On the Banks of the Kowie River: South Africa's Eastern Cape by Rosanne Turner
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“At last you're here” the sign on the wall said as we pulled into the parking lot of My Pond Hotel. Well that about summed it up. Eight hours in a car with young children can leave you rather frazzled, and in need of some R&R, never mind a little liquid refreshment.
Frontier Country
Walking through the automatic doors of the hotel felt like arriving at the proverbial oasis in the desert. After dumping our luggage in the ever-so-stylish rooms (more on that later), we headed to the riverfront tables to soak up the view, let the kids run off some steam and calm the road rage nerves with some oh-so-colonial gin and tonics – this is the Eastern Cape after all: Frontier country.
There is no end to the visual entertainment on the banks of the Kowie River. We watched the St Andrews College rowing team training up and down the watery highway; beads of perspiration mixed with the splashes from their oars, as the coach effortlessly cruised behind them on a motorised boat. A mother Egyptian Goose guided her nine goslings under jetties. Luxury leisure boats made their way down the river towards the Royal Alfred Marina. A father and son fished from a jetty further up river, and the locals bought dinner from the fish and chip shop across the river. The Kowie River seems to be the centre of all activity for the coastal town of Port Alfred.
Stylish Boutique Hotels
Back to the hotel. When travelling with children, one often has to compromise style for the mundane, settling on a chain-type hotel. Stylish boutique hotels usually frown upon children. Does the fact that you become a parent mean that you have to accept a life of boring stereotypical accommodation until your children move out of home? An emphatic ‘NO’ resounds. Thank goodness for innovative hotels such as My Pond. Our children were most welcome, and were even catered for with a kids menu in the restaurant and comfortable sleeper couches in the rooms.
The first thing that you notice when entering the hotel are the colours and the lighting. They have managed to source the most unusual and eye-catching light fittings, transforming the lighting from merely functional, to artistic features. From the magnificent chandelier above the spiral staircase, to the bedside lamps, each unique and inspiring. Vibrant colours have been incorporated, yet they have managed to create a calming effect. The rooms feature tones of greens and orange, while the Etare restaurant is hued in chocolate brown and eggshell blue. All artwork is that of local artist Paulette Wheatley.
Banks of the Kowie River
My Pond Hotel is situated in a prime location of the banks of the Kowie River and has every facility you could hope for – yet, they are able to offer rooms and suites at reasonable rates. This goes to prove that one does not have to settle for less when travelling on a budget.
Facilities in the rooms include spacious bathrooms with heated towel rails, bathrobes and luxurious body products. Tea and coffee tray, free bottled water and ice, an IPod docking station, LCD TV and cell phone charging port, phones with a wake-up service and safes all make your stay comfortable. A daily weather report is placed in your room each morning, helping you to decide on what to wear or what to do each day.
Rooms are heated and cooled by a 'geothermal energy system' – a very technical system using the heat from the earth to heat and cool the rooms, as well as heat the pool. In the spirit of green travelling, this is a feather in the cap for the hotel, as the system is extremely eco-friendly. Other facilities offered by the hotel are a conference venue, swimming pool and the Equilibrium Spa, as well as free workouts for ladies at the onsite 'Curves, women's only gym'.
Although one should always explore the eateries of a town visited, you do need to eat at least one meal at the hotel's Etare restaurant. The menu is fresh and inventive, adding unusual twists to old favourites. The selection is small but varied, and includes meat, fish and vegetarian options. Dessert is a must. If you don't have space, share one!
Sunshine Coast
As great as the hotel is, at some point you will need to venture out, and explore the not-so-sleepy town of Port Alfred. The town lies midway between Port Elizabeth and East London along what is known as the Sunshine Coast. Port Alfred is renowned for its beaches as well as the Kowie River. East beach is popular with surfers, as the breakers pound in where the river meets the sea. Kelly's beach has blue flag status and is great for long walks and beach-combing. With the option of calm river and ocean waves, Port Alfred, or 'Kowie' as it is affectionately known by locals, appeals to all water sports enthusiasts. If you prefer the bush to the beach, Port Alfred will still appeal. The Eastern Cape is a malaria-free area, and features some of the best game farms and reserves in South Africa. In close proximity, you will find in excess of 30 game parks, many of them stocking the Big Five.
The 18-hole Royal Port Alfred Golf Course was laid out between 1907 and 1915 and was given royal status by King George V. Mind that the phenomenal sea views, aswell as encounters with game, don't put you off your swing on this 72-par course.
Whether sea and sun, bush breaks, golf or spa getaways are your thing, you are sure to be pleasantly surprised by Port Alfred and the Sunshine Coast.
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