Bikini Beach
Manor on the Bay is situated in Gordon’s Bay, on the beach, only 40 minutes’ drive from the heart of Cape Town. The village offers a quiet, romantic beach retreat and some of the best sunsets you’ll ever see. Gordon’s Bay is about slowing down, skipping the crowds, and spending quality time exploring one of the best-kept secrets of the Western Cape.
Slightly further along from the larger Gordon’s Bay beach, and backed by the Hottentots Holland mountains, is Bikini Beach – one of 6 Blue Flag beaches in Cape Town. Blue Flag status means that the beach is superior in its cleanliness, safety, facilities, ecology, and educational value. The 4 Blue Flag Beaches around False Bay are Beach, Muizenberg Beach, Standfontein Beach, and of course the gorgeous Bikini Beach.
Bikini Beach is a favourite among locals and tourists alike. Its name comes from the young students of the nearby university - Stellies students (Stellenbosch University) - who seek out their recreational and leisure time along this expansive beachfront, in bikinis, board shorts and ready to enjoy this awesome spot to the fullest.
Bikini Beach beach has a relaxed holiday feel. It is an excellent swimming beach as the water is usually warm, calm and clear. This also makes for excellent snorkelling, as the conditions are also often clear, giving visitors the opportunity to see the marine plant and animals. The beach is also popular among water sport enthusiasts keen on enjoying some swimming or even surfing the waves, which are known to be pretty great all over the Cape. Surrounded by the craggy Hottentot's Holland mountain range on one side and sheltered by the Gordon’s Bay harbour breakwater on the other, Bikini Beach is a good option when the wind is howling.
From Bikini Beach you have a never-ending view of the entire False Bay which curves in a huge arc from Gordon's Bay right round to Cape Point at its westernmost extremity. There are changing rooms, and plenty of shops and beachfront restaurants and cafes not far away, that allow you to enjoy lunches and cocktails nearby. The nearby harbour lies in the distance and is a great source of amazing seafoods, where anglers can be seen fishing from the harbour walls from time to time. Families, friends and couples come together to enjoy this lovely beach and all that it has to offer, from early morning jogs to afternoon sunbathing, or even for a romantic stroll at sunset.
Gordon's Bay Beach and Strand Beach are both nearby too, and are both popular for families wanting the ultimate summer vacation spot.
But our favourite spot is… just in front of Manor on the Bay! Shhh… your bench is ready for you!
Tips
- Leave your car on our secured parking at Manor on the Bay and enjoy a nice 5 minutes’ walk Under the Milkwood trees along the ocean to reach Bikini Beach.
- Order your lunch pack at Manor on the Bay, take our beach towels along and enjoy a full beach relaxing day!
