“Best kept secret”
Holiday Accommodation
St Francis Bay, Garden Route
Discover “St Francis Bay, Garden route of South Africa.
St Francis Bay is a charming seaside village located on the Eastern Cape coastline of South Africa, just one hour from Port Elizabeth. The most striking characteristics of the village are a network of man-made canals. The canals offer perfect opportunities for boating. Couple that with the un-spoilt golden beaches and nature hikes.
St Francis Bay is an ideal location for surfers and boasts some of the best waves in the country. It is along this exact coastline that you will find the world-renowned Bruce’s Beauty. When the waves pump in this spot, they really pump! (The best time for surfing is between May and September.)
Experience St Francis Bay with friendly locals
The ideal way to enjoy a holiday here is with locals who know and love everything about the village. Bev and James Balaban have had the privilege of living in St Francis Bay for 26 years. They can recommend the best routes for nature walks, direct you to the blowhole on the wild side, guide you to tried and tested restaurants and assist with activities such as horseback riding, golf, squash and tennis. Bev can also take you on an unforgettable mussel-collecting adventure on the rocks. The location is just a stroll from the house and Bev will show you how to clean and prepare a delectable mussel chowder, perhaps paired with a bottle of wine.
These breathtaking accommodations offer a double story, self-catered unit on the ocean’s edge at Port St Francis and two nearly identical B&B, self-catering units near the heart of the village. Boasting an amazing sea view from the pool. St Francis Bay is the perfect setting to put your feet up, relax and bask in the warm South African sunshine, enjoy delicious cuisine and experience a truly unforgettable holiday.
We look forward to sharing our quaint village of St Francis Bay with you.
“Best Kept Secret”
Reviews
Guest Reviews
What a beautiful bit of paradise. Bev the owner was extremely helpful and gave us nice tips to restaurants etc in the area. We will definitely return and can highly recommend. The views and location is just amazing.
It was a pity we only had two days. Everything was great in Bev and James little paradise, from the warm welcome until the last minute of our stay. Especially the amazing view of the sea. We felt really good all the time. There is nothing we would want to change
Large windows with an uninterrupted view of the bay. Large salt water pool. Very personal breakfast. Bev was an excellent hostess. Thanks Bev. Everything was to our best satisfaction.
Great location, fabulous views and excellent walks around the coast. The view from the property was superb, the surroundings was very peaceful. Bev was an excellent host and very helpful about places to visit and restaurants to eat in. The scenery in the area is beautiful with lots of great coastal walks. Highly recommended.Everything suited our needs. Would definitely back again.
A place to forget about the rest of the world
Amenities
Nespresso Machine at Ocean's Edge
Free Parking
Bedroom Comforts
Bath & Beach Towels
Beach Umbrella
Complimentary Homebake, Coffee & Tea
Dishwasher at Ocean's Edge
Washer & Dryer
Pool
Things to do
Restaurants
Here is a list of restaurants that we recommend in and around St Francis Bay. We hope you find this useful. Bon appetit!
The Port
A lovely secure walk around the harbor basin from Oceans Edge Port Main Royal.
Mauros Italian
Tel: 082 4901672 042 2940121
Mauro is the chef owner and a very engaging host.
Clives Chokka Block Seafood
Tel: 0825760192 0422941615
Clive is the owner and has a wealth of knowledge on Calamari. He is the only restaurant that prepares the locally caught calamari.
Canal Restaurants
Big Time Taverna Greek
Tel: 042 2941309
Stunning view over the canals
Café Bijoux has a lovely view.
Tel: 042 2940006
Quaysyde
Tel: 079 913 4253 OR 042 2940386
Great Pizza and an outdoor view over the canals
Cape St Francis:
Joe Fish
Tel: 071 274 5725 OR 042 2980054
Delightful spare ribs and live music on Sunday from 12:00 to 15:00
Full stop (across from Joe Fish)
Tel: 0712745727
Great Pizza
Village centre :
Gavins Sushi
Tel: 072 372 2528
The best sushi you will ever taste.
St Francis Brewing Company
Tel: 063 274 3743
Amazing menu and they serve craft beer, lovely setting nestled in the village. They too have live music on weekends.
Christy’s Sea Food and Grill
Tel: 042 294 1644
In & Around St Francis Bay
- Super Spar is located in the village approximately 2km away.
- Bottle Store
- Bakeries
- Chemist
- Doctors & Dentist
- Hair & Beauty Salons
- Two Golf Courses
- Tennis & Squash
- Village Gym
- Clothing boutiques
Outdoor & Adventure
Hike to Kromme River Mouth, beaches or the port.
Bicycle track (off-road)
Blow Hole
Light House
Sunset Rock
World-renowned surf spot called Bruces Beauty
Horseback riding
Sand river hikes
Surfing
Fishing
Day Trips
Mussel Hunting from Rock to Pot
Bev offers a really unique experience at a cost of R450-00 per couple.
Spend the morning on the beach in the rock pools foraging for mussels.
Attend a Masterclass with Bev where she demonstrates how to properly cook mussels, clean them and make the most delicious Mussel Chowder.
Add an extra R200-00 per couple and Bev and James will host you for your dinner. Included in the hosted dinner is a bottle of house wine.
Bon appetit!
Photograph & Artist
Do something a little different and book a holiday photo session with our local, professional photographer Sharon Welman.
Sharon is also an amazing artist – you can invest in one of her amazing art pieces as part of your St Francis Bay memories. Have a look out for her “stone art” – Sharon picks up a stone on her walks and turns it into a beautiful painting. Her work is lifelike and you can feel the love she puts into it.
Her Facebook page is really worth a visit – follow this link!
Visit St Francis Bay in Style
Chat to Bev!
We are here to make your stay a memorable one!
Ask us anything!