surfing before, and I enjoyed it to some extent. But for me, being able to observe the action without getting wet was the best of both worlds.

The apartment itself was perfect for my two dogs and me. The tiled floors were ideal for pets (and sandy feet!) and gave the place a modern and spacious vibe. When I closed the heavy curtains, it was like the outside world disappeared – no more streetlights, no more noise. It was so serene that I didn’t even hear the surfers arriving at the crack of dawn. In fact, I was surprised to wake up at 8am, only to find the entire Surfer’s Corner bustling with activity. People were already on their second cup of coffee at Knead!

When I visited Muizenberg, I felt completely safe. In fact, I felt so safe that my friend and I even walked across the railway line to York Street in the early evening. We ended up at Carla’s, a charming Portuguese-bohemian restaurant that serves the most amazing prawns. Later on, we walked back to our apartment and took our dogs for a quick midnight stroll, and not once did we feel nervous.

The apartment block where we stayed had incredibly strict 24-hour security, and all of the Whale Watcher’s apartments had their own designated parking bays underground. This added layer of safety made us feel even more at ease. So there’s really no need to be afraid of exploring Muizenberg and Surfer’s Corner anymore. In fact, I highly recommend that you visit soon.

There’s so much to enjoy in Muizenberg. You can savor delicious meals at the local restaurants, watch the talented surfers riding the waves, take relaxing walks along the beach, and treat yourself to fresh bread from Knead. And the best part is, if you choose to stay at Whale Watcher’s, you can even bring your dog along.

Experience the luxury of Whale Watchers’ self-catering accommodation

When it comes to finding the perfect beachfront getaway, look no further than Whale Watchers. With over 30 properties in Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, Sunrise Beach, and False Bay, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your vacation. And the best part? Many of our accommodations are pet-friendly!

I recently had the pleasure of staying in the Sandpiper apartment, located in the Empire Building. Let me tell you, the views were absolutely breathtaking. Waking up to the sound of the waves crashing against the shore was an experience like no other.

Not only was the apartment in a prime location, but it also boasted top-notch security. As a solo traveler, safety is always a top priority for me, and I felt completely at ease during my stay. The apartment had all the amenities I could ask for, making it feel like a home away from home.

What impressed me even more was the thoughtful touch of a booklet on the kitchen counter. It was filled with useful information about the area, including the best places to visit and dine. Having those recommendations at my fingertips made exploring the area a breeze.

If you’re looking for a beachfront getaway that combines stunning views, security, and all the comforts of home, look no further than Whale Watchers. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Here’s what you can expect:
Get ready for an amazing view! When you slide open the doors, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking scenery and a refreshing sea breeze. It’s as close to the ocean as you can get! The kitchen has everything you need, like dishes, silverware, a stove, refrigerator, kettle, microwave, toaster, and coffee maker. You can also enjoy watching TV with selected channels or pop in a DVD. There are two cozy bedrooms and two bathrooms, one of them connected to a bedroom. You can choose between a shower or a relaxing bath, and we provide all the linens and towels you’ll need. The apartment even has underfloor heating and towel rail heating, but you won’t need them in the summer.

Guess what I discovered? This apartment is like a sanctuary from the noisy world outside. When I close all the windows and doors, I can’t hear a thing! And let me tell you about the beds – they are so cozy! The down duvets and comfortable mattresses make you feel like you’re floating on a cloud. Plus, the balcony offers the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee while watching the surfers in action. Oh, and did I mention that you can easily pop down the stairs to grab a delicious chocolate croissant from Knead? It’s the perfect way to start your day!

What you should know:

Dogs are only allowed on the beach during specific times and must be kept on a leash at all times. Since the apartment doesn’t have a garden, you’ll have to remember to regularly take your dog outside for their bathroom needs (and be sure to clean up after them). I also discovered that my small dog was able to visit neighboring apartments because he could squeeze through the railings that separate them! So, keep in mind that small dogs might do this (and make sure they don’t jump over the balcony in their excitement about what’s happening below).

Where to grab a bite:

We were really curious about the many unique restaurants in the area, so we plan on going back to explore more! But we did try out Carla’s on York Street for some amazingly tasty prawns in a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere. We also enjoyed some incredibly flaky chocolate croissants with our coffee from Knead and had a super filling breakfast (or brunch) with deliciously creamy scrambled eggs at Olympia Cafe in Kalk Bay (which is also welcoming to pets).