Laidback lagoon living
A sublime seaside retreat on the lagoon of Leisure Island, in Knysna, Tide’s Reach is that perfect Garden Route escape, for families to fulfil their beach house dreams.
It’s all about the simplicity of the moon and the changing tides. The sun and the powdery sand. The pacifying sounds of the waves gently lapping around the ankles of the deck and the Knysna Loeries sweeping through the garden’s foliage. It’s all about the essence of succumbing to nature’s rituals at Tide’s Reach on Leisure Isle. Where sun hats, sarongs and sun cream will be the signature attire for days on end. Barefoot and beautiful! Locks seasoned in salt, shoulders smothered in the sun’s rays and grins as wide as the lagoon that stretches out in front of you. It’s all about arriving, settling and letting that magnificent view dictate the holiday mood for the duration of your stay. A blissful, mesmerising temperament around the clock.
Accommodating as many as ten of your beach holiday clan, Tide’s Reach generously extends itself across two properties that have been adjoined, specifically for those multigenerational gatherings. Those special getaways with the clan that revolve around the sea. Six bedrooms with plenty of living, lounging and entertaining spaces between the bungalows allow for all of the fun to unfold. Two kitchens and a long scullery ensure there’s always enough space to prepare the next feasting. A gorgeous courtyard with a swimming pool is ideal for those that want to catch a few rays and cocoon themselves when the wind picks up. Enclosed seating areas around mammoth open fireplaces and cosy reading windows up the romance even more. With every space delivering on those breathtaking views. Letting that mood drift with inspiration, invigorated by the breeze.
Slow sunny, sandy days
In keeping with the sentiment of the surroundings, holidays spent at Tide’s Reach are deliciously laidback and delightfully slow. Mornings will kick off on your own clocks, depending on the tide, maybe a walk across the lagoon in the shallow waters. Or out on the boats, the boards, the bikes or just the long verandah, sipping and saluting the early rays. Perhaps a coffee and delicious hot breakfast bakes at East Head Café. There’s also the famous île de païn. Shuffle your days up a bit for when you fancy a morning excursion to town. Everything else you need or want for will be at your beautiful holiday base. Time spent around the tables, sitting on the walls eating boerie rolls. Treasure hunting on the shoreline. Swimming and sunbathing of course. Games always on the go. Or reading from one of the secret little spots that are aplenty. Whatever floats your boat – on it or just wading about in the water – this hideaway dishes it all up in abundance. Without any urgency or fancy frilly bits of pretence. It’s all about the simplicity of being beside the sea, with the people you love to make these memories with most.
What we love!
- There’s no need to leave the property. It’s wonderful to arrive and just settle for days on end. Dinners and evenings around the fire pits. Long nights on the verandah. Gathered around the living areas and cocooned in the courtyard. There are so many spaces around the property where you can enjoy a different view, set up a long table, and let the good times unfold.
- Warm evenings spent beside the fireplaces. Those special family moments of connecting over boardgames and snacks. As the property is close to the two heads of Knysna, the weather does change constantly. Whatever it brings, there are always cosy pockets and relaxing spots to recline in.
- The property is beautifully furnished in soft, neutral tones and textures, with the occasional bold statements of colour displayed in the artworks and collectable ornaments. It’s really all about the landscape and not detracting from what’s going on around you.
- It’s incredibly mesmerising and pacifying to simply watch the activity on the lagoon, as all the boats and their sails drift by. The dog walkers and sand castle builders. The birdlife is wonderful and the calming sounds of the holiday chitter chatter in the background.
- Sitting in the large bay window with a book, flipping through the chapters in sync with the waves that wrap around the stoep.
What you need to know…
- As the property has two plots adjoined to it, with plenty of entertaining and reclining spaces available, there is ample space for everyone to congregate. Ideal for family gatherings, and also generous with allowing enough pockets of seclusion when needed. There is also a small ‘workout’ room with yoga mats, a barre for stretching and some weights. Both of the houses are completely secure with inbuilt alarm systems and covered by the island’s surveillance teams.
- The property rests on the lagoon of Leisure Isle in Knysna, a mere 10-minute drive from the main seaside village. During the peak season, the town can get rather busy, and driving and parking can take the joy out of your holiday, so spending time on Leisure Isle is the perfect escape from the madding crowds.
- Swimming in the lagoon is absolutely blissful but it’s important to be aware of the changing tides and the sea’s currents that do creep in.
- Settled within the Garden Route there are plenty of outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy. Aside from the obvious – swimming, surfing, kayaking, SUPing and so on – there are scenic mountain biking and hiking trails to explore. Check out the Harkerville Forest and Garden of Eden. Plettenberg Bay’s beaches are only a thirty-minute drive away. Buffelsbaai is also a brief trip away and ideal for a family morning adventure!
- Visit the Sedgefield Market on a Saturday – a fabulous food market known as the Wild Oats Market, selling organic and locally sourced produce, and beautifully baked goods. Enjoy a bacon and egg roll, chased by some seriously good coffee and then head to the beach.
- The property does have a laundry which serves both bungalows. There is also a staff room, where the live-in housekeeper resides. All general housekeeping, cleaning and laundry and can be provided during your stay. With basic breakfasts and lunches included, should you wish. Though the house lady is not a qualified chef. There is also a daily cleaner that services the property – Monday to Friday – and a gardener that maintains the grounds once a week.
- If Tide’s Reach is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses in Knysna.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie