Reflecting on a patch of paradise
[caption id="attachment_37036" align="alignright" width="405"] SUNSET SPLENDOUR: Lovely sunsets are common in St Francis and the reflection makes for a double dose of beauty. PHOTOGRAPHS: STUART AND SHARNETTE DANIELS[/caption]
THERE is nothing quite as soothing to the soul as the perfect sunset – except perhaps the perfect sunset reflected in absolutely still, glassy water.
Or, as was the case the last time I enjoyed one, reflected in ribbons of pearly pinks, oranges and dusky purples in the canals of the exclusive St Francis Bay Marina.
When the sun sets on the little patch of paradise, just 90km from Port Elizabeth, it is truly a sight worth seeing.
Doing so from one of the most beautiful homes imaginable makes for an even more spectacular experience.
When offered the opportunity to explore the little stretch of coastline just beyond Jeffreys Bay, and provided with a luxury six-bedroom home right on the water, I jumped at the chance despite some reservations about spending time in a place better known for holidays spent in the sun or water skiing on the canals.
I've been in St Francis Bay during peak season when the musicians, DJs and party-goers flock to the area to party it up "short skirt and sandals" style, but visiting in winter is a vastly different affair.
It's colder, it's quieter and it's infinitely more peaceful.
I, along with my husband, kids and in-laws stayed at 16 Marina Island which is located on a secure private island.
With access only possible through a gate with a security code, the sense of security and indeed exclusivity you feel, makes for a wonderful getaway.
Fit for the rich and famous, and St Francis gets plenty of those, the home exudes class right from the gourmet kitchen to the eclectic mix of old-fashioned and modern furnishings.
Surprisingly though, for a house that is luxury all the way, it is also very comfortable and perfectly suited for families with children.
My favourite feature, despite how odd it may sound, would have to be the main en-suite bathroom. With a deep, large bath one is able to open up Venetian blinds and drink in the splendour of the canals while soaking in the tub.
The house is so inviting that our first night there we all decided to stay in and braai – and with an indoor braai this was quite do-able.
Family time enjoyed indoors, the next day we headed out to learn about the African penguins at the St Cape St Francis Penguin Rehabilitation Centre. Anyone visiting the area would be well advised to do so.
Keen to get our baby back indoors, my husband and I headed home afterwards while our pre-teen daughter joined her shopaholic aunt in a trawl through the local mall and stores.
It's a small village but has all the necessary shopping amenities and, so they told me, a number of designer boutiques, a book store and a lovely coffee shop.
Port St Francis lies over a cliff a mere six or so kilometres to the sea-facing right of St Francis Bay and it was here we decided to dine at popular seafood restaurant Chokka Block on Saturday night.
It's just a pity I was unaware of the piddly 6km drive as, after plugging the address into our "sat nav", we promptly got lost.
Somewhere along the way these coordinates seem to have been left out of the mix.
And so we missed Port St Francis completely and arrived in Cape St Francis for the second time that day.
As we were there, we decided a look at the Seal Point Lighthouse would not go amiss.
We had been keen to go inside earlier in the day – something which is normally possible but sadly for us due to refurbishments, the lighthouse is currently closed to the public.
As the country's tallest masonry lighthouse, it stands at a whopping 27.75m high.
At night you don't really have to look too hard to find it as a pretty powerful beam is needed to warn boats and ships away from the dangerous stretch of reefs.
After the little detour, we found our way and had dinner overlooking the working harbour of Port St Johns.
With perfect views, even at night, Chokka Block is quirkily decorated with lights shining from massive sea shells and silver fish decorating the walls.
The food was good, the wine needed after the detour and the fire inside perfect on a cold night.
On Sunday, we opted to stay in and cook a Sunday roast while the kids enjoyed the trampoline, jungle gym and sandpit before it was home from a weekend that felt somewhat like a mini holiday. - Angela Daniels
